» Basic Programs

» Coaching Program
» Officiating Program
» Management Program

» Special Programs

» VIP - For Players with Disabilities
» Economically Disadvantaged
» Player/Volunteer Protection

» Services & Benefits

» Risk Management
» Publications
» National Office Support
» Supplies and Goodies

Because "Positive Coaching" is one of AYSO's guiding philosophies, coach training is one of our highest priorities. AYSO also provides a wide range of courses to continue instructing its volunteer coaches.

No Experience? No Problem

» Our volunteer coaches receive complete training right from the beginning!
» Training and certification for all coaches.
» Age- specific coaching courses provide training for coaches of every level of experience.
» Complete with manuals, handouts and outlines that are continually reviewed and updated.

We Don't Stop There!

» Supplemental local instruction programs, camps and clinics.
» Held throughout the country, throughout the year.

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» Officiating Program

AYSO referees do more than just enforce the Laws of the Game. Their job is to make sure the game is safe and enjoyable for everyone: the players, the coaches, the spectators -- and themselves.

» Referee training that teaches not only the letter of the law, but the "Spirit of the Game."
» Six levels of AYSO referee training.
» USSF cross-certification.
» Training for referee instructors, administrators and assessors.
» Ready, Set Ref! video and workbook for new referees.
» Youth Referee Program
» AYSO referees are volunteers, so we want to be sure they have as much fun as the players do.

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» Management Program

Because a smooth running program means more fun for everyone, AYSO provides extensive management training for its volunteers.

Introductory/Intermediate/Advanced Regional Management courses teach AYSO's league administrators how to manage their local programs. AYSO also provides in-depth operational manuals to assist administrators at every level in all aspects of their AYSO program.

The Board and Staff Introductory Certification (BASIC) audiovisual presentation gives regional volunteers a thorough understanding of their duties.

Section Conferences

» Educational conferences conducted annually for each of AYSO's geographic sections.
» Workshops
» Training seminars
» Motivational speakers
» Vendor show
» Exchange of ideas and information.

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» VIP: Where Everyone Plays!

AYSO's Very Important Player (VIP) program offers children and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to play soccer at their own pace. The practices and games are geared to their needs—with fewer and more flexible rules—allowing for a successful sport experience.

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» Suit-Up

Meeting the needs of regions with financial challenges, whether in urban or rural communities, AYSO provides assistance through special funds, designated sponsor products, uniform and equipment donations, and information on acquiring outside resources

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» "Safe Haven" Child & Volunteer Protection

By becoming trained and certified in their positions through AYSO's Safe Haven program, AYSO volunteers are afforded maximum protection under the federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.

Safe Haven means safety for kids. AYSO's volunteer application and screening process reduces the likelihood of abuses occurring while kids are participating in soccer.

AYSO's certification programs are accredited by the National Association of Sports and Physical Education (NASPE), providing universal recognition and validity from colleges, universities, high school athletic associations, national governing bodies of sport, youth sports organizations, and others.

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» Risk Management

$1,000,000 liability insurance policy (property and personal liability).  Fidelity bond for theft or misappropriation of funds (maximum of $25,000 per occurrence/$5,000 deductible). Errors and omissions policy covers directors and other executive members.

* Soccer Accident Insurance (SAI) helps pay medical costs for players, coaches and referees.  SAI pays medical expenses beyond a member's insurance coverage, up to $50,000 per accident (including $3,500 dental). Reimbursement is subject to a $200 deductible expense payable by member.

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» Publications

Through consistent, professional communication, AYSO members know they are part of a supportive national organization.

PLAYSOCCER
» 32-page, full-color magazine
» Largest circulated soccer magazine in America.
» Mailed quarterly to every AYSO home.

In-Play
» Quarterly newsletter for coaches, referees and league managers
» Technical and philosophical aspects of coaching and officiating.
» Information policies and procedures and examples of "best practices" for regional operation
» Updates on clinics and certification requirements
» Rule changes
» Training materials

AYSO Shorts
» Monthly operational newsletter
» Administrative reminders
» Tips and ideas
» Updates and announcements

ABCs of AYSO
» Parents' introduction to youth soccer
» Fun, friendly, easy-to-read
» Laws of the game
» How you and your child can get the most out of your AYSO experience

Tournament Talk
» Monthly list of all AYSO tournaments

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» National Support and Training Center

AYSO's National Support & Training Center in Hawthorne, Calif., provides a wide variety of services to help your local soccer program thrive: » National sponsors and promotional support

» Six levels of AYSO referee training.
» League history files
» Resource library
» Computer database of all players and volunteers (updated by local regions).
» Volunteer background checking
» Free software package to help manage player and volunteer information.
» National Accounting Program relieves league treasurers from a majority of their bookkeeping and government reporting workload.
» Legal assistance for everything from negotiating field leases to handling litigation.
» Media assistance to help promote your local program through print and electronic media.

No Afilliation Charge!
AYSO charges no affiliation fees — just a small annual per-player registration fee.

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» Supplies and Goodies

The AYSO Supply Center carries patches, pins, manuals, coach and referee instructional materials, and more. Plus, a free registration kit complete with forms, posters, and the ABCs of AYSO parents handbook!

The AYSO Store is AYSO's official merchandise outlet, with AYSO shirts, caps, jackets and more, plus other soccer memorabilia.

Call Us Anytime!
All of our member services are accessed easily through our national toll-free numbers. And if it's not convenient to call us during regular working hours, voice mail, fax, e-mail and the AYSO Web page allow contact with the National Support & Training Center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

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