Saugerties AYSO For the Players....

AYSO has always encouraged good sportsmanship in its programs. In fact, “Good Sportsmanship” is one of the five philosophies listed in the AYSO National Bylaws. AYSO strongly recommends that its individual regions promote good sportsmanship through dynamic programs.

Elements of these programs may vary from region to region, but all define the conduct of players, coaches, referees and even parents. They explain the fundamentals of good behavior—which is simply showing courtesy and respect for all involved in the game.

We figure that if players, volunteers and parents understand what is expected of them when it comes to good sportsmanship, that’s probably how they will act. AYSO is proud of its many good sports, but understands that good sportsmanship doesn’t just happen. It needs to be taught, encouraged and demonstrated.

Player’s Code
• Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
• Play by the Laws of the Game.
• Never argue with or complain about referees’ calls or decisions.
• Control your temper. Most of all, resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
• Concentrate on playing soccer with your best efforts. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself.
• Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your team’s or your opponent’s.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve skills and feel good. Don’t be a showoff or a ball hog.
• Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and the referees.

For the Parents....

AYSO Kids Zone Program
In recent months, the national media has focused on the negative, even violent, behavior of players, coaches and parents involved in youth sports. In a proactive effort to counteract this trend of violence, AYSO is initiating a program called Kids Zone. Check out our Kids Zone page for more information.

A soccer parent's role - whether a coach, referee or fan - is to make the game rewarding and enjoyable for the players. We already know that coaches should be good role models who keep the game fun for their players. A coach needs to teach the players to give maximum effort and win or lose with grace. The referees keep the game safe and fair, thus fun for the players.

What can parents do to help? Well, they can simply be parents. "Be there" for the kids - help them celebrate when things go well, support them when they do not, and interpret the game's lessons for them.

10 Commandments for Parents:
• Learn the rules or be quiet.
• Be quiet anyway, except to cheer.
• Never scorn playing for fun as its own end.
• Don't think of team spirit and fair play as the opposites of excellence.
• Know what the coach is doing and support him/her.
• Never let a coach abuse your child or anyone else's, verbally or otherwise.
• Show respect for the referee.
• If you like the soccer program's emphasis, get involved.
• If you don't, get involved and make it better.
• Listen to your child.

These commandments say it all. DO NOT yell, except to cheer - be positive. Remember that fun and fair play are the most important thing. Let the coach do the coaching. Let the referee do the refereeing. You do the parenting. Most importantly, listen to your child.

Win or lose, it is suppose to be fun!!

Saugerties Soccer Webmaster: Position is Open
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