Information for Extra Coaches
Information for Coaches
Coaching Requirements
Coaches participating in Extra should be some of our most talented and experienced coaches. At a minimum, Extra coaches (head and assistant) must:
- Have a current Volunteer Application on file at the National Support & Training Center;
- Be an AYSO trained coach as specified in these guidelines;
- Be Safe Haven certified
- Be an active participant in the Region's standard primary program as an instructor, coach or Referee mentor, or other volunteer service the Region determines adequate to fulfill this requirement;
- Be in good standing with the Region, Area, Section and AYSO National;
- Be approved by the Regional board; and
- Be evaluated and renewed each membership year.
Click here to download an application form.
Coaches desiring to apply must have completed the following minimum training below:
- U10 - U-12 Coach required
- U11 - U-12 Coach required; Intermediate Coach strongly recommended
- U12 - U-12 Coach required; Intermediate Coach strongly recommended
- U13 - Intermediate Coach required; Advanced Coach strongly recommended
- U14 - Intermediate Coach required; Advanced Coach strongly recommended
Extra program coaches must be certified at least one level above the level he/she is intending to coach (except as set forth above, U-10 coaches must be certified at the U-12 level). It is also strongly recommended that coaches have continuing education each year as designed by the Region. Those wanting to coach must fill out an application and submit it for approval. The Region and/or Area Extra Coach Coordinator will conduct a mandatory Extra coach meeting prior to the start of the Extra season, which each coach assigned to an Extra team must attend.
Coaching Expectations
Head Coach Duties and Responsibilities
The volunteer position of head coach is intended to develop in players a positive image of themselves, their teammates, coaches, game officials, and opponents, and provide a good role model for players. Additionally, the coach will develop in his/her players the appropriate soccer skills as recommended in the AYSO coaching manuals.
The coach is expected to do all of the following:
- Attend team organization night with the assistant coach before the season begins;
- Attend the age appropriate coaching course for training on how to coach or as a refresher on AYSO philosophy;
- Attend uniform/equipment distribution night prior to the season to receive team uniforms, equipment, and a playing schedule;
- Conduct appropriate training sessions;
- Promote the AYSO philosophy;
- Support the Regional Commissioner;
- Cooperate with the Regional Coach Administrator on all coaching matters;
- Support the division (age group) coordinator;
- Distribute practice and game schedules to parents;
- Conduct a parent meeting;
- Teach age appropriate skills;
- Refrain from the use of insulting, embarrassing, foul or abusive language;
- Provide player evaluations to the division coordinators at the end of the season;
- Carry out other team tasks as necessary; and
- Have FUN!
Supervision Protocols
While performing as the coach, the volunteer is:
- Subject to the bylaws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines of AYSO;
- Under the overall authority of and directly supervised by the Regional Coach Administrator, and supervised indirectly by the Regional Commissioner;
- To maintain the recommended adult to child supervision ratio of 1:8 or less; that is one adult for every eight or fewer children and two adults (one of whom may be the coach and one of whom should be of the same gender as the group) present at all times. For the protection of both the children and the volunteer, no volunteer should permit himself or herself to be alone with any child or group of children (except his or her own) during AYSO-sponsored activities; and
- Once the head coach has assumed charge of the children on his or her team, he or she remains responsible until a duly designated adult has taken charge of each child after practice or a game or the child leaves the immediate vicinity of the practice or game as prearranged by the parent to walk home or to a friend's or relative's house. No child shall be left unsupervised after a game or practice. Parents who are unreasonably late or consistently tardy should be reported to the child volunteer protection advocate (CVPA) for action. Each coach may establish a standing policy of where children may be picked up by late parents.
Time Commitment
The anticipated time commitment for a coach is a full year.
Assistant Coach Duties and Responsibilities
The AYSO volunteer position of assistant coach is intended to help the head coach with all coaching responsibilities.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- The assistant coach is expected to:
- Attend team organization night with the head coach before the season begins;
- Attend the age appropriate coach clinic for training on how to coach or as a refresher on AYSO philosophy;
- Represent the head coach at the uniform and equipment distribution night prior to the season to receive team uniforms, equipment, and playing schedule if head coach is unable to attend;
- Help run one to two training sessions per week, develop team line- ups for games, and attend regular and tournament games;
- Provide leadership and be an active role model exemplifying the AYSO culture and philosophies;
- Provide player evaluations to the division coordinators at the end of the season; and
- Carry out other team tasks as necessary upon request of the head coach.
Supervision Protocols
While performing as the assistant coach, the volunteer is:
- Subject to the bylaws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines of AYSO;
- Under the overall authority of and directly supervised by the head coach, and supervised indirectly by the regional coach administrator;
- To maintain the recommended adult to child supervision ratio of 1:8 or less; that is one adult for every eight or fewer children and two adults (one of whom may be the coach and one of whom should be of the same gender as the group) present at all times. For the protection of both the children and the volunteer, no volunteer should permit himself or herself to be alone with any child or group of children (except his or her own) during AYSO sponsored activities; and
- Once the head coach has assumed charge of the children on his or her team, he or she remains
- Responsible until a duly designated adult has taken charge of each child after practice or a game or the child leaves the immediate vicinity of the practice or game as prearranged by the parent to walk home or to a friend's or relative's house. No child shall be left unsupervised after a game or practice. Parents who are unreasonably late or consistently tardy should be reported to the child protection advocate for action. Each coach may establish a standing policy of where children may be picked up by late parents.
Time Commitment
The anticipated time commitment for an assistant coach is a full year.
Qualifications and Desired Skills
To be considered for the position of Head Coach or Assistant coach, the applicant must:
- Be reliable;
- Be 18 years of age or older;
- Have an interest in helping children;
- Have good character;
- Be interested in promoting the benefits of youth sports, especially soccer;
- Attend training classes in coaching before the season begins; and
- Successfully pass a screening, including a background check.
Orientation, Training, Certification, and Continued Education Provided
To prepare a volunteer for the position of Head or Assistant coach, AYSO will offer the following educational opportunities which volunteer coaches are expected to take advantage of and participate in, as appropriate:
- Orientation by the Region or Area;
- AYSO Safe Haven Coach Certification;
- Training classes;
- Coach clinics;
- Referee clinics;
- Annual coach update; and
- AYSO Safe Haven Program.
Activity Locations
- While performing the duties of Head or Assistant Coach, the volunteer is limited to the following locations, unless expressly authorized in writing by the regional commissioner to hold activities in another location.
- Assigned field locations;
- Assigned classroom locations;
- Regional meetings;
- The annual Section Conferences; and
- Independent work at home alone, in committees of adults, or in a properly supervised situation with children.
Last updated May 5, 2011 at 3:55 pm