The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) was established in the Los Angeles area in 1964 with nine teams. It was the dream of a group of devoted soccer enthusiasts who started the organization in a garage. Today, AYSO has more than 50,000 teams and more than 650,000 players. It also employs 50 people at its National Support and Training Center in Hawthorne, California.

Over the years, AYSO has created many valuable programs and concepts. Most notably, AYSO revolutionized youth sports with its "Everyone Plays" and "Balanced Teams" philosophies. In AYSO, each child who registers is guaranteed to play at least half of every game. To help create evenly matched games, all AYSO players are placed on new or "balanced" teams each year. These decisions are made based on each player's skill level and the overall ability of the team.

Since its establishment, AYSO has continued to grow and offer its membership relevant programs.

In 1971, two San Fernando Valley residents developed AYSO's first girls program. Today, a corporate sponsor has joined with AYSO as the organization's first official sponsor of its national girl's initiative. Currently, 40 percent of AYSO's players are girls.

In the mid 70s, an AYSO coach chartered new territory as he welcomed the organization's first player with Down Syndrome. As a result of this landmark union, soccer was introduced into the Special Olympics. Today, AYSO offers its membership the Very Important Player (VIP) program for kids with special needs. VIP boasts 75 programs and 1,500 players.

In 1995, two AYSO parents established the first AYSO program in Moscow. Today, the Moscow program has almost 500 registered players. In addition, an AYSO program was started in Puerto Rico in the spring of 1998 and another in American Samoa in 1999.

AYSO is supported by more than 250,000 volunteers. Parents donate their time as coaches, referees, team parents, administrators or sponsors. In 1998, AYSO unveiled its new Coach Certification and Safe Haven programs. Each was designed to strengthen the organization's role in child protection. Although AYSO is primarily a youth sports organization, it realizes the importance of providing a safe and healthy atmosphere for children. AYSO is continually working to improve the education of its volunteers in the fields of child development, human behavior, and sports psychology. A strong emphasis is placed on ethics and sportsmanship and the development of the whole child.

AYSO is a National Association of the United States Soccer Federation. Through the years, the organization has also maintained relations with organizations such as the National Council of Youth Sports, Girls Scouts USA, the National Association for Sports and Physical Education, People to People, Optimists International, Police Athletic Leagues, the National Alliance for Youth Sports, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, YMCA, the United States Soccer Federation, and the Character Counts program. In addition, AYSO works closely with 20 corporations that are part of the organization's National Team of Sponsors.

AYSO has been the leader in establishing groundbreaking youth soccer programs in the United States. The organization is proud to have paved the road for youth soccer and looks forward to meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

The American Youth Soccer Organization develops and delivers quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on our five philosophies:

Our goal is for kids to play soccer. So, we mandate that every player on every team must play at least half of every game.

Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play

Our program is open to all children between 4 and 18 years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing.

Kids win when they are built up, not when they are torn down! We train and encourage our coaches to make the extra effort to understand and offer positive help to our players rather than negative criticism.

Good Sportsmanship

We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.

AYSO is a volunteer organization with more than 250,000 parents and friends, many of them working as coaches, referees and administrators. It's not unusual to find two, three or more children in the same family playing AYSO soccer -- while Dad serves as referee and Mom as coach. It can be a total family experience!

AYSO was founded in 1964 in Torrance, California with about 125 players. Today that number has grown to more than 625,000 nationwide.

AYSO works because our volunteers work. The volunteers work because they believe in the AYSO philosophies. Our phenomenal growth underscores AYSO's commitment to a healthy competitive atmosphere for youth soccer players, combined with dedication toward the development of responsible individuals.

AYSO was founded on community involvement. Volunteer staff members are encouraged to organize in ways best suited to their needs. The foundation of AYSO is the "Region", or basic community program. Each Region is headed by a Regional Commissioner who, with the help of a regional board, conducts business within the framework of AYSO's philosophies, Rules and Regulations and Bylaws. Depending on its stage of development, a Region may have as few as 200 players or as many as 5,000, grouped into boys and girls divisions based on age.

Several bordering regions compose an "Area". Each Area is headed by an Area Director who is responsible for performance and growth of the Area.

Area Directors report to Section Directors, who are responsible for the general welfare and administration of a "Section". A Section may cover a portion of a state, an entire state, or several states.

A National Board of Directors governs the overall AYSO organization. Regional Commissioners, Area and Section Directors, along with the National Board Members, serve as executive members with voting rights.

The staff at AYSO's national headquarters in Hawthorne, California works closely with these volunteer executive members and interfaces directly with each Region. The headquarters, called the National Support and Training Center (or NSTC), provides many services: computerized registration, publications, liability and accident insurance, training for coaches, referees and administrators, and more.

Save Haven is a program designed to address a growing need for child and volunteer protections.

There are four elements in the Save Haven intervention cycle. These are intended to stop child abuse and its agents before they get into the program:

This law grants immunity from certain types of prosecution for volunteers who meet its requirements. In order to receive full protection under the law, AYSO volunteers need three things:

* They must be properly trained and certified.

* They must be performing duties as laid out in a position description.

AYSO's goal is to provide certification training for all its volunteers. Certification offers the hope that every AYSO child will be treated with understanding, compassion, and respect.

Whether you are a veteran AYSO volunteer or you're new at this soccer business, you may be wondering just what is this thing called an AYSO Region and how it works.

Your AYSO Region is one of more than 900 local programs in communities nationwide. Each AYSO Region is the same, yet different.

That means AYSO Bylaws and Rules and Regulations standardize operational procedures and playing rules. But because community needs and characteristics may be different, Regions have flexibility to satisfy their unique needs.

Your Region is identified by its own number. It is managed by parents just like you. In fact, you may be one of those dedicated volunteers working to ensure the program is run effectively and AYSO philosophies are upheld.

Your Regional Commissioner and Regional Board of Directors will usually meet once a month during the season and perhaps more often for pre-season planning. You are welcome to attend any of these meetings.

Many Regions give out a Regional Handbook at registration, with their policies fully defined. The Handbook may cover everything from rainy-day procedures, practice routines and important telephone numbers to lost-and-found information. Read it and keep it handy.

Get to know your child's soccer coach and other parents. Volunteer your time, skills and energies to make your AYSO Region run well. This way, both your child and you benefit from the AYSO experience.

Here's what you can expect from your Region:

* A fun soccer experience for your child during games and practices

* Coaches and referees who understand the AYSO philosophies and support them

* Technical training for coaches and referees

* Caring volunteers to manage the "business" of the Region

* A national organization for support and guidance

1. Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.

2. Play by the Laws of the Game.

3. Never argue with or complain about referees' calls or decisions.

4. Control your temper. Most of all, resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.

5. Concentrate on playing soccer with your best efforts. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself.

6. Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your teams or your opponent's.

7. Treat all players as you would like to be treated and always show respect.

8. Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve skills and feel good. Don't be a showoff or a ball hog.

9. Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and the referees.

As a parent, you have a special role in contributing to the needs and development of these youngsters. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure the effectiveness of the AYSO program. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In AYSO, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat -- all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun!

Support your child by giving encouragement and showing an interest in his or her team. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory. Your child will be a winner despite the outcome of the game.

Parents are not participants on their child's team. However, they do contribute to the success experienced by their child and the team. Parents serve as role models for their children. Applaud good plays by your child's team and by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.

Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It's very important to let children set their own goals and play the game for themselves. Be careful not to impose your own standards and goals on your child. Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72 percent of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winner.

The best way to help a child to achieve goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistake. If your child does make one, remember that he or she is still learning. Encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.

Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer experiences a positive one. They need your support, too. What coaches and referees don't need is your help in coaching and refereeing from the sidelines. So please refrain from coaching during games and practices. Referees are not the "bad guys". They are volunteers, too, and need your support and encouragement. Treat them and their calls fairly and respectfully.

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 has initiated 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:

* 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.

* The Sign A large sign, which lists positive behavior standards, is posted at the entrance

of participating fields. Parents and spectators who will abide by these standards are

welcome -- all others are not.

* The Pledge We request that AYSO parents sign a pledge upon registering their children

for the season that holds them to the Kids Zone standards.

In order to make this program work, we need your help! We encourage all AYSO members to help Kids Zone grow. Let your region know that you support Kids Zone. AYSO depends on you to keep youth soccer safe, fun and fair. So spread the word!

Safety is a big part of keeping things fun. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

If lightning is seen, or thunder is heard, games and practices must be stopped (and the fields cleared) for at least 30 minutes. The practice or game may be resumed 30 minutes after the last lightning is seen and the last rumble of thunder is heard.

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported 26 deaths and hundreds of injuries since 1979 resulting from soccer goal accidents. Most of these injuries occur when children climb on top of an unsecured goal, causing it to either break from the strain (in the case of many homemade goals) or simply slip over onto an unsuspecting victim. You only need to review some of the descriptions of injuries and deaths address in the CPSC report to become saddened by this easily-preventable problem. The bottom line is this: Goal safety is everyone's job and AYSO volunteers and parents need to be aware of the dangers.

Advise your child never to leave a practice or game alone. Walk with a buddy whenever possible. This includes the restroom with an adult standing and waiting outside for them.

If you normally pick your child up from the field, but have to send someone else, use a code word. That way, if someone comes up and says "Your mother sent me to pick you up," but they don't have the code word that you and your child have established, your child knows not to go with the stranger.

Soccer is a simple game. It requires a field, a ball, two teams of players and their equipment, and a referee.

Soccer is played by two teams on a field approximately the size of a football field. Smaller fields may be used for younger players.

The game is played in two timed halves of equal length. To advance AYSO's "Everyone Plays" commitment, quarter breaks are made within each half to allow for player substitution in the younger age divisions. The length of each half is determined by the age of the children playing.

Physical size is not an important factor in becoming a skilled and successful soccer player. Because of the games pace, EVERY child participates in the action while on the field.

The sport involves several basic skills: passing/shooting, dribbling, and controlling (or trapping) the ball.

These skills can be learned at any age, and a good soccer player works continually to improve them.

Passing is kicking, pushing or heading the ball to a teammate or to a space where a teammate can run to the ball. A player may lightly tap the ball to a teammate several feet away or kick it strongly to move it down the field. The ball may scoot along the ground or may be kicked into the air.

Most players us two types of kicks to pass to a teammate or shoot towards the goal. One is the instep drive which is a powerful kick. The other kick is called a push pass. Performed using the inside of the foot, the push pass is much more accurate than the instep drive, but is less powerful.

Dribbling is transporting the ball under control from one area to another. Soccer players cannot use their hands. Players dribble the ball with their feet, using light taps on the ball to move it along the ground.

Controlling (or trapping) is stopping the ball in flight or on the ground, and then controlling it by either dribbling or passing the ball to teammates. There are many ways to trap a ball: (1) allowing it to hit the chest at an angle that deflects the ball to the ground where it can be controlled; (2) allowing it to hit the thigh or bent knee to deflect the ball to the ground where it can be controlled; or (3) using the foot to stop the ball.

Heading is unique to the game of soccer. When a ball is too high to kick, players "head" the ball to pass to a teammate or score a goal.

There are 17 of them and they are easy to understand. Their purpose is to make the game fun, safe, and fair.

The object of the game is for the players to get the ball into their opponent's goal using any part of their body except hands and arms. Only goalkeepers may user their hands while insider their own penalty area.

Generally, the Laws require that referees stop the game when something has happened which is unfair or unsafe. Important elements of the Law to be familiar with include Ball In and Out of Play, Fouls, Misconduct and Offside.

To start the game or the second half, and after each goal, a kick-off is taken from the center circle.

After the ball has completely crossed the side boundary lines --called touchlines --a throw-in is awarded against the team that last touched the ball. The throw-in is taken from where the ball left the field and must be thrown with two hands from behind and over the head, while both feet are on the ground on, or behind, the touch line.

The goal kick is taken by the defending team each time the ball crosses the goal line without a goal being scored and was last touched by an attacking player. The ball may be placed anywhere in the goal area and is not considered back in play until it has been kicked out of the penalty area.

This kick is taken by the attacking team each time the ball is kicked by the defense over its own goal line without a goal being scored. The ball is placed within the three-foot arc in the corner of the field (nearest to where the ball went out of play) and kicked into play by the attacking team.

A penalty kick is awarded when a defending player commits one of the 10 penal (major) fouls within his or her own penalty area while the ball is still in play. The penalty kick is taken by a player from the offended team from a spot 12 yards from the goal. All players must remain outside the penalty area, 10 yards from the ball, and behind the penalty kick mark until the kick is taken, except for the kicker and the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line until the ball is kicked. Once kicked, the goalkeeper may try to stop the ball from entering the goal. The kicker, after waiting for the referee's signal, may score by kicking the ball directly into the opponent's goal.

There are two kinds of misconduct: (1) when an action results in a caution (yellow card) from the referee, and (2) when an action results in a player being sent off or ejected from the field (red card). A referee may also warn a player to improve his or her conduct (or unsporting behavior) before a caution is issued.

The referee also has the authority to suspend or terminate play because of misconduct or interference on the part of coaches or spectators.

A team has a maximum of 11 players on the field at any one time, although a game can be played with as few as seven players on a team. Regions use short-sided teams in younger age divisions. Players get more "touches" on the ball, learn skills quicker and have more fun using this method.

* Each team offers the following positions:

* The Goalkeeper is responsible for guarding his or her team's goal and preventing the other team from scoring.

* The Defender's primary duty is to prevent the opponent from have a good shot at the goal. This player also works to gain possession of the ball and pass it to a teammate for an attack.

* The Midfielder (or halfback) plays a "transitional" game from defense to offense and vice versa. Usually the midfielder is the most active player on the field and is key to maintaining team continuity.

* The Forward's primary responsibility is to score, and also assists the midfielder in shifting play from defense to offense.

* It's important to keep in mind that any player on a team may score a goal, regardless of position.

AYSO recommends the use of three game officials -- one referee and two assistant referees.

The Referee is the ultimate authority during the game. The referee's chief responsibilities are to make the game as fun, fair and safe for the players as possible. The referee enforces the rules (which are called "Laws" in soccer) by calling offenses and determining if goals have been scored.

Assistant referees provide vital assistance to the referee by signaling when the ball has gone out of play and which team gets possession. Assistant referees also assist with substitutions, making the offside call, and the general control of the game.

Soccer has limited equipment requirements. However, most AYSO teams play in uniforms (shirt, shorts, and socks) supplied by the local region. Shin guards are mandatory during practice and games. Full-coverage shoes are required, and it is advisable to use shoes designed specifically for soccer. Regions also provide field equipment, such as goals, nets and flags.

The field is divided into two halves. The center circle in the middle of the field is used to start the game, start the second half, and to restart after a goal has been scored.

There is a large rectangular area and a smaller rectangular area found at each end of the field. These are vital areas for both teams and are where penalty kicks are taken.

The four corners of the field are inscribed with three-foot arcs where corner kicks are taken.

A player is offside if he or she is ahead of the ball at the moment the ball touches or is played by a member of the same team, except if that player:

* Is in his/her own half of the field.

* Has two opponents even with or between him/her and the opponent's goal line. The referee's "moment of judgment" is the instant the ball is played, not when it is received.

* Is the first to receive the ball from a throw-in, corner kick, or goal kick.

* Is not involved in active play by interfering with play, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage by being in that position.

There are 10 major fouls that result in a direct free kick (DFK), and from which a goal may be directly scored against the opponents.

The 10 penal fouls are divided into two groups. Six within the first group require that the fouled be committed carelessly, recklessly, or with disproportionate force:

* Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent

* Striking or attempting to strike an opponent

* Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent

The other four require only that they be committed:

* When tacking an opponent, making contact with the opponent before the ball

* Spitting at an opponent

There are eight minor fouls that result in an indirect free kick (IFK). On an IFK, at least one additional player of either team must touch the ball before a goal can be scored from an IFK.

* Playing in a Dangerous Manner (Dangerous Play) Including high kicking near another player's head or trying to play a ball held by a goalkeeper.

* Impeding the Progress of an Opponent Getting between an opponent and the ball when not within playing distance of the ball or when not playing the ball.

* Preventing the Goalkeeper from Releasing the Ball from his or her hands.

An IFK is also awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, within his or her own penalty area, commits any of the following five offenses.

* Takes more than six seconds to release the ball (after controlling it)

* Touches the ball again with the hands after it has been released from the keeper's possession and has not touched another player

* Touches the ball with the hands when the ball is deliberately kicked to the keeper by a teammate

* Touches the ball with the hands after receiving it directly from a throw-in taken by a teammate

We strongly encourage you to read the Laws of the Game (LOTG) for a more complete and detailed description of the Laws. Also, included in the LOTG, you will find the advantage clause in Law 5. The spirit of the game allows the referee to allow a foul to go unpunished if it is to the offended team's advantage to continue play. No one can ever know too much about the game! Be sure and check them out!

The following is an article written by John Ouellette. John is "The Man" when it comes to AYSO coaching. His contact information is provided at the end of the article. Please note that some editing and emphasis have been added.

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Many of you read a recent article that said heading in soccer could cause some brain damage. Never has one story provoked so many calls to the Coaching Department at the National Support Center of AYSO. Reaction was "Is it true?" and "What position has AYSO taken?"

The AYSO Education Department and the AYSO Coaching Technical Committee believe that heading is part of the game of soccer, and it should be introduced and taught properly to players at the appropriate age and time. Introduction of heading at an early age or improper heading at any age may be linked to certain kinds of temporary or long-term effects.

While scientific evidence is preliminary, some studies indicate that young players who head too early in their physical development are susceptible to potential risks, including risks to the skull, neck, and spine. In addition, soft and connective tissues, such as those associated with the brain, may be affected under some circumstances, too.

Improper heading at any age may expose a player to risk.

Studies indicate soccer is not the leading source of sports injuries to the head and neck, so the act of heading should be regarded within a complete context of risk. Studies do indicate that head-to-head contact among players, head contact with the ground, and head contact with goal posts and other associated playing equipment, pose a greater risk than the simple act of heading the ball. These kinds of risk are associated with most outdoor team sports.

AYSO does not recommend heading below the age of ten. Coaches are not encouraged to teach or practice heading at these early ages.

As the level of play advances and the participant's skills increase, the proper heading techniques need to be introduced to prepare the player for proper execution. Proper techniques can first be learned through the use of rag, nerf, and inflatable balls, thus avoiding unnecessary, repetitive heading of a regulation soccer ball.

When a real soccer ball is used to simulate game conditions during practice, its use should be of limited duration and repetition. Players who demonstrate a fear of the ball should be shown appropriate ball control techniques that do not force them to head the ball before they are ready.

Heading represents a player's earliest opportunity to play an air ball. It also causes more apprehension than any other soccer skill, particularly with younger players. Therefore, the coach needs to be concerned with the apprehension and the poor technique which may result. A general rule of thumb to follow is to start teaching heading when a player shows an interest, not when the coach thinks it should be taught.

Teach the skill of heading correctly. Remember to use a nerf-type ball, a rag ball, or an under-inflated ball to start heading for the comfort and security of young players.

Teach your players to prepare to head the ball using the following reminders:

* Keep your eye on the ball.

* Take a comfortable stance with knees bent.

* Keep your mouth closed.

Teach your players how to contact the ball using the following techniques:

* Contact the ball with the forehead.

* Your legs should propel your body from your waist to head the ball.

* Your neck should be kept rigid.

* Follow through toward the target.

* Once you head the ball, put your body back into a position where you can then go to the next move.

Never have an unwilling player head the ball. He or she will not head in a game why force them to at practice? Also, don't have children do headers over and over again.

To sum it all up,

* Introduce heading at an appropriate age level (not allowed at all in U10 and below).

* Teach the skill correctly.

* Never force a player to head the ball.

* Limit the amount of times a child heads the ball.

If you have any questions, please direct them to:

AYSO Technical Director/National Coach

1-888-826-297

A number of factors place young athletes at an increased risk for dehydration and various heat illnesses. First, the higher energy expenditure of young athletes means that they produce more metabolic heat. In addition, young athletes don't sweat as efficiently as older athletes and thus cannot cool their bodies as effectively. Finally, young athletes are not as diligent about drinking fluids and their body core temperature during dehydration tends to increase faster. For these reasons it is essential that young athletes be encouraged to drink frequently even when they are not thirsty.

Research studies have shown that providing a cooled and flavored beverage produces greater fluid consumption among children and helps prevent dehydration. Parents should make sure that athletes arrive at practice sessions, games or competitions fully hydrated. Coaches should enforce drink "pauses" every 15-20 minutes even when athletes do not feel thirsty. Parents, coaches and the athletes themselves, should watch for the "warning signs of dehydration":

ThirstIrritability HeadachesWeakness

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) provides the following guidelines for the maintenance of optimal hydration:

Before Exercise: 16-20 full ounces within the 2-hour period prior to exercise

During Exercise: 4-6 full ounces

Post Exercise: Replace 24 full ounces for every one pound of body weight lost during exercise.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are all serious heat-induced conditions. In some cases, they are fatal! It is very important for the safety of your players and volunteers that you and your coaches know how to identify and treat each of them.

When a body loses too much water and salt through sweat, muscles tend to cramp (particularly in the abdomen and legs). Players suffering from these painful "heat cramps" should

* Sip one glass of cool water every 15

minutes until the pain stops.

If the player's parents are on hand, have them help by

* Massaging the affected muscles.

* Applying cool, wet cloths to help relax the

Players with cool, moist, or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, or muscle cramps may be experiencing heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when, because of high humidity or restrictive clothing, sweat is not properly evaporated ant the body cannot cool down. To assist a player experiencing heat exhaustion:

* Have the player lie down in a shady spot and elevate his or her feet.

* Dampen the player's skin with cool cloths.

If the player's parents are on hand, have them

* Remove the player's shirt.

* Apply cold packs to the groin area.

When a body completely loses the ability to cool itself, the internal temperature continues to rise resulting in heat stroke. If a player's temperature rises too quickly, brain damage and/or death may result. Players suffering from heat stroke may have hot, dry skin -- those with fair complexions may appear red, while darker-skinned individuals may appear gray. Victims may also experience a very rapid pulse and extremely high body temperature. In some cases, victims of heat stroke may seem confused, unresponsive, or even suffer from seizures. Recovery from heat stroke depends on the amount of time it takes to return the body temperature to normal, so immediate medical attention is imperative.

If you suspect that a player is suffering from heat stroke:

* DO NOT attempt to give any liquids.

* Contact the player's parents immediately.

Professional soccer players lose seven and a half pounds of sweat during a game. In order to avoid serious heat-induced conditions, players must drink enough fluids to replace that sweat. Every player should carry his or her own sports bottle to practice, and coaches need to stop for drink breaks every 15 minutes during the summer. Symptoms of dehydration may include:

* Dizziness or a loss of energy.

In addition to staying hydrated, wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in light colors will help keep the body cool. Coaches must remember to conduct shorter, easier practices in the summer.

Nutrition plays a key role in athletic performance. Failure to provide the calories and carbohydrates that young athletes need to fuel their bodies, the fluid to maintain hydration, and the vitamins and minerals to support metabolism and tissue growth and repair will result in poor performance and an increased risk for injury and/or illness. The following nutritional guidelines will ensure that every young athlete is fueled and hydrated for optimal health and performance.

Goal Kicks (Exactly as detailed in the Laws of the Game, except the goal and penalty areas are smaller) The ball should be placed on the line marking the goal area (3 - 4 steps out from the goal). Referees should remind the players that they cannot touch the ball until it passes the line that marks the penalty area. Remember that opponents must be outside of the penalty area but teammates can remain inside the penalty area. No player may touch the ball until it passes the line. Re-take the kick if any player does.

Change: Most U8 fields are not to scale. As a result, there is very little distance from the 6-yard line to the "18-yard line". For goal kicks in a U8 game, the team NOT taking the kick must be back up at least 10 yards from the 6-yard line. As a good rule of thumb, opposing players should be back approximately to the nearest point of the center circle. Players of the team that is taking the goal kick may be anywhere on the field--the 10-yard distance does not apply to them.

Free Kicks (Direct/Indirect) All penal and non-penal fouls will result in a direct kick regardless of the position of the ball on the field. On a foul that occurs within the attacking penalty area, the ball will be placed at the top of the penalty area perpendicular to the spot of the foul. Opponents should be 5 yards away from the ball in U6, and 6 yards away from the ball in U8. Fouls included are penal fouls (serious ones such as tripping, kicking, charging, pushing, and intentional/deliberate handball) and non-penal fouls (less serious fouls such as dangerous play, high kick, and impeding the progress of an opponent).

Throw-Ins Allow 1 or 2 additional opportunities for the same player to perform a throw-in correctly. If the player cannot execute a proper throw-in after the third try, another player should make the throw-in. Just as in the true Laws of the Game, A GOAL CANNOT BE SCORED DIRECTLY FROM A THROW IN.

Number of Players on the Field U6 plays 3 vs. 3 and U8 plays 5 vs. 5. If a team is short some of its players, the opposing team should play down (only play the number of players that the other team has available).

Coaches will be on the Field during the Game Coaches are allowed on the field during the game.  These games are coach-ref'd. The coach referee will assist the players in setting up for kick-offs, goal kicks and free kicks (all direct, remember) and will help them with throw-ins.  One coach from each team will serve as a coach ref on the field, resulting in two coach ref's at every game.

Players standing in front of the Goal Please remember that our purpose in the Under 6 and Under 8 divisions is to actively involve the players in the game. Players who are defenders should be positioned 8 - 10 steps out from the goal (not guarding or hanging on the goal post). These players should be taught to support their teammates and move up field as the ball does. Both coaches and referees may have to remind them that are defenders, not goalkeepers.

Rotate your Players Coaches, let each player play all positions on the field.

Length of Games Under 6 quarters last 7 to 10 minutes with a 2-minute break between quarters and a 5-minute break for halftime. Under 8 quarters also last 10 minutes with a 2-minute break between quarters and a 5-minute break for halftime. Please keep your game on schedule so the games following yours will start on time. Games not completed 55 minutes after the scheduled start time will be ended prematurely in order to keep other games on schedule.

Lopsided Games If scoring becomes lopsided (though no score is officially kept in U6 and U8), the stronger players should be pulled back to defend. This will allow the children to continue to play soccer while eliminating a potentially embarrassing and frustrating situation.

Changing Ends of the Field after Halftime Just like the older kids, Under 6 and Under 8 teams should change ends of the field when they begin the second half.

Enthusiastically support and practice the "Everyone Plays", "Good Sportsmanship", and "Positive Coaching" philosophies of AYSO.

Be reasonable in your demands on a young player's time, energy, enthusiasm and performance on the soccer field.

Impress on your players that they must abide by the Laws of the Game at all times.

Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, 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 that they can respect.

Keep informed of sound principles of coaching, growth and child development.

Check your equipment and playing facilities. 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.

Q. How much is registration this year? When and where do we register?

A. The registration cost for the season is $60 per child athlete. Registration is held several times in the spring and summer.

Q. What is included in the registration fee?

A. The registration fee includes jersey, shorts, socks, and accidental insurance.

Q. How many players participate on the field during a game?

A. The number of players on the field varies with age.

Under 6 3 players

Under 8 5 players

Under 10 9 players

Under 12 11 players

Under 14 11 players

Under 16 11 players

Under 19 11 players

Q. Why are the U6 teams playing 3 versus 3?

A. Soccer relies heavily on teamwork. A fundamental skill that we teach in soccer is for the player who has the ball to always keep two teammates in his or her peripheral vision, ready to pass the ball to them. We also teach teammates who DONT have the ball to move around and get in position to support their teammate who has the ball move around and get so their teammate can pass the ball off BEFORE an opponent pressures them. Passing when there is an opening usually means the pass is accurate and the team maintains possession of the ball. Passing when its the last resort usually results in a poor pass that is possessed by the opponents. While a full-sided soccer match has 22 players on the field, the action around the ball is usually 3 attackers versus 3 defenders, 2 attackers versus 3 defenders or 3 attackers versus 2 defenders. Young players who begin their soccer careers playing 3 versus 3 learn to look for their teammates as well as learn to support their teammates, making for better soccer players as they move up in age divisions.

Q. Do I have to volunteer to perform a job for my child to play?

A. The Gadsden AYSO Soccer Program is run totally by volunteers coaches, referees, team parents and board members. Each age group is responsible for providing a certain number of officials (referees, assistant referees and linespersons) to the officiating pool. An age group must meet their officials schedules will be handed out. Also, each age group is responsible for providing a certain number of soccer officials each week to referee games. Please check the Gadsden AYSO Calendar for the schedule of referee, assistant referee and linesperson classes. The officials quota for each group is as follows:

Under 6 12

Under 8 14

Under 10 18

Under 12 10

Under 14 8

Under 16/19 10

Q. Can both of my children play on the same team?

A. If your children are close enough in age to play in the same division, fill in his/her name on the appropriate line on the registration form.

If they are supposed to play in different divisions (due to age), they may play on the same team if you request for the younger child to into the next division and the child would only be "playing up" by one year.

Note: Gadsden AYSO does not allow for boys and girls to play on the same team, except where an entire division is co-ed.

Q. Which age group will my child play in?

A. Your child will be placed in a goup based upon his or her age on August 1.

If your child is 4 or 5, he or she will play in the Under 6 Division

If your child is 6 or 7, he or she will play in the Under 8 Division

If your child is 8 or 9, he or she will play in the Under 10 Division

If your child is 10 or 11, he or she will play in the Under 12 Division

If your child is 12 or 13, he or she will play in the Under 14 Division

If your child is 14 thru 18, he or she will play in the Under 16/19 Division

Q. Is there any equipment required to play soccer?

A. The only required equipment is a pair of shin guards, which can be purchased at a sporting goods store or department store. It is very important that your child have a soccer ball so he or she can practice around the house as well as have a ball to take to practice. The size of the soccer ball is based on the division your child plays in.

Under 6 and Under 8 Size 3

Under 10 and Under 12Size 4

Under 14 and Up Size 5

Q. What type of shoes does my child need for soccer?

A. Your child may play in tennis shoes or you may purchase soccer cleats. Soccer cleats have no toe cleat nor do they have cleats that protrude past the side of the shoe. As a lot of kicking goes on in soccer, the design of a soccer cleat greatly reduces the chance for an injury. Multi-purpose cleats may be worn if the toe cleat is removed with no jagged edges.

Q. When are the teams divided?

A. All teams will be divided based on Player Evaluation and you should receive a phone call from your childs coach by that evening. The first practice and Parents Meeting will be held the following Saturday.

Q. What's ?

A. Verbal and physical abuse have NO PLACE in youth sports activities.

The pledge reminds parents to serve as positive role models for their children. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by applauding good plays by the opposing team as well as your childs authority by NOT SHOUTING. Learn more about the Kids Zone on the Parents & Players page.

Help your child understand that hard work and honest effort are often more important than victory. DONT PUT TOO HEAVY A BURDEN ON YOUR CHILD TO WIN GAMES. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team.

REMEMBER THESE ARE CHILDREN THEY'RE NOT LITTLE ADULTS.

Soccer has a set of rules that are called "Laws of the Game". You can download the latest laws from the following link: www.FIFA.com

Click here to download the FIFA 2003 Laws now... they're excellent, with dozens of color diagrams. They are in PDF format. To read, you'll need the free Adobe reader to view them.

http://images.fifa.com/fifa/handbook/laws/2003/LOTG2003_e.pdf

Below are some guidelines that new spectators and participants should become familiar with. These guidelines were developed to promote safety and good sportsmanship.

Spectators -

Coaches -

Below are some common questions about the laws of soccer.

Handball - "Handball" is short for "Handling the Ball", and does not mean "The hand touched the ball". It is not automatically a handball if a player's hand or arm accidentally (in the opinion of the referee) comes in contact with the ball.

Out of Play - Unlike American football, the ball must completely cross the outside plane of the touchline (sideline) to be considered out of play. Similar to basketball, its out on whomever touched the ball last.

Offside - (Simplified explanation) An offside offense is called only if two conditions are satisfied. (1) If an offensive player(s) is past the second to the last defender (usually between the goalkeeper and the second defender), and (2) if that person(s) participates in the play (i.e., is passed the ball or distracts the goalkeeper), then offside is called. It's okay for a player to be in an offside position, as long as he/she doesn't enter the play. Offside is generally not considered for U8 teams (under 8 years old) and younger.

BOARD AND STAFF CONTACT

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT GADSDEN AYSO VIA EMAIL: