Welcome to another great season of soccer! I am extending a special welcome to our new Region 207 players, parents, and coaches. I hope that you will have a great time, make new friends, and learn more about the great sport of soccer.

I strongly encourage you to get involved with your child’s team. Talk with the coach or other volunteers to see how you can help. Volunteers are the heartbeat of AYSO. Everyone in Region 207 (including the Regional Commissioner, Board Members, Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Referees, Team Parents) is an unpaid volunteer who has made a commitment to help our organization be as excellent as it can be. Our region has many parents who volunteer help with different parts of the program. We are always in need of your help to keep your Region running smoothly.

We have an ongoing need for coaches and referees, as well as coordinators/directors for various aspects of our program. We provide free training and instruction material for all of our volunteers. We also need help marking fields on Friday evenings, collecting and distributing fundraising materials, assisting with scheduled registrations, manning the concessions stand, as well as setting up or taking down nets. We need help with phone calls to line up volunteers for various parts of the program. We need everyone’s help to keep litter picked up off the fields. Volunteering in AYSO is a great way to spend time with your child and make new friends!

If you have any questions or suggestions, please call our Region 207 phone number (262-6782)

or mail to:

AYSO Region 207

811 N. 18th

Wichita, KS 67203

Keep on Kicking -

______________________

Mark

Mark Johnson

Regional Commissioner

AYSO Region 207

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WHAT IS A.Y.S.O.?

History:

A.Y.S.O. stands for American Youth Soccer Organization. Five men dedicated to youth soccer & the development of caring, concerned American citizens founded AYSO in September 1964 in Torrance, California. These five men, Ted McLean, Steve Erdos, Bill Hughes, Ralph Acosta, & Hans Steirle became AYSO’s first executives. AYSO philosophies of “Everyone Plays”, “Balanced Teams”, “Open Registration”, “Positive Coaching”, & “Sportsmanship” have been role models for the development of many other sports programs. In 1964, AYSO’s family included only nine soccer teams & was limited to players 9 to 12 years old. In 1993, AYSO had grown to more than 400,000 players & over 200,000 dedicated volunteers. AYSO has also expanded its horizons to include soccer organizations in 41 states, players 4 through 18 years of age, & teams for children with special needs ( V.I.P. Program)

The AYSO Organization:

AYSO is governed by a national board of directors. AYSO’s national staff in Hawthorne, California work closely with the board of directors to provide services such as training, support for coaches, referees, & local volunteer administrators, computer registration, accounting, public affairs, accident reimbursement, manuals, supplies, & cultural exchange.
AYSO vision statement: To provide world-class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives.

AYSO Region Volunteer Staff:

The grass roots level of AYSO starts with individual AYSO Regions. Each Region is headed by a Regional Commissioner, who is responsible and authorized to conduct the business of the Region within the framework of AYSO’s philosophies, rules & regulations, & bylaws.

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Every position in AYSO is manned by a volunteer. The more volunteers the better the season will go.

Region Volunteers and Positions

Mark Johnson - Regional Commissioner presides over Region activities.

Ron Roenne- Assistant Regional Commissioner assists RC & presides over activities in RC’s absence.

Dan Riggs - Website Administrator develops and maintains the Region web site.

Jerome Ewald -Area VIP Coordinator organizes & coordinates VIP player program.

Larry Hurst - Regional Coach Administrator arranges coach training, education, & support.

- Regional Referee Administrator arranges referee training, education & support.

Lori Ransom -Registrar organizes & coordinates player registration, maintains the Region’s roster of players, & distributes team rosters to coaches.

Heather Syers - Treasurer keeps the Region books & disperses all funds.

__________ Concession Director procures & maintains supplies & staffing for the Concession Stand.

- Fields Director secures, prepares, & maintains the Region’s playing fields.

Misti Cruz -Equipment Director order & distribute equipment & uniforms.

------------------- Education Coordinator, Secretary assists with volunteer training & keeps meeting minutes

Amy Jasnoski - Child/Volunteer Protection Advocate

John Ryder -Safety Director coordinates Accident Reimbursement Program & addresses safety concerns

Phil or Peter Roennne - Newsletter Editor writes and distributes a weekly or bi-weekly newsletter.

- Fundraising Coordinator organizes & oversees fundraising activities.

---------------- Volunteer Recruitment Director coordinates volunteer recruitment & training for Region activities.

-----------------Volunteer Scheduler schedules available volunteers for Region 207 games

----------------- Librarian maintains & loans out education materials within the Region.

----------------- Regional Secretary records the minutes of board meetings.

----------------- Assistant Referee Administrator assists referee administrator, and schedule referees.

REFEREES & COACHES

Referees and coaches in AYSO are volunteers who have made a commitment to work with your child. Please offer them your support and assistance. These volunteers receive special training from certified Referee and Coach Instructors. Take a moment to thank them for all of their hard work.

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WHAT IS THE AYSO PHILOSOPHY?

The AYSO program today is concerned not only with offering youth an enriching, growing experience through soccer, but also with training and developing adult & youth volunteers who will carry on the traditions, goals, & philosophies of AYSO. Our mission is to provide FUN soccer programs where young people can develop a positive self-image, self-confidence, & other positive character traits through their interest and participation in soccer.

Everyone Plays:

Our goal is for ALL players to play soccer. Each player on every team must play at least half of every game. Our motto “Everyone Plays” is not just a slogan. In our Region, we expect every player to normally play at least three quarters of every game.

Balanced Teams:

AYSO requires that all teams be as balanced as possible. After registrations are entered in the computer, team selection is made by a blind computerized assignment process considering each player’s age, years playing & coach evaluation. Our goal is to place each child on a team with a cross-section of talent to make games more fun & challenging for all players.

Open Registration:

Our program is open to all children age 4 through 18 years by August 1st prior to the season start. Interest, enthusiasm, & the desire to have fun are the only criteria for playing. Region 207 is the central location for the area VIP (Very Important Player) program for players starting at age 4 with no limit on age for those who have disabilities.

Positive Coaching:

AYSO requires that all volunteers maintain a positive attitude during all interactions with players, parents, and other volunteers. Coaches are encouraged to support each player on the team, to set a good example, to make only positive comments, to teach the importance of playing your best, & to help players discover the rewards of playing soccer. We train and encourage our coaches to make an extra effort to understand & offer positive encouragement, rather than criticisms.

Sportsmanship:

Good sportsmanship begins with the attitude of coaches and parents, extending down to the players. Player’s model behaviors they see in their own family & coaches. Winning is NOT the most important factor in this soccer program. Working together as a team & treating others with respect are goals of AYSO.

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REGISTRATION

How Do I Register My Child?

Registration is held in July, August, February and May. Check our web site for times and location, or call 262-6782. You can also go to our website and register at eAYSO.org print a registration form and mail it with the fees. Fees may be paid by check or cash. Players may not play or practice until officially registered in the Region, due to AYSO national guidelines & insurance coverage.

Registration fees:

· $85.00: one player

· $165.00: two players, same family

· $240.00: three players, same family

· Add $75.00: each additional player, same family

Where Does the Money Go?

Funds are raised by region registration fees, fundraisers, & donations to cover the following:

· National AYSO fees (insurance, support, & services)

· Area fee to cover postage & supplies for clinics & mailings

· Player uniform (shirt, shorts, socks, & shin guards)

· Soccer ball & goalkeeper shirt for each team

· ALL Region supplies (nets, field marking equipment, repairs, concession stand supplies, restroom facilities, postage and photocopying, volunteer training materials, rental of facilities for meetings, coach and referee training materials, etc.)

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Age Groups:

V.I.P. ages 4 –no age limit #4 ball

Under 6 ages 4 -5 3 players/no goalkeeper #3 ball

Under 8 ages 6-7 4 players + goalkeeper #3 ball

Under 10 ages 8-9 6 players + goalkeeper #4 ball

Under 12 ages 10-11 8 players + goalkeeper #4 ball

Under 14 ages 12-13 10 players + goalkeeper #5 ball

Under 16 ages 14-15 10 players + goalkeeper #5 ball

Under19 ages 16-18 10 players + goalkeeper #5 ball

What Team Is My Child On?

Parents may find out what team their child or children are on during the September pre-season Parent’s Meeting. Parents unable to attend this meeting will be contacted by their child’s coach. If you haven’t heard from a coach a week before the season starts call 262-6782.

Communication:

Information about upcoming events can be found in our Region 207 Newsletters, which are available from your player’s coach several times during the season and on our Website (www.ayso207.org). If you change address or phone number during the season, please send this in writing to our Region, so we may change this information in the computer. Also, let your child’s coach know of changes in address or phone number(s).

When is the Season?

Our season starts each fall and continues in the spring. Players stay on the same team for fall and spring sessions. Registration fees includes both fall & spring sessions. Games are on Saturdays, approximately nine games each fall & spring, starting the second week of September, ending the around the first of November. Teams take a break over the winter, resuming play the second week of March, ending in May. Younger age teams generally play on our home fields. Under 19 to Under 10 usually have some away games. All VIP games are played at our Region 207 fields (9^th Street at Dougherty).

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Game & Practice Schedules:

You will be notified by your child’s coach about practice and game schedules. The best way to have input into the location, date, and time of practices is to volunteer as a coach, assistant coach, or to help with your child’s team. Remember, that your child’s coach is a volunteer, and has other obligations also. Please let your child’s coach know when your child will miss a practice or game.

What If the Weather is Bad?

Region 207 will cancel home games when the weather is bad (rain with lightening, threatening weather, wind chill below 32 degrees, or rain with temperature below 50 degrees F. If you are unsure whether your players game is cancelled, please check the Region 207 website or call 262-6782. Coaches are responsible for contacting players and the opposing coach when games are cancelled, and if make-up games are scheduled. If you have an away game check that regions website or info phone number.

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FINDING OTHER REGIONS HOME FIELDS

· Region 49: Stryker Fields. These fields are located at 29^th Street North and Greenwich. Click here for a map of the fields. www.ayso49.org

· Region 105: 47^th & Meridian (north side of street) www.ayso105.org

· Region 208: Ridge at 13^th Street in Wichita. www.ayso208.org

· Region 253 - Halstead: (Allow 50 minutes travel time). www.ayso253.org

Go north on I-235. Take K-96 west toward Hutchinson. You will pass the city of Maize in

about 7 miles. Continue 5 miles past Maize. Turn north on Halstead Road. Continue 12

miles to Halstead. (You will go through Bentley.) When you reach Halstead, turn right on

Sixth Street. Go several blocks. The schools (& soccer fields) will be on the right side by the

Halstead water tower)

· Region 253 - Sedgwick: (Allow 30-40 minutes travel time.)

Go north on I-135 to 101^st Street exit. Turn west on 101^st Street. Turn north on Meridian.

Turn west on 125^th Street. Turn north on Ridge Road. The soccer fields are one block west,

by Sedgwick High School.

· Region 253 - Valley Center: Wheatland Elementary School, 800 Meadow Rd. Turn west off of Meridian onto 5^th street, turn right (northwest) onto Interurban, turn right (east) onto Meadow Road. Click here to see a map.

· Region 491 – Clearwater: www.ayso491.org

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SOCCER SAFETY:

As you well know, Kansas weather can be very hot & very cold during our soccer season. Please be sure your players are dressed appropriately for the weather. Sweatshirts & sweatpants (or biking pants) may be worn under the player’s regular uniform. Be sure your child has on sunscreen & brings a water bottle to each practice & game. Water is the best drink for your child during practices & games. Information about chronic medical conditions (diabetes, asthma, seizures, etc.) must also be included on your player’s registration form.

Shin guards are mandatory safety equipment throughout the world for soccer. Players without shin guards will not be allowed to play. Referees check player’s equipment before games. (Experienced soccer parents keep soccer gear such as water bottles, shin guards, extra socks, & sunscreen in their cars throughout the soccer season!) Players may wear regulation shoes, gym shoes, or sneakers with or without rubber cleats, but WITHOUT a hard side weld or toe cleat. If you choose to purchase cleats, chose soccer shoes, (different than baseball or football cleats). Players will be asked to remove any jewelry, earrings, watches, necklaces, wristbands, hair clips, & barrettes during practices & games. Players should not get their ears pierced during the season, unless parents are willing to ensure that they are able to remove earrings at practices & games. Players with hard casts or splints will not be allowed to play. Players may not remove casts or splints in order to play.

AYSO Accident Reimbursement Plan:

If a registered coach, referee, or player is injured during a game or practice, he/she is covered under the AYSO Accident Reimbursement Plan. If an injury occurs, the parent/guardian should contact the Region’s Safety Director, the coach, the Regional Commissioner, or the Regional Referee Administrator for assistance in filling out a Preliminary Accident Report Form.

This reimbursement plan only covers players & volunteers who have been officially registered through the Region’s Registrar. The purpose is to reimburse participants for a portion of qualified medical expenses not covered by family insurance. The player’s family is responsible for the deductible (see brochure). Our concern is to see that no one suffers unreasonable losses as a result of participation in AYSO. Make sure you read the brochure about the AYSO Accident Reimbursement Plan that you received at registration. This will avoid any confusion should you need to file a claim. If a player, coach or referee is injured, all claims need to be filed as soon as possible. This cannot be over-emphasized! Please contact me if you have any questions!!!

John Ryder, Safety Director

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SOCCER CONDUCT:

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER!!! Improper conduct on the part of players, coaches, & spectators can result in a caution (yellow card) or ejection (red card). The referee will deal directly with the players & coaches. However, because the coaches are responsible for their team spectators, the referee will attempt to resolve all problems with spectators by talking to the coaches. Continued improper conduct can result in suspension of the game until the involved person leaves the field. This includes spectators, parents & coaches. Only positive coaching & positive comments will be allowed.

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THE ROLE THAT PARENTS PLAY:

Your role, as parents, has a tremendous impact on your child’s experiences as he or she participates in sports. Here are some reminders from our coaches.

LET THE COACHES COACH & LET THE REFS REF:

Leave coaching to the coaches & the refereeing to the referees. This includes motivating your child up for practice, critiquing the game, setting goals, requiring additional training, etc. You have entrusted your player to the coach, & the coach needs to be free to do his/her job. Too many coaches confuse a player & performance usually declines. If you are having trouble with a coach or referee call the coach or the referee administrator for assistant.

SUPPORT THE PROGRAM:

Get involved & help with fundraisers, coaching, refereeing, carpooling, marking fields, helping keep fields clean, anything YOU can do to support your program.

BE YOUR CHILD’S BEST FAN:

Support your child unconditionally. Give positive encouragement at all times. Do not withdraw your love when your child performs poorly. Your child should never have to earn your love.

SUPPORT THE ENTIRE TEAM:

Foster teamwork. Your child’s teammates are not the enemy. When teammates are playing better than your child, your child has a wonderful opportunity to learn. Root for all the players.

AVOID BRIBES:

Bribes distract your child from concentrating properly on practice and game situations.

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ENCOURAGE DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH THE COACH:

If your child is having difficulties in practice or games, must miss a practice or game, etc., encourage him or her to speak directly to the coach. This “responsibility taking” allows your child to claim ownership, & develops communication skills & self-confidence.

DISPLAY APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR:

Be an appropriate role model. Children mimic the behavior they see in parents, coaches, & other players. By keeping these behaviors positive & encouraging, children learn behaviors that are acceptable both on & off the field. Arguments & negative behaviors also distract your child from focusing on the parts of the game that he or she can control, & your child will not play up to his ability.

KEEP SOCCER IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE:

Soccer should not be larger than life for you. Remember your relationship with your child will continue long after soccer days are over. Keep your goals & needs separate from your child’s experience.

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES:

INDEX

Letter to Parents

WHAT IS A.Y.S.O.?