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 has a program called Kids Zone.

As part of AYSO's education agenda, Kids Zone is a dynamic program targeted to eliminate negative sideline behavior. It is aimed toward producing a thoroughly positive impact on everyone involved in youth soccer. To execute this program, four (4) basic elements are involved:

 

 

• The Button. This is a pin-on button bearing the program's logo. This will be worn by program supporters at games, and will serve as a reminder of the importance of positive sideline behavior.
• The Sign. A large sideline poster, which lists positive behavior standards, designed to be posted at the entrance of participating fields. Parents and spectators who will abide by these standards are welcome -- all others are not.
• The Pledge. We will request AYSO parents to sign a pledge that holds them to the Kids Zone standards.
• The Video.  This is a 12 minute documentary that introduces AYSO's principles and its Kids Zone action plan to new participants.  Viewers will also watch a parent intervene to change another parent's negative behavior.  In order to make this program work, we need your help.  Actively help us make American Canyon AYSO a safe, instructional, fun place to learn!

 

Play It Safe

Safety is a big part of keeping things fun. Here are few safety tips to keep in mind:

 

Buddies

Advise your child never to leave a practice or game alone. Walk with a buddy whenever possible.

 

Goal Posts

NEVER let your children play on soccer goals. Portable goals have been known to tip over when people play on them, resulting in serious injury and even death.

 

Code Word

If you normally pick your child up from the field, but have to send someone else, use a code word. That way, if someone comes up and says "Your mother sent me to pick you up," but they don't have the code word you and your child have established, your child knows not to go with the stranger.

Parents, please download the attached Kid Zone Parents Pledge document, print out, read through, sign, and return to your coaches. Thank you.

Parent's Kid Zone Pledge
Juramento de los Padres en Kids Zone