Dear AYSO Region 733 Palos players and parents:

AYSO is a nonprofit, nationwide organization founded in Torrance, California in 1964. From 9 teams in 1964, AYSO has grown to over 900 regions and 50,000 teams. Nearly 300,000 volunteer coaches, referees, team parents and administrators support over 630,000 young soccer players. This tremendous growth is a testament to AYSO's philosophy and approach to youth sports.

Region 733 received its charter in 1990. Last year, close to 400 boys and girls played on 30 teams in 4 divisions. Nearly 150 parents served either as a board member, coach, referee, team parent, or as a registration, field, picnic, photo night or tournament volunteer. Each volunteer is part of the AYSO TEAM, committed to providing positive child development in a soccer environment that is fun, safe and fair..

At Region 733 Palos, we wholeheartedly subscribe to AYSO's Vision and Mission statement. It is based on the following AYSO philosophies: everyone plays, balanced teams, positive coaching, open registration and good sportsmanship. For your reference, the Vision and Mission statements are located just below this letter . Player and parent should review them together, and adopt them as their guide as part of the AYSO TEAM.

As we begin this season of play, whether you are a player, coach, referee, team parent or other volunteer, please remember that you have an important role in helping our region succeed.

If you have any questions, please e-mail usl. Our email addresses are listed in the Board Member page of this website.. If you need more information about AYSO, you may visit their website at www.soccer.org. or call them at 1-800-USA-AYSO.

AYSO Region 733 Palos
Board of Directors

AYSO VISION: To be the nationally recognized youth soccer organization of choice.

VOLUNTEERS "Many hands make light work"

Unlike other youth sports organizations, AYSO has no paid staff on the local level. All Board Members, Coaches, Referees and support staff contribute their time and energies without monetary compensation. Therefore, we must limit our team formation and playing opportunities to match the number of volunteers. Parents who enroll their children without making a volunteer commitment not only constitute a burden on other parents, but also jeopardize the quality of the program.

The region reserves the right to reject or suspend the registration of any child whose parent refuses to volunteer his or her services. If you do not have a volunteer position at this time, please contact any Board Member.

The following list includes a brief description of the volunteer opportunities available. The estimated time commitment is listed in parenthesis ().

PARENT AND PLAYER INFORMATION

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
AYSO will provide a numbered shirt, shorts and tube socks for each player. The player will keep the uniform after the season. A full uniform is required for games. Proper dress for scheduled games includes:
· Issued jersey, tucked into the shorts
· Issued shorts
· Issued tube socks pulled up over the shin guards
· Regulation soccer shoes (with or without rubber cleats), gym shoes or sneakers. Soccer shoes with rubber cleats are recommended in the game where the majority of the other players have regular soccer shoes, and especially on wet or muddy fields. Cleats that screw into the shoe or metal cleats will not be allowed. Baseball shoes are not permitted - the front toe spike can cause serious foot or ankle injuries if it catches the ground.
· Shin guards are mandatory!
· Goalies may wear soft knee or elbow pads and a head cap. Goalies may also wear warm-up pants when the weather is cold or when the goal area is not covered with grass. Goalies must wear shirts that distinguish him or her from the other players.
· Players cannot wear metal bracelets, earrings, wristwatches, and any type of cast or splint, which could cause injury to the player or others.
· Players, other than the goalies, may not wear caps
· Additional clothing such as shirts and long pants may be worn under the uniform while the player is participating in a game. A player may wear warm outer clothing while not participating in the game.
· Players not properly attired will not be allowed to play.

Coaches will have five (5) practice and game balls, practice cones and other necessary equipment to run a practice or game. It is recommended that each player have a soccer ball for his or her own use during practice and for home use. It need not be an expensive leather ball. It is easier for a younger player to handle a soccer ball that is proportionally scaled to his or her size. The following size soccer balls are used by AYSO:

PRACTICE AND SEASON PLAY

When a player registers for AYSO and is placed on a team, an obligation is assumed to show up regularly for practices to help the coach build a team for the enjoyment of everyone.

Team practices will be held on weekdays, subject to the availability of practice fields. Because all AYSO coaches are volunteers, and they must schedule practice around their work schedule, the time and place of practice is left to the discretion of the coach. Practices may also be canceled at the discretion of the coach. Depending on available fields, each team is normally assigned two practice times per week. Each practice will last up to ninety (90) minutes. It is important that players attend practices, since that is where game skills and strategy are taught. Your coach should be notified if it is necessary to miss a practice.

Games are played on Saturday. A game schedule detailing the game field, date and time of the game will be distributed to the players by their coach.

Parents should make arrangements to have their children dropped off and picked up from games and practices on time. It is an extra burden on the coach to have to wait after practices and games for children to be safely picked up.

FOUL WEATHER POLICY
The general soccer game policy is that the game will be played "rain or shine". Teams are to assume the games will be played and should proceed to the field. The only person authorized to cancel a game is the referee scheduled for that game. Safety and field damage from play during adverse conditions will be a factor in the decision whether to play or not.

Please do not call anyone. Go to the field. The decision to play or not will be made at the field at game time by the assigned referee. Cancellation of a prior game does not mean that the next game will be canceled.

IN THE EVENT OF LIGHTNING, TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY! MOVE TO A SAFE SHELTER OFF THE FIELD OF PLAY. DO NOT RETURN TO THE FIELD UNTIL AN ALL CLEAR HAS BEEN ISSUED.

THE GAME
The referee is completely in charge from the moment he or she enters the field of play. No dissent with a referee's decision is permitted on or off the field.

Seven players or more are required in order to start the game. One team may not have more than a two (2) player advantage over a short-handed team. Only

those players rostered by AYSO may play for a given team. The exception is after forfeiture in which case the coaches may wish to divide up the pool of available players for a scrimmage game.

Most coaches will request that players meet at the field up to thirty (30) minutes before game time. Please assist the coaches in their pregame ritual by arriving at the requested show up time.

The minimum playing time of one half (1/2) of the game per player is strictly enforced unless a disciplinary action is required. A coach may not take such action without the prior written approval of the Regional Commissioner. Any player that receives a red card in any game will be required to sit out the following game. Any player that receives three (3) yellow cards during the course of the season will be required to sit out the game following the third yellow card.

ACCIDENT REIMBURSMENT PROGRAM

Soccer has a low injury rate and is generally considered a safe sport. However, youngsters participating in any athletic activity may suffer injury. AYSO has an accident reimbursement program that covers each registered player, coach and referee for injury incurred while participating in scheduled games or practices. The policy is an excess coverage program. It affords coverage to its limit for any medical insurance carried individually by the family through their own policy.

If a player or volunteer has sustained an injury in practice or a game, the coach should be notified immediately. If an injury appears serious enough to require medical treatment, it should be sought immediately. Parents should make claim for payment of the medical bill to their own carrier. When no coverage is available, or when any medical expenses associated with the injury are not paid through the primary policy, or when a deductible clause results in unreimbursed charges, these unpaid bills may be submitted to AYSO. The coach will contact the Region's Safety Director to facilitate the claim.

A WORD FOR PARENTS
We as parents, spectators, coaches and referees alike have responsibilities and obligations to keep our "all volunteer" soccer program a fun sport for all. It cannot be ovestressed that the AYSO program is for the players. The emphasis is placed on AYSO's objectives and good sportsmanship by exhibiting the qualities of fairness and self-control and having a good time. Overzealous parents and officials are discouraged from participating.

The size of the soccer field and the continuous nature of the game diminish the effectiveness of sideline coaching. Often in our spectator enthusiasm, we are prone to yell several instructions at the players. This often confuses them and may even be contrary to the instructions of their coach. Please allow them to play the game to the best of their abilities and Leave Sideline Coaching to the Coach. This is not intended to lessen spectator enthusiasm. On the contrary, positive cheering of players is very much part of the game of soccer.

The referees, like all AYSO officials, are volunteers, not paid professionals. In soccer, the referee is law. His or her decisions are final. Some of our coaches and referees are new to the game of soccer. Each is volunteering to do a difficult task and mistakes will occur. No useful purpose is served by shouting disagreement or derogatory remarks. Such action will be sufficient cause for requesting a spectator to leave the field or even for terminating a game.

AYSO GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP/CODES OF CONDUCT

AYSO has always encouraged good sportsmanship in its program, but now they're doing something more about it. First of all, AYSO added "Good Sportsmanship" to their philosophy statement in the National bylaws. Secondly, AYSO strongly recommends that its individual regions promote good sportsmanship through dynamic programs.

AYSO figures if players, volunteers and parents understand what is expected of them when it comes to good sportsmanship, that's probably how they will act. AYSO understands that good sportsmanship doesn't just happen. It needs to be taught, encouraged and demonstrated. So here are the AYSO Codes of Conduct.

Coach's Code
· Enthusiastically support and practice "Everyone Plays" and "Positive Coaching" philosophies of AYSO.
· Be reasonable in your demands on the young players' time, energy, enthusiasm and their performance on the soccer field.
· Impress on your players that they must abide by the rules of the game at all times.
· Develop team respect for the ability of the opponent, and for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches.
· Ensure that your players' soccer experience is one of fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.
· Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Children need a coach they can respect.
· Keep informed about sound principles of coaching, growth and development principles relating to children.
· Enlist the support of your team's parents in your efforts to instill the proper attitudes and values in the players.
· Check equipment and facilities that you use. They should meet safety standards and be appropriate for the age and ability of your players.
· Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.

Referee's Code
· Always remember the game is for the players. Player safety and fair play come first.
· Study and learn the Laws of the Game and understand the "spirit" of the Laws. Help fellow referees do the same.
· Encourage and enforce the AYSO philosophies of Everyone Plays, Positive Coaching and Good Sportsmanship.
· Respect other referees and their decisions, and do not publicly criticize another official.
· Wear the proper uniform and keep it in good condition.
· Maintain good physical condition so you can keep up with the action.
· Stay calm when confronted with emotional reactions from players, coaches and parents.
· Honor accepted game assignments. In an emergency, find a replacement.
· Support good sportsmanship with a kind word to players, coaches and parents of both teams when deserved.
· Always be fair and impartial, avoiding conflicts of interest. Decisions based on personal bias are dishonest and unacceptable.

Parents' Code
· Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.
· Remember children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
· Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than a victory.
· Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Your child will then be a winner, even in defeat.
· Do not ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a game.
· Set a good example. Children learn best by example.
· Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
· Do not publicly question referee judgment and never their honesty.
· Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees and officials and give them their due respect. Without them, there would be no AYSO soccer.
· Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.

Player's Code
· Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
· Play by the Laws of the Game.
· Never argue with or complain about the referee's calls or decisions.
· Control your temper and most of all, resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
· Concentrate on playing soccer and on affecting the outcome of the game with your best effort. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself.
· Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your team's or your opponent's.
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· Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
· Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don't be a showoff or a ball hog.
· Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and referees.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE

A player that does not abide by the Code of Conduct or the Laws of the Game may be subject to suspension or expulsion from the team. Fighting, swearing, dangerous or violent play will not be tolerated at any time. Disrupting of practices and games by inappropriate behavior will be dealt with as follows:
¨ The coach will initially sideline a player either at the game or practice.
¨ The player may return after a period of time determined by the coach.
¨ If the poor behavior persists, the parent will be contacted by the coach and will be required to attend the practices and games to discipline their child.
¨ If this does not resolve the problem, the child and parent will be required to attend a meeting with the coach, the AYSO Coach Administrator and the Regional Commissioner to determine the proper course of action. A failure to attend the meeting will result in an automatic expulsion from AYSO Region 733 Palos.

CONDENSED RULES OF SOCCER

THE FIELD OF PLAY

Region 733 Palos has adopted the following field dimensions:

A game requires a minimum of seven and a maximum of eleven players. Typical youth soccer formations are referred to as 4-3-3, 3-4-3 or 3-4-4. The first digit represents the number of defenders, also referred to as full backs. These are the players closest to the goalie. The middle digit refers to the number of mid-fielders or halfbacks. The last digit refers to the number of forwards or strikers.

DURATION OF THE GAME

2009 CALENDAR (Print Calendar)