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. 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