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Registration for Fall 2023 is open

Early Registration – May 4 to June 30, 2023: $280 
Pre-Season Regular Registration – July 1 to August 15, 2023: $365
Late Registration – August 16 to September 30, 2023: $395
EPIC, Everyone Plays In our Community, (formerly known as the VIP Program): $150
5U/6U, Players born in 2019 and 2018: $150
We offer a 20% discount for all siblings.

Financial aid is available
• Registration closes September 30th, 2023

Our low-cost registration fees include an entire season of soccer, uniforms, pictures, and participation medals. Teams will be formed in late August with the first games beginning on 9/16/23. Games will be played in local Santa Monica parks and school fields on Saturdays from September through November. Your registration includes a 10-week soccer season and access to our Monday Night Open Training, (MOT), coached by our Professional CoerverTM Trainers. The fee also includes participation in the Regional playoffs and the Area 1P Tournament for players in the 10U-14U, (2010-2014), Divisions. Playoffs and the Area Tournament are usually in early December.

Financial assistance is available for those that qualify. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email your questions to fa@ayso20.org.

This year our registration platform, “InLeagueTM” will look and feel a little different. Don’t worry, the new platform has been tested and still offers the same level of service that we learned to appreciate, so register today!  https://inleague.ayso20.org/Main/login

Make sure to register your player(s) promptly. While late registration will be open until September 30, all players registered after August 7 will be temporary placed on a waiting list as teams are formed. Families with players on the waiting list will be informed of the placement of their player within 10 days of registration. This will allow us to ensure that proper teams, practices, and games are formed and scheduled efficiently.

As part of our balance team philosophy, please be advised that all registered players U8 and older that were not previously registered for the Fall 2021 AYSO Region 20 season will be asked to attend an evaluation event in late July or early August. This will allow coaches and division commissioners to assess the skill level and place the players on the proper team. Players that do not attend an evaluation might see a delay in being assigned to a team.

Please note that our region will follow all applicable Covid-19 guidelines as set forth by the Los Angeles County Health Department, City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica-Malibu School District. We are working hard to provide your players with the best & safe soccer experience possible.

Please forward this email to your friends that have children between the age of 4 – 18 years old. Remember that no experience is required. If you enjoy playing or want to give soccer a shot, register today. More information can be found on the Region 20 website.

Remember that Everyone Plays & Everyone Volunteers!  

We look forward to seeing your family on the pitch!  

Register now and take advantage of the savings! 

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Spring Skills & Scrimmages

Santa Monica AYSO Spring Skills and Scrimmages Program
Open to all players born 2009 to 2018!


April 16 to June 11, 2023 at 1:30pm (no session on Memorial Day Weekend)

John Adams Middle School, 2425 16th St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

8 sessions – $100 for players born in 2016-2018, $150 for players born in 2015 and earlier


AYSO Santa Monica is excited to offer a brand-new program for players across a range of ages to improve and refine their soccer skills and development. The Spring Skills and Scrimmages program will take place for eight weeks, every Sunday at 1:30pm from April 16 to June 11 at John Adams Middle School.

The sessions will be led by professional coaches/trainers and will provide lessons developed with our partners at Coerver Coaching, based on their “First Skills” and “Performance Academy”programs. The curriculum will focus on building skilled and confident players at every age by emphasizing ball mastery, foundational and game-relevant skills, and creativity.

Younger players will meet for about 60 minutes per session. The first 30 minutes will be focused on skill building activities and mini-games coordinated by professional trainers. This will be followed by 30 minutes of scrimmages where players can have fun, reinforce skills, and gain confidence.

Players born in 2015 and earlier will meet for 90 minutes, with skill building lessons and games of 60 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of scrimmage play.

This is a great opportunity to build player skills ahead of the AYSO Core or Extra team season that will open in September of 2023.

Come join us to experience professional soccer training with AYSO, the oldest national youth soccer program in the United States!

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AYSO Region 20 Extra Tryouts

GIRLS & BOYS TRYOUT SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 22nd
2013 – 15 @ Belmar Park
2011/12 Girls @ Lincoln Middle School

Birth YearDivisionBall SizeSign InTryout Time
Girls 201510U45:15 PM5:45 PM
Boys 201510U45:15 PM5:45 PM
Girls 201411U45:15 PM5:45 PM
Boys 201411U46:30 PM7:00PM
Girls 201312U46:30 PM7:00 PM
Boys 201312U46:30 PM7:00 PM
Girls 2011/12
(AT LINCOLN)
14U54:45 PM5:15 PM

Monday, February 26th
All Ages @ John Adams Middle School

Birth YearDivisionBall SizeSign InTryout Time
Girls 201510U45:15 PM5:45 PM
Boys 201510U45:15 PM5:45 PM
Girls 201411U45:15 PM5:45 PM
Boys 201411U46:45 PM7:15 PM
Girls 201312U46:45 PM7:15 PM
Boys 201312U46:45 PM7:15 PM
Girls 2011/1214U56:45 PM7:15 PM

The EXTRA™ Program is reloading for the 2024-25 season with our 2024 tryouts!  The process begins with our initial tryout dates above.  Please note the different field locations.  Following our initial sessions, we will be holding callbacks on February 29th for players who qualify.

AYSO EXTRA™ provides players a more progressive soccer experience that offers a competitive, game-circuit program in a tryout-based environment. This year, we anticipate forming teams for both boys and girls in the 2013-2015 birth years along with a U14 team for girls born in 2011 and 2012.  Extra provides a more competitive environment than the AYSO Core program but remains firmly developmental.  It provides an excellent way to increase your child’s soccer exposure while maintaining AYSO core values.  You can feel secure knowing your child is part of a trusted organization and will be given fair playing time.

This season, Section 1 was part of the Southern California Extra Developmental Soccer League.  Details for the upcoming season have not been shared as they prepare to evaluate and improve the program, but we anticipate a similar fall structure separated into flights.  Regardless, we will continue to maintain everything that makes Extra such a valuable program for the kids.

Please arrive at the field 30 minutes before the tryout time to sign in and warm up. Make sure your player is dressed in soccer attire:

  1. A white jersey or white t-shirt; NO EXTRA OR SPRING JERSEYS PLEASE
  2. Shin guards
  3. Cleats or turf shoes

Also bring:

  • water bottle -WATER ONLY
  • appropriately sized ball marked with players name in permanent marker
  • NEW PLAYERS: Medical Release form signed by you in BLUE OR RED INK. YOU MUST FILL OUT THE FORM LEGIBLY AND COMPLETELY. To print out the form click HERE or go to: InLeague => Player and Volunteer Registration => Print Medical Release
  • Separate Goal Keeper tryouts will be held immediately after age group tryouts on Monday, February 26th.
  • Questions?  Email:  extrachair@ayso20.org

See you there!

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Monday night Open Training

JOIN US FOR ANOTHER AWESOME SEASON WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY TRAINING

MOT brings a combination of professional soccer trainers’ sponsor by Coerver helping to train our children in the fundamentals of soccer while they build community with players across teams. This program is OPEN TO REGISTERED REGION 20 BOYS & GIRLS with a 2018 (5U) to 2007 (16U) birth year. The program extends for 8 weeks during the core season and is included in your registration……in other words…it is FREE! We will be organizing the players into smaller 8-week training pods/communities, so space is limited. You can register to secure your spot using the link below. Once you’ve entered your inLeague credentials, the link should direct you to the event that has been setup for registration. Select “Monday Night Opening Training (MOT),” click on the player(s) name and let us know if she/he are attending. ITS THAT EASY! If the link does not direct you to the registration event, simply login to your inLeague registration account, select the “Events” tab and follow the instructions above. Walk-ons are welcome but we encourage everyone to register ahead of time to help us organize the training pods and number of training coaches. (You only need to register once). This year there will be a free giveaway for the first 150 players of the 5:45-6:45 session and 100 players of the 7:00-8:30 session that attend the 9/26/22 event. Supplies are limited and will be distributed at check-in, so plan accordingly. (Only one giveaway item per player. An online registration does not guarantee a giveaway item).

JOIN US FOR ANOTHER AWESOME SEASON WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY TRAINING!!!

WHO? All registered Region 20 players born 2018-2007

WHAT?  Free training by guest professional coaches

WHEN? STARTS THIS MONDAY NIGHT 09/26/22 – See the time schedule below based on age groups

WHERE? JOHN ADAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELDS (16th Street & Ocean Park Blvd.)

TIME:  PLEASE NOTE: You may come and leave at any time during your assigned time slot.

Registration 5:15-5:45
5:45PM to 6:45PM – 5U (2018), 6U (2017), 7U (2016), 8U (2015), 9U (2014), 10U (2013) girls and boys

Registration 6:30-7:00
7:00PM to 8:30PM – 11U/12U (2012)/(2011) girls and boys (including ISPE students)

7:00PM to 8:30PM – 13U/14U (2010)/(2009) girls and boys (including ISPE students)

7:00PM to 8:30PM – 16U (2008) (2007) girls and boys (including ISPE students)

Here is what you need to bring:

  1. A soccer ball for your child, marked with his or her name on it in permanent ink.
  2. Water for your child. (Water ONLY is enforced at JAMS)
  3. Shin guards for your child

COACHES – We highly recommend that all coaches attend the trainings to observe.  This is your chance to observe another trainer working with your players’ age group.

PARENTS – We kindly request that you wait for your child off the field.  If you will be dropping your child off, please be on time to pick them up. 

If your child is interested in becoming a better player AND would like the opportunity to make new friends, we hope you will consider adjusting your busy schedules to allow them to attend.

 

 

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Spring and Turkey evaluations are Sunday November 6

SPRING SELECT & ALL STARS

Spring Select and All Star coaches will select the strongest players from the region who really want to play soccer and will make a commitment to the team for the duration of the spring season.  Spring Select and All Star teams will work together and play tournaments from January or February until May or June. Selected players from divisions U10 and above, who have met our attendance standards for the Fall Season and intend to continue with us for the following Fall, are eligible to participate.
(Upper Division Spring teams must wait until the end of the high school season to begin their spring tournaments).  We encourage as many teams as there are qualified coaches and committed players.

TURKEY TOURNAMENT

The Turkey Tournament take place over Thanksgiving weekend. 10U players and above are eligible to participate. All teams have games on Friday and Saturday; some also have games on Sunday. 

Turkey Tournament players will be selected at the end of October and the teams will be announced in the first week of November. Turkey team coaches will select players from the Fall Skills/Scrimmage (APO) program. The children of our most active volunteers will be given special consideration. Participation in the APO Program is not a free pass to a Turkey, All Star or Spring team. Likewise, players who have not participated in APO Program are still eligible to play in the tournaments.  Selection Criteria.

Turkey Team Practices:
Practices will run through the month of November until Thanksgiving weekend. There will usually be one practice on a weeknight and a scrimmage or practice on Sunday. But this will depend on the coach’s availability. Regular season team practices and games take precedence. Players are not allowed to skip regular season games or practices in favor of their Turkey team.

  • Requirements For Turkey Team Participation:
    Only U10 & above players who are registered and paid up for the current Fall season are eligible.
  • Players (and Parents) must be available Friday-Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.
  • Players must be in good standing for Fall Season attendance
  • Players/Parents must complete the Turkey/Spring Interest form by the deadline below.
  • Extra practices will be necessary for all Turkey teams (up to 2 per week)
  • Turkey Registration Fees must be paid in advance of first practice.

Signed Player Registration Form/Medical Release must be brought to team manager/coach at first practice.

If your child would like to play on a Turkey and/or Spring Select team, please complete the Interest Form on the Turkey Tournament Program page under the Fall 2012 tab.  (coming soon)

For additional information on the Spring Select Tournament and All-Star Teams, please refer to the Spring Select Program page.

Note: Participation on a Turkey Tournament Team does not guarantee selection for either All Star or Spring Select Tournament Teams

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2022 AYSO Western States Champions

The Santa Monica Storm won the 2022 AYSO Western States Championship this month, making them the top AYSO 11U team across six states.

Re-post from the Santa Monica Daily Press

The Storm play at the highest level of AYSO, in the EXTRA program, representing Santa Monica against top soccer teams from other geographic regions. The local team has remained undefeated the entire season, over 20 games, starting last August and finishing on March 12, when they won the AYSO Western States Championship.

The Western State Championship is the finale of the AYSO soccer season, in which over 180,000 youth soccer players compete in six different states, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Teams from all six states competed in several playoff rounds to earn one of only four spots for each age division at the Western State Championship. 

At the Championships, held near Gilroy, California on March 12, the Santa Monica AYSO team won their semi-final game, and then went on to the finals to defeat their Orange County opponent, 4-2, in overtime, to earn the title of Western State Champions.

Santa Monica AYSO is the largest community youth sports organization in Santa Monica, serving 1,500 kids. It is a non-profit organization, run entirely by volunteers. 

This team is made up of some special Santa Monica athletes:

Mos Boatright-Simon (goalkeeper, left midfield, and left defender). Landon Broihier (right midfielder). Jonah Craig (center defensive midfielder).  Ryan Drew (right defender). Daniel Freidman (goalkeeper, defender and striker). Noah McLaurin (center defender). Alex Mehringer (center midfielder). Taylor Moore (striker, midfielder and defender). Michael Peterson (left defender). Jai Robins (center defensive midfielder). Leo Simon (left midfielder). Auden Steiger (striker). 

This team was led by two volunteer coaches, Erik Saltmarsh and Melinda Mehringer, who donated their time to teach these boys how to play like Champions.

 

5U Division Guidelines

TEAM STRUCTURE

  • Each team will have one team manager and at least 2 certified Co-Coaches plus at least one Assistant Coach.
  • Each team will ideally be made up of 8 players.
  • Parents of ALL players are recommended to complete the “Safe Haven” Certification and the CDC Concussion training. This is required of coaches and other volunteers.
  • Each team is required to provide at least one or two referees who are required to attend an online ZOOM Referee Orientation at the start of the season, which will tell you everything you need to know about refereeing in this division.

HEADING THE BALL:  

  • Deliberate heading of the ball is banned for all players in this division in both practices and games.
  • In a match, a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a game.

FIELD FORMAT

  • Each team will be given an entire 5U-size field for one hour.  No other team will be assigned to that field during that time.
  • First team of the day on each field is responsible for field set-up (your team should arrive early as your field time cannot be extended).  Each field has 2 goals & nets, plus 6 flags – 4 on each of the corners, and 1 each at mid-field, about a yard away from the edge of the field (touchline).  Additionally, the Kids Zone sign needs to be placed in a visible location.
  • Last team of the day on each field is responsible for field takedown and storage (your team should understand that this is an embedded responsibility).  All field equipment must be returned to the storage room, along with the Kids Zone sign.  Any trash and/or recycling must be picked up and dealt with appropriately.

ONE-HOUR FIELD TIME STRUCTURE

  • 20 minutes of activities/drills with full team (see below)
  • 5 minutes break/dividing kids into 2 teams (see below)
  • 30 minutes set aside for the game (see below)

SKILL BUILDING ACTIVITIES:  First 20 minutes (every week):

  • First 20 minutes: activities/drills with ALL 8 players on FULL FIELD
  • This should involve BOTH Co-Coaches and all Assistant Coaches.
  • It is recommended that your parents (as “Practice Coaches/Helpers”) assist the coaches by keeping the players active and by retrieving stray soccer balls.
  • The region (via the website) intends to suggest several activities/skills challenges each week.

INTRA-TEAM GAMES:  First 3 games of the season (Games 1-3):

  • Minutes 20-25: divide the players into 2 teams of equal number of players (max 4) using pinnies/scrimmage vests.  One coach takes responsibility for one team, the other coach takes responsibility for the other team.
  • These teams must be “mixed up” every week with an attempt to create as much balance as possible.  It is suggested that the first week involves “even numbers” v. “odd numbers”.  In Games 2 & 3, the players should be shuffled around so that each player has the chance to experience all players as teammates, while still trying to achieve balance among the teams.
  • Coaches may change players around at half-time to accommodate situations that arise to keep the games fun, fair, and balanced.

INTER-TEAM GAMES (Balanced teams):  Last 8 games of the season (Games 4-11):

  • Minutes 20-25: divide the players into 2 teams of equal number of players (max 4).  One coach takes responsibility for one team, the other coach takes responsibility for the other team.  Each of these teams of 4 will be matched up to play against each of the teams of 4 assigned to the other field at the site (there are 2 fields at each site).
  • These teams must be “mixed up” every week with an attempt to create as much balance as possible.  It is suggested that the Game 4 involve “even numbers from one team” v. “even numbers from the other team”.  In Games 4-11, the players should be shuffled around so that each player as the chance to experience all players as teammates, while still trying to achieve balance among the teams.
  • Coaches may change players around at half-time to accommodate situations that arise to keep the games fun, fair, and balanced.
  • EXAMPLE:  Game 4:  “Team 1 Odd Numbers” v. “Team 2 Odd Numbers” on Field 1; “Team 1 Even Numbers” v. “Team 2 Even Numbers” on Field 2
    • Note:  time assignments will VARY in the schedule, therefore, most teams will likely play against different opponents every game.

GAME:

  • Minutes 25-50: GAME ON FULL FIELD (3v3)
  • The two teams play against each other utilizing the “rules of play” as established by the 5U Guidelines and the game structure below:

GAME STRUCTURE:

  • All games are played as 3 v 3.  Even if 8 players are present, games MUST BE 3 v 3 (There should be a one player per team acting as a substitute (i.e., “sitting out”))
  • Game is two 10-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.
  • Game is “Open Substitution” which means players can enter and exit as frequently as necessary.
  • If there are enough players to have a substitute, ALL players shall be substitutes equally.
  • No player shall “sit out” (act as substitute) for more than 2 minutes at a time).
  • For the FINAL 2 MINUTES of the game, ALL players should be put into the game (even if this creates a 4v4 or 3v4 situation).  This is ONLY for the final 2 minutes of the game.
  • Games should involve FUN and “healthy competition” not “aggressive competition”.  The “score” of a game is meaningless.
  • Each team provides a Referee, who is the ONLY adult permitted on the field during play.  (Coaches/Parents must NOT be on the field).  (Hint:  Use the 20 minute practice activities to teach the game.)
  • Referee is in charge of keeping the flow of the game moving (no stoppages should exceed 5-15 seconds) while making sure the basic concepts of the game are followed (e.g. “you can’t use your hands”).

 

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AYSO Region 20 Covid-19 Guidelines

We are making final preparations for the Fall 2021 soccer season. Practices are scheduled to begin the week of September 13, with the first games on Saturday September 18. However, with open competition, comes added responsibility. On August 30, 2021, the County of Los Angeles Dept of Public Health (LADPH) issued “Protocol for Organized Youth Sports: Appendix S.” These are Orders of the Health Officer or protocols relating to Youth Sports and Covid-19. Since the release date of the original Protocols, several public forums have been held that resulted in modification and clarifications to the original Protocols. As the data or conditions change, we can expect the LADPH to re-issue, revise or supplement these Protocols. (A link to the latest Protocols can be found at the bottom of this email).  AYSO Region 20 is committed to following the LADPH Protocols throughout our season.  Here is the process we will follow to launch the season:

NEW ROLE: Each Team must appoint a Covid Compliance Manager (CCM). This can be a coach or team manager, or another responsible parent on the team.  The name of the designee CCM must be emailed to stopcovid@ayso20.org by September 13. Please ensure that you include your Division and Coaches’ name, (examples: G5u Smith or B6u-Jones), on the email. On a weekly basis, the CCM will help ensure the team stays in compliance with the LADPH Protocols. Compliance with the Protocols will allow the Team to participate in their weekly practices and weekend games. How does a Team stay in Compliance?

STEP ONE: LADPH requires us to know the vaccination status of each player 12 years and older AND of all Participating Volunteers.  “Participating Volunteer” is anyone who will physically be engaged with the team. This includes all coaches, referees, and volunteers who attend team practices (i.e., chaperones, team managers etc.).  All players 12+ and Participating Volunteers 12 years and older are required to complete and submit the “Proof of Vaccination Form.” Forms must be completed by September 13, 2021 for each participating member of the family/household. Individuals that fail to submit proof of vaccination will be considered unvaccinated. The form can be found by clicking on the link: Proof of Vaccination Form

STEP TWO: Weekly Covid-19 Screening Testing Requirements by LADPH

For Players/youth volunteers 12 years of age and older ONLY:

If your player or youth volunteer is fully vaccinated, there is no requirement to test weekly for Covid-19. (Note: fully vaccinated equals 2-weeks after second administered dosage.)

If your player or youth volunteer is NOT vaccinated or NOT fully vaccinated and 12 years or older, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. (Note: fully vaccinated equals 2-weeks after second administered dosage.)

  1. Weekly Covid-19 Screening Testing are Required.  LADPH requires that your player test for Covid-19 *weekly.*  All tests must be administered by a health care provider. Please note, home tests kits do not comply with the LADPH Protocols. Home test kits administered at home by a Health Care Provider will not be allowed as they are considered “self-attestation” and violate the County Order/Protocols. However, weekly school testing fulfills this obligation.
  1. Negative Screening Testing Result Must be Provided.  You must confirm that your child has tested negative PRIOR to participating in the weekly Soccer activities. Parents or Players are required to complete the weekly “Covid-19 Test Result Reporting” form by Thursday 5pm and attach a copy of the negative test result. This must be done on a weekly basis in order to comply with the LADPH Protocol.  Players or youth volunteers NOT providing a negative test result that week will NOT be allowed to participate in that weekend’s game. They will also NOT be allowed to participate in other team activities, including practices, until they have corrected their non-compliance. Plan your testing, so you can provide the test result by Thursday at 5pm. If you are relying on weekly school testing, you may provide the most recent test result, even if it is from the end of the prior week. Test results must not be more than 1 week old. (Note: If your School cannot provide a copy of the actual test result for your child, then a form letter from the school, containing your child’s name and the date of the test will be required. The form letter should state that your child participated in the weekly testing program that week and was not found positive. The form letter obtained from the school will fulfill the LADPH requirement. The form letter or test result must be uploaded by clicking on the link that has been provided: Weekly Covid-19 Test Result Reporting

For players/ youth volunteers who are 11 years and will turn 12 during the soccer season.

  1. It is strongly recommended that all players or youth volunteers get fully vaccinated once eligible.
  1. Once a player or youth volunteer turns 12 years of age, they will be required to comply with the LADPH Protocols of weekly­ Covid-19 Screening Testing and Reporting requirements, exactly as stated above, unless and until they are considered fully vaccinated. (Note: fully vaccinated equals 2-weeks after second administered dose).

For players/youth volunteers 11 years and younger.  There is no weekly Covid-19-testing requirement.

For Participating Volunteers (this includes all coaches, referees, and volunteers who attend team practices).

If you are fully vaccinated, there is no weekly testing requirement. 

If you are NOT vaccinated or NOT fully vaccinated, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. (Note: fully vaccinated equals 2-weeks after second administered dosage or 2-weeks after receiving the J&J dose.)

  1. Weekly Covid-19 Screening Testing Required.  LADPH requires that you test for Covid-19 *weekly* if you are a consistent Participating Volunteer (such as a coach, referee, or a practice chaperone) who is unvaccinated.  
  1. If you are an Occasional Participating Volunteer (for example, a Referee who is refereeing a game that weekend but who doesn’t otherwise physically engage with the team), you must test for Covid-19 during the week of your actual participation and the week prior. (This means unvaccinated Referees must test for two consecutive weeks prior to their volunteer commitment weekend).
  1. All tests must be administered by a health care provider. Home tests kits do not comply with LADPH Protocols, as they are considered “self-attestation.”
  1. Negative Screening Testing Result Must be Provided.  You must confirm that you have tested negative PRIOR to participating in the weekly Soccer related activities. All participating Volunteers, as described above, are required to complete the weekly “Covid-19 Test Result Reporting” form by Thursday 5pm and attach a copy of the negative test result. This must be done on a weekly basis in order to comply with the LADPH Protocol.  Volunteers who do NOT providing a negative test result, during a week when required to do so, will not be allowed to participate in that weekend’s game, or any other team activities, until they have corrected their non-compliance.  Plan your testing, so you can provide the test result by Thursday at 5pm. If you are relying on weekly work/school testing, you may provide the most recent test result, even if it is from the end of the prior week. Test results must not be more than 1 week old. (Note: If you are participating in a weekly testing program through your work/school, and you cannot access the actual test result, then a form letter from the work/school, containing your name and the date of the test will be required. The form letter should state that your you participated in the weekly testing program that week and was not found positive. The form letter obtained from the work/school will fulfill the LADPH requirement. The form letter or test result must be uploaded by clicking on the link that has been provided: Weekly Covid-19 Test Result Reporting

REPORTING PROTOCOLS – FOR EVERYONE.  You must immediately notify AYSO at StopCovid@ayso20.org and your CCM or Coach for further instructions and protocols if your player, youth volunteer or Participating Volunteer):

  1. receives a positive Covid-19 test result,
  2. is in close contact with a Covid-19 positive person (close contact means within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more), or
  3. is required to quarantine from school or work. 

Whenever a confirmed case is identified in any of our Teams, we will be required to follow the instructions in LADPH’s “Exposure Management Plan for Youth Sports” and ensure that all unvaccinated close contacts quarantine along with any symptomatic vaccinated close contacts. You can find a copy of LADPH’s Plan by clicking on the link at the bottom of this email.  

No School = No Soccer. If for any Covid-19-related reason, your player is told to stay home from school, they must NOT attend any AYSO activities.  If you are unsure if your player should attend practice, play it safe and contact us at StopCovid@ayso20.org for more information.

 

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS — FOR EVERYONE  

  1. Self-Screening: All players, youth volunteers and Participating Volunteers must do a self-screening for Covid-symptoms and exposure before every practice and game. Do not attend if you have any symptoms or have been exposed to a Covid-positive person.  Each team can handle the screening as appropriate for its team (Examples: screening apps, questions in practice-reminder emails, or in-person screenings by coach or TM at start of practice).
  1. Masks: Will be required based on the age group and activity:

    Coaches & Spectators will be required to wear masks at all times during practices and games, regardless of vaccination status or field location.

    Referees who are officiating 5u-8u Divisional games are required to wear masks at all times, regardless of vaccination status or field location.

    Referees who are officiating 9u-19u Divisional games are encouraged to wear masks, but masks are not required during the game, due to the increased physical exertion that is considered necessary.

    Players in the 5u-8u Divisions are required to wear masks at all times during practices and games.

    Players in the 9u-19u Divisions that are in the field of play, actively participating in the game, are encouraged to wear masks, but masks are not required. Players must wear masks after leaving the field of play.

    Substitute players on the sidelines, (technical area), during the game must wear masks and maintain 6 feet social distance from others.

    Mask may be temporarily removed to drink or eat. When players, volunteers and participants are actively drinking or eating, they should be encouraged to maintain a 6-foot distance from others.

    Players and Volunteers are encouraged to bring more than one mask to practice or games in case their mask gets wet or soiled during play.

  1. Hand washing/sanitizing.  Please come to practice with clean hands.  We recommend that each player and volunteer carry and use hand sanitizer.
  1. Vaccinations Recommended.  We urge all eligible players, youth volunteers and Participating Volunteers to get vaccinated.  Not only does this protect you and your family, but it will also eliminate the weekly testing requirement for you.  It will also minimize the potential disruption on your team, as vaccinated people do not need to quarantine if exposed to a Covid-19 positive person, as long as the vaccinated person shows no symptoms and tests negative over the next 10 days.
  1. Spectators: All spectators, when outdoors and regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks at all times. All spectators must sit back from the sidelines or touchlines at least 6 feet to provide the Assistant Referee the required social distance from the field of play and spectators. Spectators on the sidelines are encouraged to maintain a 6-foot social distance from other non-household members.
  1. Carpooling: When traveling in family vehicles with other members of the youth sports team not from the same household, wear masks during the entire trip and keep windows open.
  1. After the Game: Socializing with other teams is strongly discouraged. Post-games handshakes are not allowed. Instead, we encourage the teams to face each other from a distance, clap, cheer and thank each other as a show of good sportsmanship.

Finally, the safety of our soccer community is, and always will be, our highest priority, and I am confident that, working together, we can run a safe and fun soccer program for the kids this season. It will be a significant communal effort to comply with LADPH’s new weekly testing requirement for all unvaccinated participants 12 years or older.  We will continue to monitor the LADPH Orders/Protocols and continue to refine, supplement, or revise our AYSO Region 20 Covid-19 guidelines as appropriate. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience.  Let’s all work together as a soccer community and make it a great season for the kids!

 

6U Division Guidelines

TEAM STRUCTURE

  • Each team will have one team manager and at least 2 certified Co-Coaches plus at least one Assistant Coach.
  • Each team will ideally be made up of 9 players.
  • Parents of ALL players are recommended to complete the “Safe Haven” Certification and the CDC Concussion training. This is required of coaches and other volunteers.
  • Each team is required to provide at least one or two referees who are required to attend an online ZOOM Referee Orientation at the start of the season, which will tell you everything you need to know about refereeing in this division.

HEADING THE BALL

  • Deliberate heading of the ball is banned for all players in this division in both practices and games.
  • In a match, a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a game.

FIELD FORMAT

  • Each team will be given an entire 6U-size field for one hour. No other team will be assigned to that field during that time.
  • First team of the day on each field is responsible for field set-up (your team should arrive early as your field time cannot be extended). Each field has 2 goals & nets, plus 6 flags – 4 on each of the corners, and 1 each at mid-field, about a yard away from the edge of the field (touchline). Additionally, the Kids Zone sign needs to be placed in a visible location.
  • Last team of the day on each field is responsible for field takedown and storage (your team should understand that this is an embedded responsibility). All field equipment must be returned to the storage room, along with the Kids Zone sign. Any trash and/or recycling must be picked up and dealt with appropriately.

ONE-HOUR FIELD TIME STRUCTURE

  • 20 minutes of activities/drills with full team (see below)
  • 5 minutes break/dividing kids into 2 teams (see below)
  • 30 minutes set aside for the game (see below)

 

SKILL BUILDING ACTIVITIES: First 20 minutes (every week):

  • First 20 minutes = activities/drills with ALL 9 players on FULL FIELD
  • This should involve BOTH Co-Coaches and all Assistant Coaches.
  • It is recommended that your parents (as “Practice Coaches/Helpers”) assist the coaches by keeping the players active and by retrieving stray soccer balls.
  • The region (via the website) intends to suggest several activities/skills challenges each week.

INTRA-TEAM GAMES: First 3 games of the season (Games 1-3):

  • Minutes 20-25: divide the players into 2 teams of equal number of players (max 5) using pinnies/scrimmage vests. One coach takes responsibility for one team, the other coach takes responsibility for the other team.
  • These teams must be “mixed up” every week with an attempt to create as much balance as possible. It is suggested that the first week involves “even numbers” v. “odd numbers”. In Games 2 & 3, the players should be shuffled around so that each player has the chance to experience all players as teammates, while still trying to achieve balance among the teams.
  • Coaches may change players around at half-time to accommodate situations that arise to keep the games fun, fair, and balanced.

INTER-TEAM GAMES (Balanced teams): Last 8 games of the season (Games 4-11):

  • Minutes 20-25: divide the players into 2 teams of equal number of players (max 5). One coach takes responsibility for one team, the other coach takes responsibility for the other team. Each of these teams of 4 or 5 will be matched up to play against each of the teams of 4 or 5 assigned to the other field at the site (there are 2 fields at each site).
  • These teams must be “mixed up” every week with an attempt to create as much balance as possible. It is suggested that the Game 4 involve “even numbers from one team” v. “even numbers from the other team”. In Games 5-7, the players should be shuffled around so that each player has the chance to experience all players as teammates, while still trying to achieve balance among the teams.
  • Coaches may change players around at half-time to accommodate situations that arise to keep the games fun, fair, and balanced.
  • EXAMPLE: Game 4: “Team 1 Odd Numbers” v. “Team 2 Odd Numbers” on Field 1; “Team 1 Even Numbers” v. “Team 2 Even Numbers” on Field 2
  • Note: time assignments will VARY in the schedule, therefore, most teams will likely play against different opponents every game.

GAME:

  • Minutes 25-55: GAME ON FULL FIELD (either 3v3 or 4v4)
  • The two teams play against each other utilizing the “rules of play” as established by the 6U Guidelines and the game structure below:

GAME STRUCTURE:

  • Game is two 12-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.
  • Game is “Open Substitution” which means players can enter and exit as frequently as necessary.
  • If there are enough players to have a substitute, ALL players shall be substitutes equally.
  • No player shall “sit out” (act as substitute) for more than 2 minutes at a time.
  • For the FINAL 2 MINUTES of the game, ALL players should be put into the game (even if this creates a 5v4, 4v4, or 3v4 situation). This is ONLY for the final 2 minutes of the game.
  • If 9 players are present, games MUST BE 4 v 4 (There should be a MAXIMUM of one player acting as a substitute (i.e., “sitting out”))
  • If LESS THAN 9 players are present, games MUST BE 3 v 3 (There should be a MAXIMUM of one player per team as a substitute (i.e., “sitting out”))
  • The meaning behind the above: The ideal is 3v3 (the National AYSO recommendation). This allows every kid to be more involved. However, we also want to reduce the “sitting out” time for kids. Therefore, the above is designed so that no more than 1 player (on each team) is sitting out at a time.
  • Games should involve “healthy competition” not “aggressive competition”.  The “score” of a game is meaningless.
  • Each team provides a Referee, who is the ONLY adult permitted on the field during play.  (Coaches/Parents must NOT be on the field).  (Hint:  Use the 20 minute practice activities to teach the game.)
  • Referee is in charge of keeping the flow of the game moving (no stoppages should exceed 5-15 seconds) while making sure the basic concepts of the game are followed (e.g. “you can’t use your hands”).

7U Division Guidelines

Just a few points for coaches, referees and parents to remember, especially for those who have experience in other divisions, as to how 7U differs from soccer’s standard Laws of the Game.

  1. Roster size: The maximum number of players assigned to a particular team is 7.
  2. Game is 5 vs. 5 with NO goalkeepers. If the opposing team has fewer than 5 players then you must play down (play the same number of players). However, there should never be more than 2 substitutes per team. Coaches are encouraged to “lend” players to the opposing team to field the proper number of players. Loaned players must play at least half of the game with their own team. Do not play more than 5v5. (See AYSO’s philosophy on short-sided games and the benefit to the players.) 
  • EXAMPLE 1: Team A has 6 players present, Team B has 4 players present: Team A loans a player to Team B and play proceeds 5v5. EXAMPLE 2: Team A has 5 players, Team B has 4 players: play should switch to 4v4.
  1. Duration of game is 30 minutes and is played in two 15-minute halves. The half-time break is 5 minutes. Due to lack of substitutes or hot weather, the referees may use their discretion to allow for a short break for players to get a drink midway through the half. Switch sides for the second half.
  2. Heading the ball: Deliberate heading of the ball is not allowed for all players in this division in both practices and games. In a match, a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a game. The free kick is to be taken from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head.
  3. Playing time: All players on a given team should have equal playing time. Game is “Open Substitution” which means players can enter and exit as frequently as necessary. If there are enough players to have a substitute(s), ALL players shall be substitutes equally. No player shall “sit out” (act as substitute) for more than 2 minutes at a time. Adherence to the playing time policy is the responsibility of the Coach, not the Referee nor the Assistant Referee. It is recommended to have an Assistant Coach or Team Manager keep track of a substitute rotation schedule during a game.
  4. Goal kicks are taken from the outside of the “the big box” (penalty area), NOT the goal area (the little box). 7U fields likely will not have a goal box.
  5. Kick-ins/Pass-ins: Restarts after the ball crosses the touchline is a pass-in. The player puts the ball down on the touchline and kicks the ball; he may also dribble the ball into the field of play. The opposing players need to be at least 2 yards from the ball before it is kicked. Throw-ins are not allowed (until 8U).
  6. Fouls and Other Stoppages: The following, if deliberately done, are the fouls most likely to occur in 7U games: kicking, charging, tripping, pushing, holding, handling the ball and dangerous play. No slide tackles are allowed. Referees should not stop play for trifling violations. It’s a player’s game so keep the fun going and let them play. But always stop for safety. Referees should work cooperatively with the coaches to instruct players on fair play.
  7. Misconduct: Misconduct should be rare in 7U games. There is no need for the public cautioning and sending off of young players (Referees should leave their red and yellow cards home). Officials should work cooperatively with the coach when a 7U player may need some “cool down time”.
  8. Free Kicks: All kicks are direct free kicks, meaning no one has to touch it for it to be considered a goal. If a foul occurs inside the penalty area, the ball is to be moved outside the penalty area for the free kick. There are no penalty kicks. In other words, teams defending a free kick may place a “wall” of defenders between the kicker and goal.)
  9. Distance from Ball: Players should be asked to stand back 8 yards (minimum required distance for Santa Monica at this age) from the ball being kicked (for free kicks, goal kicks, kick-offs, etc.) to give the kicker room to kick the ball without it immediately hitting an opponent.
  10. Offside: The concept of offside is too complicated for 7U players, but aspects of the law may be instructed. The referee may instruct a player to move out of their opponent’s penalty area if the ball is not near.
  11. No score is publicly acknowledged (“we all win”). While we do not have a “no slaughter policy”, good sportsmanship is still paramount (in fact, it’s one of the six core AYSO philosophies).  Coaches must be prepared with innovative ways to keep the score close while still challenging their players and being respectful of the opposing team. To ensure no more than a 5-goal margin, coaches should begin to pull back PRIOR to reaching that margin. Coaches are encouraged to review the document “How to Prevent a Blow-out” on the website and to consult with the Regional Coach Administrator for suggestions on how to achieve a result that is both challenging and respectful.  Egregious blow-outs that show a lack of sportsmanship may result in penalties against the offending teams.

OTHER NOTES/COMMENTS: 

Referees should briefly explain any infringements to ALL the players and help players with instructions. They are the teachers on the field – and should encourage proper play and sporting behavior. Every effort should be made to keep the game moving and free from stoppages for doubtful infractions. Let them play and enjoy. 

Referees must be registered AYSO volunteers (meaning completion of Safe Haven and  volunteer background check, CDC Concussion Awareness, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and Safe Sport) and must attend Region 20’s online ZOOM “Parent Referee Orientation” offered in the Fall. Usually, one Center Referee is enough to handle these games; the field is small and it’s relatively simple to make every call (i.e. when ball goes out of play). But, “unofficial assistant referees” can be handy, and may work each sideline calling the ball in and out of play. The HOME team (first team listed on the schedule) should provide the referee (Center Referee) and maybe an “Assistant Referee.”  The visitor team should provide the other assistant referee (AR). If someone from the Home team is absent, they should recruit a Center Referee from the visiting team.

Coaches shall use positive coaching skills (avoid constant coaching, no yelling at players), stay within the designated technical area (coach’s box—no more than 8 yards on either side of the midfield line), show respectful attitude toward the referees and HAVE FUN!

Spectators from each team shall be on opposite sides of the field. The home team is the first team listed on the game schedule and sits on the West or North side of the field. The visiting team is the second team listed on the game schedule and is assigned the East or South side of the field. Spectators must stay between the “18-yard lines” (between the penalty areas). Spectators must also be 2 yards back from the touchline, maintaining an unobstructed and safe area for the Assistant Referee and players to run and perform pass-ins. A spectator must never sit or stand behind the goal or goal line. Coaches and assistant referees should encourage adherence to this policy. Spectators shall not coach players (coaches coach, players play, parents cheer), avoid foul or abusive language or gestures toward any player, coach, referee or other spectators, abide by the Kids Zone guidelines (no smoking, no consumption of alcohol, no dogs, etc.), acknowledge and congratulate BOTH teams on a game well played, and HAVE FUN! Spectators should NEVER argue with the referee or assistant referees (even when the spectator is right! – remember, scores are not recorded in 7U). Team Managers should help ensure proper sideline etiquette.

You must kick-off at the designated time on the schedule. If you start late, or take a long half-time break, please make-up that time somehow so you still end on time as a courtesy to all the teams who have games after you. As the official timekeepers, this is the Referee’s responsibility. If the Referee feels s/he has too much going on to keep track of time, select someone to be the timekeeper.

Coin toss: The team that wins the toss of the coin decides which goal to attack in the first half or to take the kick-off. Depending on their choice, their opponents take the kick-off or decide which goal to attack. If time is short, have the home team choose which goal to attack and have the visitors kick-off to start the first half.

Ball Size is size 3.

Game Cards are not required in 7U. Scores are not reported and referees do not keep track of substitutions.

Field Set-Up. It is the responsibility of all the teams with the first game. Parents must help set up the field. Please arrive early to complete this task in time for the players to practice with the goals. Each field has 2 goals and nets, plus 6 flags – 4 on each of the corners, and 1 each at mid-field, about a yard away from the edge of the field (touchline). Stakes are used to secure the goals in the ground and net hooks keep the net taut. Additionally, Kids Zone sign needs to be placed in a visible location.

Field Take-Down is the responsibility of the teams with the last game on that field. Parents must help break down the field. Sometimes, one field may end earlier than another, so be sure to check if yours is the last game for that field. All field equipment needs to be returned to the storage room, along with the Kids Zone sign. Please ensure all stakes and net hooks are accounted for, so children do not find them afterwards. The correct number of stakes and hooks are noted on the toolbox in which they are stored. Any trash and/or recycling must be picked up and dealt with appropriately.

Weekly Practice: 7U teams will be assigned a weekly one-hour practice space in the late afternoon or early evening during the week. Coaches should attempt to develop the skill level and game knowledge of their players during that time. Additionally, coaches are strongly encouraged to scrimmage against one of the other 7U teams assigned to the same field and same time for the last 20 minutes.

Thanks for your help and cooperation in making this an enjoyable experience for all the children!