Brooklyn AYSO Handbook

Welcome to Brooklyn AYSO: A Guide for Parents

Welcome to Brooklyn AYSO Region 0473, a recreational youth soccer league dedicated to providing a fun, family-oriented environment for youth development. Our program is a volunteer-run organization, and its success is made possible by the time and commitment of our parents. We request at least one volunteer from every registered family to ensure the league's continued success.

This guide provides an overview of our rules, philosophies, and expectations to help you and your child have a great season. Detailed information about each season is available here.

AYSO Board and Volunteer Information

The Brooklyn AYSO board and all of its staff are volunteers. We are always looking for help, and many positions do not require prior soccer experience.

  • Volunteer Roles: Our region is completely run by volunteers. In addition to coaches, referees, and team managers, we have open positions listed here for Division Coordinator, Schedule Coordinator, Webmaster, Social Media Manager, and more.

  • Volunteer Training: All adult volunteers must complete a background check, AYSO Safe Haven, CDC Concussion Training, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and yearly SafeSport Training. Coaches also need to complete the Summary of the Laws of the Game training. Volunteer training is outlined here.

  • Youth Referees: Anyone age 12 and over can volunteer as a referee. Upon completing training, a youth referee will receive a referee jersey, badge, whistle, cards, and match reports. A mentor will also be assigned for their first game. Youth referees start by officiating 8U games and move up with additional training and experience.

The Six Principles of AYSO

Brooklyn AYSO's mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs that promote a fun, family environment. Our program is guided by these six philosophies:

  • Everyone Plays®: Our program's goal is for kids to play soccer, so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least 50% of every game.

  • Balanced Teams: We form new teams each year as evenly balanced as possible because it's more fun and a better learning experience when teams of similar ability play.

  • Open Registration: Our program is open to all children between 4 and 19 who want to register and play soccer. There are no elimination try-outs and nobody gets cut.

  • Positive Coaching: We require our coaches to create a positive experience, as encouragement leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players.

  • Good Sportsmanship: We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude.

  • Player Development: All players should be able to develop their skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as part of a team.

Communication and Attendance

  • Communication: Brooklyn AYSO uses MOJO and InLeague (email) messaging. Parents should look for an emailed invitation from MOJO to download the app and get started. This tool will be used in conjunction with InLeague messaging, so please continue to monitor your email for important messages from your coaches and the Brooklyn AYSO Board and Division Coordinators.

  • Attendance Policy: Attendance will be taken at every game. If a player cannot attend, please contact their coach in advance. If a player misses the first two games they will be removed from the roster, and if a player misses more than three games in a season they will not be able to register next season. Games on NYC DOE holiday weekends do not count against this policy.

Rules for Players and Parents

  • Uniforms: In the spring and fall (but not winter indoor) each player will receive a jersey, shorts, and socks from the league. Players must wear their uniform to each game. Shin guards must be worn and covered by socks.

  • Safety Rules for Attire: Players cannot wear anything that is dangerous to themselves or others. Medical alert bracelets, necklaces, and religious emblems may be worn if they are under clothing or secured to the body. No player will play with blood on them or their uniform. Safety details are available here.

  • The "Kid Zone" Pledge: By entering the Parade Ground, you agree to abide by the pledge that includes:

    • Kids are #1!

    • Fun – not winning – is everything

    • Practice proper physical distancing

    • Set a proper example of sportsmanship

    • Players Play, Fans cheer and Coaches coach

    • Respect the volunteer referees…we couldn’t do it without them!

    • No yelling, swearing or abusive behavior

    • No weapons, alcohol, tobacco or drugs

    • Leave no trash behind

    • Celebrate the player – win or lose

  • Sideline Conduct: Only certified coaches and referees may coach a game. Please do not "coach" your child from the sidelines, as too many voices can be confusing and dangerous. Only currently registered players are allowed on the field, and players may not play up or down a division.

  • Parade Ground Rules: Spectators are only allowed on the sidelines, must stay at least 3 feet away from the touchline, and are not allowed behind goals or in the coach technical area. No bikes, scooters, or dogs are allowed inside the fences at the Parade Grounds.

  • Complete playing rules by division are located here for your convenience.

Safety and Incident Reporting

  • On-Field Injuries: In the event of an injury, the referee should be the only adult on the field to assess the situation. All players should stop where they are and kneel. A parent may assist their player off the field only after the referee or coach determines it is safe to do so.

  • Reporting Conflicts: All AYSO certified volunteers are mandated reporters for suspected child abuse or neglect. For other incidents, please report to a coach, Division Coordinator, or other board member with as many details as possible. All reports are kept confidential to the extent provided by law.