All AYSO Coaches must complete the Safe Haven certification.  This ensures that the well-being of the child is placed first, the philosophies of AYSO are understood and teaches the coaches risk management to avoid putting themselves in positions hazardous to themselves and the children.  It is also part of the requirements to be covered under the Volunteer Protection Act.

AGE-SPECIFIC TRAINING - 6U, 8U, 10U & 12U COACH

These four coaching courses focus on working with the player in these age divisions to create a fun learning environment.  Coaches in U6, U8, U10 & U12 must have the age specific  coach certification for the age they are coaching.  There are no substitutes nor will higher level courses satisfy the requirement.  These courses have no pre-requisite and may be taken individually or in any order.

INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED AND NATIONAL COACH

These upper level courses build upon each other, thus a coach with the Advanced Coach certification may also coach teams needing only the Intermediate Coach certification.  However, these do not confer the age-specific certification needed to coach 6U-12U.  A coach who holds an Intermediate Coach or above certification and wishes to coach in 10U, must also hold a 10U Coach certification.  14U coaches must have at least the Intermediate Coach certification.  16U and 19U coaches must have the Advanced Coach certification.  The National Coach certification is for coaches who desire to further advance their skills and offer a greater level of support to their region.

CROSS CERTIFICATION FROM USSF

For coaches who hold a USSF license and a substantial coaching history, cross certification is available.  Unfortunately, we do not offer cross certification from NSCAA diplomas, FA levels or other organizations at this time.  Coaches with the USSF Youth Modules or a USSF 'F' license may apply for 6U-12U certification.  Those holding a USSF 'E' license issued after January 1, 2012 may apply for the intermediate certificate, and those holding a USSF 'D' license issued after January 1, 2013 or a National 'A', 'B' or 'C' license may apply for the advanced certificate.  Applicants must be recommended by the Regional Commissioner and the area and section coach administrators before the application packet is sent to the AYSO National office to be approved by the AYSO National Coach.  Please contact your Regional Coach Administrator for more information.  The full procedure is described in the AYSO Reciprocity Equivalency Agreement.

For all classes please visit the listed website for more details, registration, and contact information. Pre-registration is not required unless specified. Classes with low enrollment may be cancelled at the class start time or a couple of days before. Unless otherwise noted, please sign up for the class in advance through AYSOU.

It is normally advantageous to attend a course offered in your own region, as the class will be closer, you will have more opportunity to meet coaches in your city, and will get region-specific information about your region's policies and practices. You may attend any AYSO course anywhere to receive coach training and certification.

Many classes have a fee associated with them.  For AYSO classes within Area 1S: These fees are for those volunteers from outside Area 1S.  If you are a volunteer from outside Area 1S , please bring a check (no cash please) made out to "AYSO Area 1S" or to the region conducting the training.  Area 1S volunteers do not need to bring a check for any training within the area as all regions have agreed to pay directly any costs of their volunteers attending AYSO classes within the area.  Area 1S volunteers are those from one of the regions listed on our Area 1S Regions page.

Be aware that to be covered under the Volunteer Protection Act you must be certified and trained by attending at least five classes:

1. Safe Haven Training
2. Concussion Awareness Training
3. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training
4. SafeSport Training (annual update required)
5. Age specific Training

For example, if you coach in a 6U or 8U division you must attend a 8U course.  A 12U course will only cover those coaching in 12U.  Also note that an intermediate or advanced certificate does not confer all lower age-specific certifications.  Therefore a coach who holds a 12U and intermediate certificate and wishes to coach 10U, must then get a 10U certificate.  Most regions hold to this as minimum coaching requirements.