FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S)
WHY IS AYSO DIFFERENT?
Our mission is to provide quality youth soccer programs where everyone builds positive character through participation in a fun, family-oriented soccer environment. AYSO's five philosophies separate us from the pack:
Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship
( ABC's of AYSO )
WHAT SERVICES DOES OUR NATIONAL OFFICE OFFER?
We're here to assist you in managing your program at many levels. The AYSO National Support & Training Center (NSTC) provides a professional staff able to provide you with answers and solutions. The NSTC provides:
- educational resources
- centralized accounting and registration functions
- sponsorship and fund raising assistance
- communications resources
- free WinAYSO registration software
WHAT ABOUT TRAINING?
If AYSO had a middle name it would be "Training." AYSO has programs to train coaches, referee, and program administrators at various levels. We also provide excellent parent education materials. Best of all, we provide administrator training free of charge and coach and referee training can be worked into program budgets so that volunteers don't have to pay for their own training!
WHAT'S IT COST TO JOIN?
Local AYSO programs charge what is necessary to cover their expenses plus a $11.75 per player fee to AYSO National. There are never any coach or referee fees assessed by AYSO National.
WHAT'S SAI?
SAI, or Soccer Accident Insurance, assists with medical costs above a member's own insurance for injuries sustained during AYSO soccer games and practices. SAI applies to players, coaches, referees and all registered volunteers in the program at no extra cost. In addition to SAI, AYSO provides general liability insurance for all approved activities as well as fidelity bond insurance.
CAN WE KEEP OUR BOARD?
Very little changes in your existing program structure once you are accepted as an AYSO Region. Since we're a volunteer organization, the paid-status employees in your existing program may change.
WHAT ABOUT PAID LOCAL STAFF?
AYSO's achieved success by being a volunteer organization. Positions in AYSO are held by volunteer staff with very few exceptions (e.g. a program that is part of a park & recreation department would maintain its paid Park & Recreation Department administration). Newly joined programs transitioning from paid staff to volunteers find that any loss of personnel is more than made up with volunteers within two years.
CAN WE JOIN WITH ONLY ONE TEAM?
You can certainly join AYSO with your single team, however, teams and individuals are enrolled into their local AYSO Region which helps ensure the kids have fun and that our commitment to the "Balanced Teams" philosophy is maintained.
CAN WE STILL PLAY IN TOURNAMENTS?
Most definitely! AYSO has tournaments all year-round. The scope of AYSO tournaments is determined by the tournament host, however, we encourage all AYSO tournaments be open to any team who wants to play.
HOW DO WE JOIN?
Contact the Development Office at the AYSO National Support & Training Center:
- 1-800-872-2976
- e-mail: development@ayso.org
- or write to: AYSO NSTC
c/o Development
12501 South Isis
Hawthorne, CA 90250
We'll arrange to have an AYSO development representative meet with you to discuss the exciting benefits and administrative details of being a member of the American Youth Soccer Organization.
OR Contact Gary Blanton, Area 12D Director
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