RoadShow FAQ
NOTE: This is a working document. It contains those questions we've identified to date and the answers as we know them at this time. It is highly likely that other questions and ideas will arise as the planning process for AYSO RoadShow proceeds. We will add those to this document as they arise. If questions remain, please direct them to tomtobin@ayso.org or call 800-872-2976 x7945.
What is it?
Beginning in 2010, AYSO is embarking on a nationwide initiative designed to place greater emphasis on and raise the awareness of the importance of training and education to the overall success of AYSO programs nationwide. Many Sections and Areas already conduct significant training. It is expected and encouraged that such training efforts will continue. Beginning in 2010, the Sections will organize and coordinate one, two or more additional local training events focused on parts of the Section where the need for additional support has been identified. Each of these additional training events will be known as an AYSO RoadShow. If requested by the Section Director, the National budget will kick in with financial subsidies and outside instructors to help make a RoadShow event a success.
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What will they include?
Research into our training records reveals huge gaps in the delivery of AYSO’s basic training courses in all disciplines. Far too many Regions/Areas have conducted no training in any discipline over the last two years. So, it makes sense that, in this first year, this nationwide training initiative should focus on increasing core competencies across all disciplines in those places where it’s not previously been delivered. It is expected that training will focus on U-6, U-8, U-10 and U-12 Coach courses, Basic and Intermediate Referee courses, and the Management courses for the seven required Regional Board positions. In Areas where the need for core training is already being met and where there are ample numbers of already-trained and qualified volunteers, instructor courses can also be held. In subsequent years, as members gain knowledge and skill, the scope of these additional events will be expanded. It is possible that player clinics, Instructor Courses, Development presentations, and workshops or roundtables could be included as part of the agenda for a RoadShow event, but we (i.e., the National, Section and Area people responsible for Program delivery) must not lose focus on our primary objectives or stretch the limits of our ability to present the highest quality AYSO experience possible.
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What form will these additional training events take?
AYSO has always said that training can take place at any time convenient for the instructor or the volunteers. Traditionally, these efforts vary from a single course, conducted by a single instructor to a relatively small number of attendees on a single day on up to a Section-sponsored Super Camp, featuring a battery of courses across all disciplines conducted simultaneously in a single location over a full weekend (sometimes involving overnight stays for some or all of the participants). So, the additional training events could take any of those formats and conduct the needed training that fits into the available time.
We envision that these additional training opportunities will be true events. We see them as multi-disciplinary and thus ought to attract a greater number of AYSO members than single discipline training courses. They should be a showcase for the AYSO experience, and those who attend should leave pumped up about AYSO, more confident of their role in it and proud to be a part of such a great organization.
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How will the additional events be financed?
Once the date(s), times and content for an additional training event are identified, and a local coordinator appointed by the Section Director or his/her designee, the staff at the National Office will work with the coordinator to develop the budget for the event. Experience has shown that attendees are more likely to attend and participate when they are invested in the experience, so these additional training opportunities will likely have a minimum charge that must be paid by the attendee (but which can be reimbursed by the attendee’s Region following completion of the training) or directly paid by the Region in advance. The exact amount of this “registration fee” for a RoadShow event and the mechanism for its collection will be worked out between the National Office and the Section on a case by case basis.
$10,000 per Section has been set aside from the National budget to offset the actual, reasonable costs of conducting the training that exceed the amount paid by the attendees at the RoadShows. In most cases this will come in the form of a reimbursement to the Region, Area or Section conducting the training event after a final accounting is submitted to the National Office. On a case by case basis where local discretionary funds are limited, the National Office may authorize a partial advance payment as seed money to cover start up costs.
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How many additional training events will there be?
Two additional training events per Section seem to be a reasonable undertaking the first year out. However, if a Section has adequate resources ready and available, additional training events can be scheduled as long as the overall budget is not exceeded.
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How will the additional training events be staffed?
The AYSO RoadShow should focus on building the AYSO brand in the eyes and minds of the membership through these events. So we must put our best foot forward. All instructors at the additional training events are to be currently registered AYSO volunteers and most, if not all, should have AYSO Advanced or National Instructor certification. If the Section or Area determines it wants or will need to use outside instructors, the National Office will arrange for an Advanced or National Instructor to attend the event and coordinate their travel and lodging needs.
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How will the locations and dates for these additional training events be determined?
The Section staff will have the responsibility for identifying locations and dates for these additional training events.
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How will the AYSO National sponsors be involved?
The Marketing Department has been in contact with National Sponsors to try to gauge interest. This will likely occur on an event by event basis – largely driven by the expected attendance. Many events will not likely be large enough for a national sponsor to justify the expense of attending in person. They may, however, send collateral or other give-away items for distribution to the attendees. Herbalife may be an exception as they may connect a local distributor who may be interested in providing one or more refreshment breaks. If collateral or give-away items are sent there needs to be an assurance it will be distributed to the attendees.
As an example of the involvement of National Sponsors, marketing has arranged for Score to provide, as part of their national sponsorship, a generic instructor polo shirt for use at these RoadShow events. There will be no charge to the event for a reasonable number of these instructor shirts. In addition, Sport Pins has designed and made a commemorative pin that can be given to all in attendance. RoadShow event coordinators should contact FeShea McLaughlin at the National Office, 800-872-2976 X7925 or FeSheaMcLaughlin@ayso.org, if they wish to secure these items for their event.
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What about local sponsors and vendors? Can we use them at a RoadShow event?
Event coordinators have always had the freedom to approach local sponsors and vendors to support their training events. These local sponsors may be willing to provide a commodity or service for free (e.g., the local coffee store could provide coffee and tea; or a local pizzeria might donate food in exchange for giving each attendee a money-off coupon for future purchases; etc.) or might pay a fee or share in revenue they generate from being attached to the event. That being said, at these events, there can’t be any local sponsor that is in the same category as a national one (e.g., uniform provider). The event coordinator should check first with the Marketing Dept. at the National Office (see the number above) to see if the presence of a local sponsor might present a conflict.
