Region 89 -- Zero Tolerance Attitude

Sports can be a wonderful part of growing up in the American society. Some of the good reasons to be involved in sports are to have fun, learn physical skills, become a part of a team and to learn what it means to be a good sport. When these things happen, the experience is good for everyone involved.

In AYSO, we want our youth soccer program to be safe, fun, and fair for both the children and the youth and adult volunteers. AYSO like many successful organizations has a mission statement. It reads, "The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) develops and delivers quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based upon on our five philosophies." The five AYSO philosophies are:

1. Everyone Plays
2. Balanced Teams
3. Positive Coaching
4. Open Registration
5. Good Sportsmanship

To ensure that we have a positive season and that the above environment exists, we need everyone's help in developing a Zero Tolerance Attitude towards disrespectful and discourteous behavior. We have had a small number of incidents this season when players, coaches, referees and parents have forgotten about their responsibility to show the respect and courtesy necessary to have a successful season.

How can you help with our Zero Tolerance Attitude?

1. Be a role model of respect and courtesy.
2. Encourage others, reminding them when necessary, to show respect and courtesy to others, as they would like to be shown if they were in the other person's position.
3. Make only positive statements to players on our team.
4. Cheer for the good plays of all players, including opponents.
5. Do not criticize referees about calls with which you may disagree, whether or not you are right and the referee is wrong. Thank them after the game.

We cannot allow yelling at the referee at any moment. They are human and bound to make a mistake once in awhile. They don't criticize the coach for playing his players out of position or parents for way they raise their kids. Lets show each other a little respect.

Violation of our Zero Tolerance Attitude means that players, coaches, referees and parents may be suspended for one or more games for failure to show proper respect and courtesy to others.

Referees will issue cautions (yellow cards) immediately to the coach for the first critical or negative comment (his/hers or their parents) directed at players or the referee. The second will result in dismissal (red card) from the game and a review by the league's executive board.

Unruly parents shall be asked to leave the game area and the game suspended until they leave.

Players are expected to refrain from unkind words and actions toward other or opponents and commenting about the referee's calls. Players could be suspended for the balance of the quarter (depending on age level, i.e. U-8 and younger), the game or the season for inappropriate behavior.

Complaints about referees are to be sent to the team's divisional representative who will contact the referee administrator. The referee administrator and his staff will work to correct and improve the referee's ability. If there is a behavioral problem with the referee, the league's executive board will review that situation and the referee may be suspended for one or more games.

Teams that do not properly participate in the sportsmanship handshake by activities such as, but not limited to, spitting in their hands prior to the handshake, if verified, will be suspended as a team from their next game and that game will be declared a forfeit.

From a positive perspective, Zero Tolerance Attitude means that we will maintain the fun, family environment that makes our soccer program the best around and fulfill our mission. Please join me in making this season an enjoyable one.

Keep Kicking and remember that it is only a game...