Keeping AYSO In The Kids Zone

By: Sahar Milani

The role of parents and fans in AYSO is to be cheerleaders not critics. Kids Zone^® is a unique AYSO program that reminds everyone how important that cheerleading role is.

Kids Zone^® includes a parent pledge that moms and dads sign to commit to positive, encouraging behavior when they’re watching their children play soccer. It also includes field signs, buttons and other game-day reminders.

Kids Zone^® is all about providing AYSO players with a safe, friendly and fun environment to learn soccer. In all sports, players learn by trying new things. Sometimes they’ll succeed, sometimes they won’t. Those sideline critics who scream instructions at players or criticize the coaches or referees make it harder to learn, and equally important, make the experience less fun for everyone. And your player won’t want to try a new technique or skill the next time.

An important aspect of Kids Zone^® is the Parent’s Pledge. It covers six very important items for creating a fun and safe atmosphere for AYSO players to develop their skills.

Parents agree to be on time or early when dropping off and picking up a child for a practice or game. Remember, it’s embarrassing for children to have to wait for mom and dad to pick them up. And by dropping off your child late for practice, you put him at physical risk by not providing enough time for a proper warm-up.

Parents are reminded that the three reasons that kids play sports are to have fun, make new friends and learn new skills. Parents must understand that the game is for the kids, and it’s their job to encourage their child to have fun. Athletes do their best when they are emotionally healthy!

Parents will redefine the word “winner.” A winner is someone who makes maximum effort, continues to learn and improve, and does not let mistakes stop them.

Parents will honor the game by setting an example of sportsmanship. Parents should show respect to everyone involved in the game from players to coaches to referees. Everyone makes mistakes—including coaches and referees. That’s how everybody learns!

Parents agree to cheer, leaving the coaching to the coaches. During games, kids are over-stimulated. The coach is giving instructions, teammates and opponents are talking, the crowd is cheering, and the referee is blowing the whistle. A parent’s instructions yelled from the sideline just adds to the confusion.

Parents will promise not to make any negative comments about the game, coaches, referees or teammates in their child’s presence. Working with your team and Region and following these six important steps will help create an atmosphere that makes AYSO a fun learning environment. More importantly, your children will look forward to their next AYSO game! Let your Region know you support Kids Zone^®.