AYSO'S 6 PHILOSOPHIES
Ever since the founding of AYSO, the goal of the program is to make the game fun and as enjoyable as possible for players, coaches, and spectators alike. Because of this, the foundations of AYSO rest on these 6 philosophies:
EVERONE PLAYS: AYSO strives to make sure that all players have a chance to play. In a lot of sports, there are requirements that all the
players have an opportunity to play in game. AYSO has the requirement that all players must play AT LEAST 1/2 the game. In many regions, they take it a step further to upping the requirement that all kids, if possible, must play 3/4 of the game.
BALANCED TEAMS: Each year, regions try to make the teams in each division as balanced as possible. It is more fun when teams of equal strength play against each other. This is not always possible for one reason or another, but regions take note of this and try their hardest to learn from previous years to improve the process in future years.
OPEN REGISTRATION: A lot of sports programs limit registration by certain ages, genders, or even locations. AYSO allows for all children who wants to play soccer the opportunity to do just that. There is no residency requirements (potential players can live in one location and play in another region, even when there is one closer to their house), no elimination try-outs, and no cuts. In some regions, there are even programs for children who may have developmental or physical limitations that may prevent them from playing on a regular team.
POSITIVE COACHING: Positive, instructional, and encouraging. These are the key points expected of all coaches as they interact with their players. They have the most interaction with players and are the of the three-person team that helps mold our players (the other two being parents and referees).
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP: This is the number one expectation of all players, coaches, referees, and parents/spectators. In everything we all teach our players, good sportsmanship is at the top of the list. We keep practices and our fields as positive an environment as possible and expect our players to treat opponents, teammates, and coaches with respect at all times, on and off the field.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: The second goal of AYSO is to give all players the skills and knowledge they need to play the game to the best of their ability. It is hoped to give players the initial skills through AYSO they can use in any future endeavors of soccer, like in high school, club soccer.....and beyond.