AYSO Safe Haven Child and Volunteer Protection Training Online
All Coaches, Referees and Volunteers are required to complete the CDC Concussion Course found under the Safe Haven Training. In order to qualify as Certified in Safe Haven, you must either attend a Safe Haven Certification session and pass the test with a satisfactory score or complete the online certification and answer all of the questions correctly. Online Safe Haven Certification Child and Volunteer Protection course - required for all Coaches and Referees - can now be taken from home. In order to register for a course, you will need your AYSO ID number which can be found by logging into your Sports Connect account above and viewing your number under the volunteer section in your account, or by creating a new account and generating your ID number.
Volunteer Positions
When you register your child (or children) for AYSO, you will be asked to read the Volunteer Form and check off any jobs you feel would be appropriate, considering your interests and time available. Everyone plays, and everyone participates. Be a part of the team. If you have not yet been contacted to fill a specific position, there are still many volunteer jobs that need to be filled on the team level. For instance, each team needs to have the following positions filled in order to run smoothly:
Team Coach / Assistant Coach
Responsible for planning and conducting team practices and for planning and coordinating the team lineup during games. The coach is responsible for teaching the players soccer skills, team positions, and (in the older divisions) soccer tactics and strategies. The coach is the primary role model for the players, and as such, must maintain a positive attitude and demeanor before, during, and after practices and games. To assist the coach in gaining and improving his/her coaching skills, a series of coaching clinics is made available each year.
Referee / Assistant Referee
The refereeing crew is essential to the playing of the game. The referees have complete authority over all participants and are the only other individuals besides the players who can have the fun of being on the field during the game. Referees and Assistant Referees are trained in a referee clinic offered several times each year.
Team Parent
Responsible for taking the organizational pressure off the coach and his/her staff. The Team Parent is the primary communicator between the coach and parents and should oversee the people responsible for telephoning, carpooling, ordering sweatshirts, refreshments, parties, thank you gifts, and anything else that pertains to your specific team.
Field Maintenance
Coordinates field set up and take down; makes sure that all nets, field markings, corner flags and goalposts are at the field well ahead of time on the assigned set-up days, and that all equipment is returned in good condition to the storage area on assigned take down days; notifies the Field Equipment Manager (see Regional Board Members) of any problems or when supplies are getting low. Individuals may assist with any or all of the following tasks: install goalposts, haul dirt, plant grass, repair sprinklers, field markings, put up/remove/store goal nets, clean-up.
Team Photo Coordinator
Notifies parents of date, time and place for Picture Day. Organizes the team on the assigned day and distributes photos when they arrive. Usually, a date, time and place is as signed for absentees and picture retakes.
Picture Day Assistant
Assists with organizing team assembly areas and photographers. (September dates to be scheduled.)
Newsletters
Assist with the publication and distribution of regional news and events. Data entry, collating, reporting, photography, article writing, etc.
VIP Buddy
Help a special needs child on the field. Join the fun, be a part of the game. This award winning program is a great way to participate and make new friends.