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American Youth Soccer Organization Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

AYSO Section 2

BECOME A VOLUNTEER



Volunteer with AYSO today! 

AYSO runs on the power of our volunteers! With over 100,000 parents, neighbors, relatives, and friends lending their time and talents, each child gets a terrific AYSO experience. Help make a difference in the lives of the kids in your community today! Ready to play? 

Become an AYSO Coach

AYSO has developed special training to help volunteers who may have little or no soccer experience quickly gain the age-appropriate knowledge and skills they need to become outstanding coaches. To become an AYSO coach, you must be certified in the age level you will be coaching.

Become an AYSO Referee

The referee’s job is to be the official in charge of the game. A referee’s authority extends to everyone at the field, including players, substitutes, team officials, spectators, and even assistant referees. AYSO Referees keep the game safe, fair and fun for everyone: the players, the coaches, the spectators, and themselves!

Become an AYSO Administrator

Every AYSO Region is led by a team of administrators and a Region Board who help with strategy and implementation of creating a great soccer program for your community. If you are interested in serving in these and other important volunteer positions, contact your local AYSO Regional Commissioner today.

OUR AYSO REFEREES

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

AYSO Volunteer Application Form in Sports Connect

Any person wishing to volunteer in AYSO must complete an AYSO Volunteer Application Form each year and submit an e-signed copy to the region.

Complete Background Check with Sterling Volunteers

Every volunteer must complete and pass a criminal background check with Sterling Volunteers. All requested information must be provided by the applicant. Criminal background checks ensure the safety of our children. After you complete your Volunteer Application you will receive an email from Sterling Volunteers with instructions for completing your background check.
AYSO’s Background Check Policy

Complete AYSO's Safe Haven Course

Safe Haven is a training session that focuses on safety and appropriate behavior with children. This course is taken online at AYSOU.

CDC HEADS UP Concussion Training

All on field volunteers must complete the CDC Concussion Awareness course on AYSOU.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Online Course

All on field volunteers must complete this course.

SafeSport Training

The 2017 SafeSport Act has expanded Mandated Reporters to include adults authorized to interact with children. Due to this expansion, that includes AYSO and it requires training on child abuse and mandated reporting.

AYSO’s Summary of the Laws of the Game

Found on AYSOU this course is required for all Referee Volunteers. It is highly recommended for all Coach Volunteers.

Referee Volunteers

Each Referee is required to attend a live in person training session with one of our Referee Trainers. Before every season we hold referee training for all of our new referees. Instructions for registering for in person training is below.

Coach Volunteers

All Coaches, including Assistant Coaches, must be age appropriately certified. Refer to the chart below to verify which training courses you need to complete in order to coach in each division. Some coaches may be able to complete this certification online. Other coaches will be required to participate in an in person training.

DivisionRequired CourseFormatPrerequisites
4U PlaygroundPlayground and Schoolyard Soccer Program LeaderOnlineSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, SafeSport
5U SchoolyardPlayground and Schoolyard Soccer Program LeaderOnlineSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, SafeSport
6U6U Coaching TrainingOnline and/or In PersonSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, SafeSport
8U8U Coaching TrainingOnline and/or In PersonSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, SafeSport
10U10U Coaching Training & Field SessionCombined Online & In PersonSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, SafeSport
12U12U Coaching Training Pre Course & Field SessionCombined Online & In PersonSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, , SafeSport, 10U Coach
14UIntermediate Coach Pre-Course & Field SessionCombined Online & In PersonSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, , SafeSport, 12U Coach


AYSO COACH EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS

SAFE HAVEN


How does AYSO protect its volunteers and athletes?

Safe Haven™ is a program designed to address a growing need for child and volunteer protection. There are four elements in the Safe Haven™ intervention cycle: Create Policies, Screen Volunteers, Train Volunteers, and Promote Education and Awareness. These are intended to stop child abuse and its agents before they get into the program.  In AYSO, children play in a friendly and safe environment.

The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 

This law grants immunity from certain types of prosecution for volunteers who meet its requirements. In order to receive full protection under the law, AYSO volunteers need must: 1. be properly trained and certified; 2. be performing duties as laid out in a position description; 3. act within the scope of AYSO's Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines.

Thank you for volunteering. Feel free to contact your Region's Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate with any questions or assistance you may need.


  1. Kids are No. 1
  2.  Fun, not winning is everything.
  3.  Fans only cheer, and only coaches coach.
  4.  No yelling in anger.
  5.  Respect the volunteer referees.
  6.  No swearing or abusive behavior.
  7.  No alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
  8.  No weapons.
  9.  Leave no trash behind.
  10.  Set a proper example of sportsmanship.

National Partners

Section Address

American Youth Soccer Organization - Section 2

Duston Denver - S2 Director 
   

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Phone : 541-936-0579
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