Coaches are essential to the game. They teach children soccer skills and help develop a healthy, positive attitude, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Coaching is a rewarding experience because you have the opportunity to build a child's self-esteem, help them learn new skills and just have a lot of fun.

Contact your Region's Coach Administrator or Regional Commissioner if you are ready to become a coach. AYSO offers many resources to coaches for training and answering questions they have on the national Coaches Resources page.

Some useful forms are available here:

• Intermediate Coach Training Plan
• Match Analysis Worksheet
• Player Analysis Worksheet

Many States have recently passed Concussion Awareness & Safety Laws. Key elements from State legislation:

• Information: Need to inform parents and players about concussions.
• Training: Require Concussion Awareness Training for “Officials” (e.g., Coaches, Referees, RCs, etc.) similar to the Center for Disease Control’s online course.
• Participation Release: Most laws require a “Medical Release” before a player suspected of having a concussion may return to play.

Best practices and policies have been developed for AYSO as a whole and for local programs impacted by new laws.  You will find information at AYSO’s Concussion Safety including:

• AYSO/CDC Parent/Athlete Concussion Information Sheet – distribution & signature of Parent/Athlete.
• Concussion Awareness Training utilizing materials from the CDC - Coaches, Referees, Region/Area/Section Board Members.
• Participation Release Form before player suspected of concussion may return to participate. 

Coaches are required to be a Registered Volunteer, and Safe Haven trained - these are the basics for you to have interactions with our children.  You must enroll in a region course or take the Safe Haven course online at AYSOU.  Login from your My Account > Volunteer page. Proof of Safe Haven course completion is required.

Thank you in advance for your time and being part of our children's lives as a properly trained AYSO volunteer.

Questions or comments about Area Coaching? Email the Area Coach Administrator