Unique Program Promotes Sideline Cheerleaders

In AYSO, fans are asked to be cheerleaders, not critics. Kids Zone^® is a unique program that includes a parent pledge that moms and dads sign to commit to positive, encouraging behavior when they're watching the games. It also includes signs, buttons and other game-day reminders.

Soccer is a player's game. Players learn the game by trying new things, making mistakes and trying again. Sideline critics who scream instructions at players or criticize referees or coaches just slow down the learning process and make it less fun for everyone.

Negative, even violent, behavior of players, coaches and parents involved in youth sports has become almost epidemic in the U.S. Kids Zone^® is a proactive effort to counteract this trend.

As part of AYSO's education agenda, Kids Zone^® is a dynamic program aimed toward producing a thoroughly positive experience for everyone involved in youth soccer. To execute this program, four basic elements are involved:

• The Button. This is a pin-on button with the Kids Zone^® logo. This is worn by program supporters at games and serves 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. AYSO requests all 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, everyone must help!

History

Kids Zone® was the "brainchild" of then Region 234 Commissioner Steve Hamann in 2000. Steve sensed during his field "walkarounds" that the environment was changing. There was more tension, more shouting (definitely more attitude) and less fun than the Region's parents and volunteers had come to expect. A man of action, Steve came up with a plan that he believed would remind parents that their behavior at games is crucial to setting a good example. His plan included three-inch Kids Zone buttons distributed to parents and coaches and field signs to remind visitors of appropriate conduct. In Region 234 it quickly became obvious to parents that it was up to them to ensure good sideline behavior or suffer the consequences. Steve approached staff members at the AYSO National Office to help him get his plan under way. The National Board of Directors (NBOD) and National Office staff members provided partial funding and support to implement the plan and that, as we say, was the beginning. The plan was for Region 234 to pilot the program that fall and then make the project ready for national implementation the following year. Steve and Region 234 did an exemplary job and provided the NBOD and National Office staff with reports, ideas and help to launch the new program.

"The Pledge" Video

Regions now have another tool to use in increasing awareness of this important AYSO program. "The Pledge" is a 12 minute video in which AYSO volunteers describe the atmosphere they feel should prevail at our practices and games. It also features a TV news story about crowd violence and misbehavior at youth sporting events and the steps AYSO is taking to combat it. Finally, there is a scenario where a parent decides to intervene and persuade another adult to change his behavior.