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THE KIDS ZONE PLEDGE & KIDS ZONE PARENT PLEDGE

At AYSO, we want all players, coaches, families and volunteers to have fun. That’s where Kids Zone comes in. Kids Zone is a program that encourages fans on the sidelines, and anyone else near the play, to use positive language, show sportsmanship in their attitude and behavior, and create a great experience for every player. It’s a reminder that the soccer fields are a kid’s zone – a friendly, happy, wholesome place for children to play.

Regions that participate in the Kids Zone program typically place buttons and posters near the fields as helpful reminders that no matter how intense the game can be, kids need cheerful support from the sidelines. Then there’s the Kids Zone Pledge – parents and spectators are asked to sign the pledge and agree to the following guidelines:

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

When it comes down to it, Kids Zone is about supporting every child on the field - even those on the opposing team. It means supporting the players whether they win or lose. It means honoring the game – not the outcome of the game. Remember, respect starts with you!

AYSO Parent Pledge

As part of AYSO's education agenda, Kids Zone is a dynamic program targeted to eliminate negative sideline behavior. It is aimed towards producing a thoroughly positive impact on everyone involved in youth soccer. To make this program work, we need your help! We request AYSO parents sign the Kids Zone Parent Pledge that holds them to the Kids Zone standards.

CONCUSSION INFORMATION

Concussion -- Traumatic Brain Injury

Concussion, also known as minor head trauma or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. It is a risk of contact sports where players may collide with each other and objects on the field, and sustain blows to the head or body. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. In 2010 2.5 million TBIs occurred either as an isolated injury or along with other injuries.

A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.

CDC’s research and programs work to prevent TBI and help people better recognize, respond, and recover if a TBI occurs.

Recognizing the and Danger Signs When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

In rare cases, a person with a concussion may form a dangerous blood clot that crowds the brain against the skull. Contact your health care professional or emergency department right away if you see or experience these danger signs after a bump, blow, or jolt to your head or body:

Headache that gets worse and does not go away
Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
Repeated vomiting or nausea
Slurred speech
Look very drowsy or cannot wake up
Have one pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other
Have convulsions or seizures
Cannot recognize people or places
Getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated
Have unusual behavior
Loss of consciousness
Will not stop crying and are inconsolable

Do not delay in visiting an emergency room to be checked out if any of these signs are present.

For more information, visit the following sites:

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/parents/index.html

WHAT IS SAFE HAVEN?

AYSO’s Safe Haven: Keeping AYSO Players and Volunteers Safe

We take the safety of our athletes seriously. Precautions are taken on the field to prevent physical injuries, and precautions are taken off the field to ensure children and volunteers are safe in their interactions with each other.

AYSO’s Safe Haven program has been put in place to protect AYSO players and the volunteers who serve them. It requires that each AYSO volunteer complete and eSign a volunteer application each and every year, agreeing to background checks and to abide by the philosophies and policies of AYSO.

Every AYSO volunteer must apply and be accepted as a volunteer. Volunteers are also asked to complete Safe Haven and job specific training in order to become trained and certified. AYSO in-person or online training focuses on the best ways to work with children and important safety protocols. Becoming Safe Haven certified takes some time, but AYSO volunteers know it’s worth it.

AYSO is so proud of our Safe Haven program – it was the first of its kind in youth sports, most notably in soccer. It creates a safe environment for players and volunteers to have a happy and healthy soccer experience.

TRAINING

All AYSO Volunteers are required to take:

AYSO Safe Haven Training Course
Concussion Awareness Training
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training
SafeSport

Available on AYSOU from your Volunteer page.

Region SD's & CVPA'S

Safety Directors

Region 397 -  Jeff Tipton

Region 808 -  Martha Dima

Region 1258 - See Area Safety Director

Region 1315 -  Austin Tinsman

CVPAs

Region 397 - Krystal Pallotto

Region 808 - Victoria Dykstra

Region 1258 - James Willis

Region 1315 - Michelle Lawther

SOCCER ACCIDENT INSURANCE (SAI)

All AYSO currently registered* members (players, coaches, managers, team workers, referees, officials and volunteer workers) are “Covered Persons” for accidental bodily injury while participating in the following covered activities:

Team practice sessions, scheduled games, tournaments, or other sponsored activities (meetings, banquets, fundraisers) provided they are under the direct supervision of an AYSO registered volunteer.
Travel of covered members to and from a sponsored activity such as practice sessions, games, tournaments, or AYSO sanctioned activities, provided that players are traveling as a team and a licensed adult driver operates the vehicle.

Registration requirements will be verified before any benefits are paid.

For additional information, please click here: AYSO Soccer Accident Insurance Information