AYSO Region 205
2007–
2008 Season
Parents and
Players,
Welcome back to
another exciting soccer season in Region 205.
Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another
great season, we are celebrating 29 years of youth soccer in the Region. You are part of an organization with over 1,390
players that participate in our program. Our successful VIP program is back for
a 4rh year and the players are having a fantastic time playing the
game. We are looking forward to a fun
and exciting season ahead.
As a part of
the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), our goal is to deliver a quality
youth soccer program in a fun, family environment based on AYSO's Five
Philosophies:
» Everyone
Plays
Our program’s
goal is for kids to play soccer. The Region mandates that every player on each
team play at least 3/4 of every game in U5-U12 divisions and at least ½ of
every game in the U15 division.
» Balanced
Teams
Each year we
form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because it is fair and more fun
when teams of equal ability play.
» Open
Registration
Our program is
open to all children between 4 and 14 years of age who want to register and
play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing.
» Positive
Coaching
Encouragement
of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately
leads to better-skilled and motivated players.
» Good
Sportsmanship
AYSO strives 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.
This is
something all volunteers associated with AYSO are
expected and trained to convey to their players or teams. So whether you are
coaching or cheering on your favorite player please remember that the fun and
memories are as special as you make them. Remember,
we are still in “The Kid’s Zone”.
Volunteers Needed – Get Involved for your Kids!
As we now have approximately 1,400 players in the Region, we have
the urgent need for coaches, referees, and board members. AYSO will provide excellent training for all
positions. A list of positions is
provided later in the newsletter.
Please Consider Volunteering!!!!
Please visit
our website, www.ayso205.org for the
latest on dates and locations of all of the Region’s events or for contact
information for any of our board members.
Emailing your questions or
issues to board members is the most efficient method of communication.
In the event that you do not have email access, feel free to call our hotline,
734-479-AYSO (2976), and leave a message.
In addition, we
still have an issue with pets being
brought out to games and practices. For the safety and enjoyments of all,
please refrain from bringing any pets to Region events.
Have a great
season and see you on the fields!!
Jeff Lynch
Regional Commissioner
AYSO Region 205
commissioner@ayso205.org
Become an AYSO Volunteer Today!
Why? AYSO Region 205 is an all-volunteer organization. The fees
we charge pay strictly for uniforms, insurance, equipment, training, storage
and other expenses. Volunteers
strengthen AYSO by giving their time, energy, ideas and
ideals. AYSO happens because of our volunteers! Organizing
a soccer program for approximately 1,400 kids is a huge undertaking made
possible only through the dedicated efforts of volunteers. WE
NEED YOUR HELP!!!!
We have Board
positions and support roles to suit all schedules and talents. Please see the
list below. Some jobs can be done at your leisure at home. Training and support is provided for all
positions.
How do I sign up? All individuals who
volunteer in any capacity must
submit a volunteer application. Parents are asked to submit this application as
soon as possible so that we can get you to work.
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What volunteer jobs are available? Here's a list of
opportunities available immediately. For more information about volunteering, contact
any of our Board members or Jeff Lynch at commissioner@ayso205.org.
Coach. A coach participates on game days, holds team
practices, teaches game fundamentals to the players, and helps players develop
good sportsmanship. New AYSO coaches will attend training, weekly practices and
games and monthly coaches meeting during the season. You don't need to have
played soccer or know much about it in order to coach as we’ll provide you with
the training. Particularly at the lower
levels, many coaches learn the game along with their kids.
Assistant Coach. The assistant coach
assists the coach at practices and games and stands in for the coach when
necessary. Attends coach training, coaches meetings, and weekly practices and
games.
Child & Volunteer
Protection Advocate (CVPA). Oversee the child and volunteer
protection program in the region in accordance with the AYSO Safe Haven
program. The CVPA works with the Registrar to see that all volunteers submit a
signed and completed copy of the volunteer application and be the screening
liaison with the AYSO National Support and
Referee. The referee arbitrates
games, helping players understand why an infraction or penalty is called. At
younger levels, referees may show the proper way to do throw-ins, corner kicks,
and goal kicks, etc. WE DESPERATELY NEED REFEREES. Some basic knowledge of the game is helpful
but we will provide the necessary training and uniforms. PLEASE,
PLEASE, consider becoming a referee.
Youth Referee. Same
duties as referee. Youth referees are players or youth age 12 and up. Typically
referee the U8 division games. They can
use this experience to meet school community service requirements.
Divisional
Agents. The divisional agent
is the board liaison to the coaches, assigned to 8-10 coaches; works with
coaches on score card consolidation, game schedules, dissemination of
information and other division tasks as necessary. Agents attend monthly coaches
meetings. Reminds
coaches of required information – schedules, events, meetings. We have an immediate need for 6-8 Divisional
Agents.
Field
Management. Help plan field layout in early spring; stripe fields
before season begins; refresh lines to assigned field once a week during the
season.
Registrars. We presently have one
individual as a Registrar but need to add another to reduce workload. Tasks
include:
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Event Coordinator.
Help plan and coordinate Regional events such as Registration Day,
Picture Day, and the end of season finale.
Some of these responsibilities may appear to be a lot of effort
but it is truly a rewarding experience.
Help out the kids and make some new friends. Please see a Board member for additional
information.
As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters. 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 - Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important. 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 - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!
- ALWAYS BE POSITIVE - Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities.
- REMEMBER: YOUR CHILD WANTS TO HAVE FUN - Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them. Don't 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. Children play for the fun of playing.
- REINFORCE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR - Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.
- DON'T BE A SIDELINE COACH OR REFEREE - Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support too. That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there's usually always an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself!
Refund Policy
A player is
eligible for a full refund under the following conditions:
1. The player can not
be placed on a team if:
A. There
are not enough coaches in their division
B. There
are not enough players to make a full team.
Players will be notified in writing,
their registration fees will be fully refunded, and the player will be placed
on a waiting list for that division.
2. The Registrar is notified
in writing of the player’s intent to drop.
The letter must be postmarked no later than
A. If an injury is sustained in the Fall
season, then the player will receive a Full refund (less National Registration
Fees), and the player will be placed on a waiting list for the Spring season.
B. If an injury is sustained in the Spring
season, no refund will be given if you are registered for the Full season. If
registered for Spring only, then partial refund (less
National Registration Fees) will be provided.
PLEASE NOTE: No refunds will be
completed until the Players uniform is returned and in good condition. Requests for refunds can be mailed to
Registrar, PO Box 582, Trenton, MI 48183
or emailed to Registrar.Boys@ayso205.org
If you have any further questions
regarding this matter, please contact the hotline @ 734.479.AYSO or
www.ayso205.org
AYSO NOTES
Notice:
Team Draft is not until July 17. Your child’s
coach will not know who is assigned to his / her team until this date. Please wait until August 1 if you have not
been contacted by a coach to call the hotline inquiring if your child has been
placed on a team. Coaches will be receiving their roster on July 17. Emailing your question to appropriate Board
member is the preferred / best method of communication. Go to www.ayso205.org
and click on the "Board" icon for a list of members.
The
following Division Age Breakdown applies to the 2007 - 2008 Season:
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Division |
Age |
Eligible
Birthdates |
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U15 |
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U12 |
10-11 |
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U10 |
8-9 |
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U8 |
6-7 |
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U6 |
5 |
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U5 |
4 |
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AYSO is a non-smoking and alcohol
free program. Please refrain from
smoking and drinking at all AYSO sponsored games and events.
Also, as much as we love our pets, for the safety and enjoyment of all,
no pets are permitted at any AYSO games or practices.
Equipment & Soccer Balls
The uniform (shirt, shorts and socks) will be distributed by your coach
before the start of the games. We
request that while the uniforms are in your possession that you will take good
care of them and return them in good condition.
Shirts and shorts are returned at the end of the year, but socks are for
the child to keep.
Shin Guards are required for both games and practices. Soccer shoes are highly recommended, but not mandatory. Baseball and metal-cleated shoes are not permitted.
Ball Sizes are
as follows:
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Age Group |
AYSO National Regulation |
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U5, U6 & U8 |
Size 3 |
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U10 & U12 |
Size 4 |
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U15 |
Size 5 |
