Why coach?
All teams are required to have two coaches, ideally with the appropriate certification level for the team they are coaching.
I would love to coach, but I just don’t have the time. I have two jobs that are very demanding.
Most volunteers in the lives of the next generation also have demanding jobs. In Moorpark, most of the volunteers don’t have kids in the program but continued to volunteer even after their kids are no longer playing the sport.
I don’t know anything about the game of soccer, I have never played the sport nor am I athletic.
Knowing the game or being athletic comes second only to your desire to help players and be part of AYSO. We will provide you with all the training you need to be a coach, for free.
In addition to the online and field training to get certified as a coach, we have partnered with UK International Soccer to work with new and experienced coaches alike for most of the Fall season. We also have a coaching staff including division coordinators that are available to help you become the best soccer coach you can be.
Do I have to know the Laws of the game to coach?
No. The current coach handbook and information will be distributed at the coach’s meeting before the beginning of the season will contain all the information to get you started as a coach. The handbook will have an explanation of the 6 AYSO philosophies and the regional rules and regulations.
Who are AYSO coaches, why don’t we just hire and pay coaches?
AYSO coaches are dads, moms, uncles, aunts, grandma and grandpas or anyone older than the age of 18 years of age. The only requirement is to have the desire to help children learn how to play the game through positive coaching in a fun, fair and safe environment.
AYSO has maintained throughout its existence a totally volunteer concept of operation (except for its national staff) including, without limitation, all aspects of coaching, officiating and local administration. This means that the Regional Commissioner, Regional Referee Admin, Registrar, Treasurer, Regional Coach Admin and Division Coordinators do not get paid. They have volunteered to serve in these roles because they want to ensure the success of our program, give back to the program, and love working with our youth and making a difference in their lives. Countless Regions across the country provide a successful and enjoyable soccer experience through such total volunteer efforts. Nevertheless, AYSO recognizes that the pressures of day-to-day life compete for the valuable volunteer time and sometimes makes it difficult to provide a quality soccer program solely with volunteers. However, various federal and state tax and labor laws apply when payment is provided for services which, if ignored, may incur significant liability for the AYSO organization and personal liability for the executive member and/or board members who approve or condone such payments. Such liability is not covered in the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 for these volunteers. It is the purpose of this policy statement, therefore, to reinforce AYSO’s all volunteer concept but to provide a protocol for a Region to follow when it is felt that it must pay for certain services.
Now that I have volunteered or voluntold to coach by someone else, what do I do now?
- Start by attending all coach meeting prior to the beginning of practice. At this meeting, the National and Regional Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines will be presented, rosters and coaches goodie bag will be distributed.
- Read the coach handbook and all other information provided to you. We suggest watching a few matches on YouTube. There are many videos on YouTube about the game of soccer.
- Talk to your friends, coaching staff or anyone you know who has coached before.
- Sign up and attend coaches’ clinics that will be led by UK International Soccer. You will learn valuable tools, in addition to the certification class, for your practices.
- You can always call or email your division coordinator for support and advice. Remember, we are all part of a team, here to help one another for the benefit of the kids.
Why do I have to take so many online classes?
AYSO’s unique, dynamic programs and policies focus on protecting the entire AYSO family. Certification helps ensure every AYS child will be treated with understanding, compassion, and respect.
The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 – This law grants immunity from certain types of prosecution for volunteers who meet its requirements. To receive full protection under the law, AYSO volunteers need must:
- be properly trained;
- be performing duties as laid out in a position description;
- act within the scope of AYSO’s Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines.
What is the time commitment when I coach?
Most coaches have to put in a lot of work during the course of the season: up to 2 practices per week, plus a game on Saturday, plus preparation time for each practice, plus general administrative work. Over the course of a season this is well over 80 hours of work. While other volunteer positions require more or less time, coaching provides the greatest opportunity for you to have fun!
Would my coaching certification ever expire?
No, the level of coaching certification never expires. The only requirement is that each volunteer must register each year and submit information for a background check. There are other online classes that must be taken annually before you can be cleared to coach.
For more FAQs check out: https://ayso.org/faqs-support/