⚽️ Coach Resources & Sideline Expectations
Welcome, coaches! We’ve pulled together helpful resources to support your season — from sideline guidance to coaching tools and Region 20 policies. Whether you’re new or experienced, this page is your go-to hub for coaching success in Santa Monica AYSO.
🧰 Coaching Tools & Helpful Links
Whether you’re coaching 5U or 14U, we’ve got what you need.
- 🔍 Division Guidelines (SM Region 20)
- 📋 5U–14U Rules Comparison Table
- 🎯 Build-Out Line (U9/U10) Video
- 🏆 Playoffs, Extra Time, and Penalties
- 🧾 Game Card Templates
- 🧠 Simplified Laws of the Game
- 📉 How to Prevent a Blowout
- 📬 Footy 4 Kids Newsletter
- 📰 FUNdamental Soccer Newsletter
- 🏃♂️ Elite Soccer Conditioning Tips
- 🔗 AYSO National & IFAB Laws Info
📣 Sideline Behavior & Zero Tolerance Policy
Setting a great example starts with us. Coaches are responsible for maintaining positive sideline behavior — including your team’s parents. We follow a Zero Tolerance Policy toward any mistreatment of referees. This applies to all referees — especially youth referees.
🚫 Region 20’s Zero Tolerance Guidelines:
- No yelling at referees — before, during, or after games
- No disputing calls or entering the field of play
- No sarcasm, harassment, or aggressive questioning
- All decisions are final and “in the opinion of the referee” (ITOOTR)
Violations can lead to immediate ejection and possible suspension by the Region 20 Board.
🔗 Referee Zero Tolerance Policy
🔗 Parent Sideline Behavior Pledge
🔗 Before You Yell at the Referee…
🚨 Carding Coaches (New Since 2019)
Yes — coaches can be carded. Law 12 now allows referees to issue yellow or red cards to team officials for inappropriate behavior.
Yellow Card = Warning for persistent sideline issues, dissent, or disrespect.
Red Card = Ejection for entering the field, aggressive language, or misconduct.
If a coach can’t control their spectators, they can be held responsible too.
Learn more on 📛 Carding Team Officials
💡 Common Sideline Misunderstandings
Coaches and spectators often get frustrated over calls. Before you react, here’s what to keep in mind:
❓ Offside
Timing and position are key — it’s judged when the ball is played, not when the player receives it. Trust your AR’s angle.
❓ Handball
Only a deliberate handball is a foul. If it’s accidental or in a natural position, no call.
❓ Fouls
Not every fall is a foul. It must be careless, reckless, or excessive to be penalized.
❓ Throw-ins
Ugly is OK. As long as both feet are on the ground and the throw comes from behind the head — it’s legal.
🤝 We’re All in This Together
Referees are volunteers, just like you. Many are parents, neighbors, and even teens. Let’s model good behavior and create a positive experience for everyone.
Need help or want to suggest a resource?
📩 Contact Regional Coach Administrator: rca@ayso20.org