Kansas City Northland
AYSO Youth Soccer Region #1161
Everyone Plays / Balanced Teams / Open Registration
Positive Coaching / Good Sportsmanship / Player Development
AYSO Parent Orientation Video:
Watch the Kids Zone
video here
Kids Zone
As part of AYSO's education agenda, Kids Zone is a dynamic program targeted to eliminate negative sideline behavior. It is aimed toward producing a thoroughly positive impact on everyone involved in youth soccer. To execute this program, three basic elements are involved:
The Badge: This is a pin-on button bearing the program's logo. This will be worn by program supporters at games, and will serve as a reminder of the importance of positive sideline behavior.
The Sign: A large sign, which lists positive behavior standards, will be posted at the entrance of participating fields. Parents and spectators who will abide by these standards are welcome; all others are not.
The Pledge: We will request AYSO parents to sign a pledge that holds them to the Kids Zone standards.
Helpful Links for Parents:
* Frequently Asked Questions
* Parents' Code
* 10 Things Kids Say They Don't Want Their Parents to Do
* Soccer Terms, Phrases, Slang, and Abbreviations
* AYSO ABC's
* PCA Sports Parents Tools
* Positive Discipline
A Note To Parents About Youth Referees
We have several young players who have expressed an interest in the noble art of refereeing, and these 12-18 year olds have been great about refereeing many games. However, it has come to our attention that many of these trained refs have received less-then-respectful treatment from parents of some of the players.
Parents, please remember that, regardless of age, the referee is in charge of the game. We highly encourage parents to cheer for their teams, and to model good sportsmanship by respecting the decisions of the coaches and the referees. The primary goal in AYSO is for the players to have fun, and score is not kept in the younger age divisions, as the players are still learning the concepts of the game.
If you have questions or concerns about certain calls made by the referee, please make a note of your question, and bring it to the attention of a Regional Board Member or one of our adult referees for further handling.
Thank you for your consideration.
AYSO 1161 Regional Board
Parents Code
As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters.
Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In AYSO, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat - all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.
SUPPORT YOUR CHILD
Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important.
Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!
ALWAYS BE POSITIVE
Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities.
REMEMBER: YOUR CHILD WANTS TO HAVE FUN
Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them.
Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team. Children play for the fun of playing.
REINFORCE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR
Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.
DON'T BE A SIDELINE COACH OR REFEREE
Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support too.
That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there's usually always an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one
