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Kids Zone
In the recent
year, the national media has focused on the negative, even
violent, behavior of players, coaches and parents involved in
youth sports. In a proactive effort to counteract this trend
of violence, AYSO is initiating a program called Kids Zone.
As part of AYSO's education agenda, Kids Zone is a dynamic
program targeted to eliminate negative sideline behavior. It
is aimed toward producing a thoroughly positive impact on
everyone involved in youth soccer. To execute this program,
three basic elements are involved:
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The Badge. This is a pin-on button bearing the program's
logo. This will be worn by program supporters at games, and
will serve as a reminder of the importance of positive
sideline behavior.
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The Sign. A large sideline, which lists positive behavior
standards, will be posted at the entrance of participating
fields. Parents and spectators who will abide by these
standards are welcome -- all others are not.
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The Pledge. We will request AYSO parents to sign a pledge
that holds them to the Kids Zone standards.
In order to make this program work, we need your help!
Kids Zone badges and signs are available from the AYSO
Supply Center.
For more information, visit
AYSO National - Kids Zone. To watch Kids Zone video:
Click here.
College Athlete Program
(CAP)
The College Athlete Program (CAP) is designed to
help any aspiring student-athletes meet their college goals.
It is designed for student athletes who want to:
- attend college
- play soccer while in college
- be prepared to do both.
Participation is open to any age-eligible player who meets
the following:
- minimum 13 years of age, finishing 8th grade by the next
CAP Center and
- maximum 18 years of age on July 31st prior to the next
CAP Center
For more information, visit AYSO National - College Athlete Program (CAP).
Very Important Player
(VIP)
For players with physical or mental
disabilities. Down Syndrome, blindness, amputations, limited
mobility... there's no reason ANY child can't play soccer.
The VIP Program provides a quality soccer experience for
children - and adults - whose physical or mental disabilities
make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream
teams. VIP teams may include those who are:
- blind or visually impaired
- amputees or conditions that impair mobility
- mentally or emotionally challenged
- autistic
- Downs Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy.
These kids are Very Important Players (VIP) in AYSO. We
recognize that all children need to feel a sense of belonging
and acceptance. The VIP program offers that acceptance and
carries our philosophy of Everyone Plays® to new
heights - giving everyone a chance to play.
For more information, visit
AYSO National - Very Important Player (VIP).
Safe Haven
Safe Haven is a
child and volunteer protection program that was the first of
its kind in youth sports.
The child protection aspect is intended to stop child
abuse, educate or remove its perpetrators, and screen out
predators before they get into the program. It includes
proactive steps which provide a medium for positive, healthy
child development, precluding the outbreak of child abuse in a
weak, unfocused, non-empowering environment.
Volunteer protection comes in to play as a result of
volunteer training, certification and continuing education.
The Volunteer
Protection Act of 1997 provides certain legal protections
for volunteers who have been trained and certified, and act in
accordance with a written job description. Safe Haven has
these three elements, giving volunteers the highest degree of
protection available under the law.
For more information, visit
AYSO National - Safe Haven.
Short-Sided Games
For
younger players, fewer players on the field means more
opportunity to be in the action -- and to learn the game.
Explanation of the benefits of short-sided games for younger
players, and the rule modifications for different age levels.
For more information, visit
AYSO National - Short-Sided Games.
Tournaments
Local and
national tournaments held by AYSO. Some are open to AYSO teams
only, some are open to any team. Check the list -- updated
frequently.
For more information, visit
AYSO National - Tournaments.
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