Coach's Corner

We now receive syndicated content from FineSoccer.com featuring advice on improving your game.  Click on the FineSoccer Newsletter at the left and also the newsletters under the Players section.  Check the Links page for other useful sites.
 

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."

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.

End of Season Tournament U10-U14 
This year there will be a point system to determine which teams will be invited to participate in our Region's End of Season Tournament.  Point are earned by completing your assigned referee assignments and lost for missing assignments.  Click here for complete EOS guidelines. 

Goal Setup and Takedown
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.

Practice Locations
Coaches, not every park or school in Downey is an eligible practice site.  Our use permits only cover the following sites listed under Fields.  Also please adhere to the division restrictions.  This is to spread practices out so we don't overrun a single site.

Do NOT practice at any other park or school.  You will not be covered under our insurance and you will be asked to leave.

Do not practice any place else, our insurance does not cover other sites.  Division Managers, please review this with your coaches.

Attention all Volunteers
AYSO National has requested that ALL volunteers need to register as volunteers through their website at http://www.eayso.org/.  Click here for further information. 

Reporting Proceedures U16/U19 Games
Coaches for U16/19, the home teams are responsible for submitting scores to scorereporting@hotmail.com.  Copy Armando and Lucy in your e-mail.  If you don't report your scores you will get a forfeit for your game and you will not be eligible for Area Playoffs or Section Playoffs.  Click here for the complete instructions.

Team Format
Know the correct number of players for your division.  Click here to review.

ID Cards
All coaches and players must have ID cards for all U8-U19 teams.  If you need your cards laminated, please see the information tent.  Also, you are responsible for removing trash at the end of your match.  The referee or board member will keep your cards after the match until the area is clean.

Where are the Fuzzy Bunnies Playing!!!
The most common question the information tent receives is where a particular team plays. Unfortunately Grandma and Grandpa don't know that the only recognized team name you have is your division, team gender, and team number as in U14G04 [under 14 division, girls and team 04]. To help out guests please click here to send in your team nickname along with your full team ID and we'll put these on the schedules. Then when Grandma comes with delicious carrot snacks for her little "Bunnies" we can assist them to U6G17.