Coach Resources

⚽️ 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.

📣 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/spectators. We follow a Zero Tolerance Policy toward any disrespect/dissent/arguing towards referees. This applies to all match officials (CRs/ARs) — especially youth referees.

🚫 Region 20’s Zero Tolerance Guidelines:

  • No yelling at referees — before, during, or after games
  • No disputing calls
  • No entering the field of play, unless invited on by the referee (including during halftime or after the game)
  • 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 — per The Laws of The Game

Yes — coaches can be carded. Law 12 allows referees to issue yellow or red cards to team officials for inappropriate behavior. Additional punishments, including missing games, will be decided by the Board.

Yellow Card = Caution for persistent sideline issues, dissent, or disrespect.
Red Card = Send-off (ejection) for entering the field, aggressive language, or misconduct. Additional punishments will be applied.

If a coach can’t control their spectators, the game will be suspended until the issue is handled, and/or abandoned per the referee’s decision.

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 (or where) the player receives it. Coaches and spectators do not have the ideal positioning to see/make that call; the AR does, and we need to respect their decision.

❓ Handball

Only a deliberate handball is a foul. If it’s accidental or in a natural position, no call. Not every time the ball hits their hand/arm is it an offence. The referee is closer (hopefully), and has a better view of the incident. Let them make the call.

❓ Fouls

Soccer is a CONTACT SPORT. Not all physical contact, or when a player falls, means a foul has been committed. It must be careless, reckless, or excessive in the opinion of the referee to be penalized.

❓ Throw-ins

Ugly is OK. Short and wimpy is ok. Spin is ok. As long as both feet are on the ground (on or behind the touchline), and the throw comes from behind the head (even if it’s a small action) — 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