Here we have a collection of useful information for our coaches. Take a look around and see what information is available. If there is something you'd like to see here, please e-mail the webmaster with your suggestions.
Setup / Breakdown
To All Coaches: Remember that the first game of the day on Saturday sets up nets and lines the field on Friday, the night before the game. The teams that play in the last game of the day on Saturday puts nets and goals away.
If you have any questions regarding the setup / breakdown of the fields, please check with your Division Manager .
Your help and support is greatly appreciated.
Boys and Girls U08 Division
Here are a few rules that the U8 division will abide by this year:
- Since most of you have 11 kids on the roster we will be playing 8v8
- The goalie is only allowed to play half the game at that position, and if he plays half at goalie he or she has to play the other half on the field. These kids are young and need to develop different skills.
- EVERYBODY has to ref. everybody has to ref the following game after their's is complete. This doesn't necessarily have to be the head coach. If can be any registered volunteer that pertains to your team.
- The team with the last game of the day is responsible to have a referee for the 8 am game.
Lineup Card
Downey AYSO requires all coaches to complete a line up card for their team. Make sure to include all players and list by numerical order. Click here to complete the line up card.
Attention all Coaches
ALL VOLUNTEERS must register online.
Coach's Handbook 2019-2020 Season
A copy of the Coach's Handbook will be available to you soon. Please continue to visit our website for up to date information.
Coaching and Safe Haven Training Courses
Downey AYSO is proud to support and provided our region the following: Basic Coach and Safe Haven Training at no cost to our coaches. Please visit our calendar of events for time, dates, and locations of when the courses will take place.
Safe Haven Coach Certification
All AYSO Coaches must complete the Safe Haven certification. This ensures that the well-being of the child is placed first, the philosophies of AYSO are understood and teaches the coaches risk management to avoid putting themselves in positions hazardous to themselves and the children. It is also part of the requirements to be covered under the Volunteer Protection Act.
Age-Specific Training - U6, U8, U10 and U12 Coach Certifications
These four coaching courses focus on working with the player in these age divisions to create a fun learning environment. Coaches in U6, U8, U10 and U12 must have the age specific coach certification for the age they are coaching. There are no substitutes nor will higher level courses satisfy the requirement. These courses have no prerequisite and may be taken individually or in any order.
Intermediate, Advanced and National Coach Certifications
These upper level courses build upon each other, thus a coach with the Advanced Coach certification may also coach teams needing only the Intermediate Coach certification. However, these do not confer the age-specific certification needed to coach U6-U12. A coach who holds an Intermediate Coach or above certification and wishes to coach in U10, must also hold a U10 Coach certification. U14 coaches must have at least the Intermediate Coach certification. U16 and U19 coaches must have the Advanced Coach certification. The National Coach certification is for coaches who desire to further advance their skills and offer a greater level of support to their region.
For additional coaching tips, resources or information, visit the National AYSO Coaching website, Coaching Training Games (U06, U08 & U10) or Youtube channel.
Heads Up Online Training Course
Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports is a free, online course available to coaches, parents, and others helping to keep athletes safe from concussion. It features interviews with leading experts, dynamic graphics and interactive exercises, and compelling storytelling to help you recognize a concussion and know how to respond if you think that your athlete might have a concussion. Once you complete the training and quiz, you can print out a certificate, making it easy to show your league or school you are ready for the season.
Click here to take the training (you will be redirected to an external website).
Coaches when you have completed the training, please forward your certificate to Karen Mihara at the National Office; she will update your certificates on eAYSO to show completion. [email protected]
In addition, please print your certificate and bring to our annual Coaches meeting for a surprise gift.
Coaches:
You are responsible for all sideline behavior. Remind parents that AYSO is an all volunteer recreational league. Use the Parent's Code of Conduct and Kids Zone to encourage positive sideline participation. Also, you should familiarize yourself with Region 24's own Code of Conduct. Only you and your registered Assistant Coach may coach the players by calling out player's names and strategy. Field Monitors will be roaming to help with the spectators, however, if a parent is removed from the game, you will be removed also. Set expectations prior to the game and enlist your Team Manager to help you with this, allowing you to focus on the players. Set an example to parents by not challenging referee decisions, and using positive coaching techniques.
Zero Tolerance!!!
At the recent round of referee training, Region 24's Referee Instructor Hank Strang announced an enforcement policy change for unruly parents who challenge referee calls during matches.
"In the past we've instructed referees to largely ignore the jeering from the sidelines in response to referee calls. This has created a situation where parents think this behavior is acceptable, and can create problems for other referees when they officiate matches. It is the duty of the referee to remind the coach that the behavior of the parents is the coach's responsibility, and that unruly parents along with the coach will be dismissed from the field should they continue their negative behavior." Lucy Aguero, Referee Administrator echoed the statement, We have over 25 youth referees, and parent's wouldn't want anyone to yell at their children, so they shouldn't be yelling at anyone else's children. They should think how they would feel if their child was being yelled at.
Goal Setup and Take down
Teams that are scheduled for the first game of the day must setup the goals. Arrive EARLY to do this, your match will END on time even if it doesn't start on time. If you are scheduled the last game of the day you must take down the goals. When taking down goals, leave them in the bag near the goal area...they will be picked up at the end of the day.
Team Format
Know the correct number of players for your division. To review the team format click here.
ID Cards
All coaches and players must have ID cards for all U8-U19 teams. *U8-changes from year to year. Check with the division manager or Coach Administrator.
Uniforms
At the start of the season, coaches get uniforms for their players that includes a range of sizes to fit a typical cross section of our players. But not all teams are typical. Should you be faced with uniform issues, please contact the Division Manager for the appropriate age group regarding uniforms.