I am a Coach and Need Help!

First Point of Contact 
Your Division Commissioner is always a great place to start! For anything training related, email: [email protected].

So I Volunteered to Coach—Now What About Practices?
Make sure you complete the age-specific training (see "Become a Coach" page).  After that there are other resources that are available to you.

• Division-Specific Coaching Manuals are available in the AYSOU "Resource Library"  with training plans, example drills, and teaching techniques for skills (e.g. in-step kick)
• Talk with your fellow coaches to see what they're doing
• Ask your Division Commissioner — many have coached or run the division and have example materials
• Observe other coaches and see what works
• Browse drills in Mojo
• Search online (e.g., “fun drills for U6”) — tons of YouTube and Instagram channels offer coach-focused training
• Contact Coach Admin at [email protected] for additional help.
  

When in doubt, LET THEM PLAY! 
Small-sided scrimmages are key to learning at all age groups.  So don't pack every second of the practice with drills but be sure to set aside even half of the practice for scrimmaging.


📣 I Need a Referee, Assistant Coach, or Team Manager—What Do I Do?
If you know an Assistant Coach, you can request them by contacting your Division Commissioner when signing up to coach. They must be fully cleared and certified, just like you. While placement is not guaranteed due to AYSOU and regional mandates, most requests are accommodated.

Team Formed Already?
Have a parent meeting early in the season to explain the volunteer roles you need filled, what the responsibilities are, why they matter, and what happens if they aren’t filled. Ask directly for help — most parents don’t volunteer simply because they weren’t asked clearly or understand expectations

Regarding referees: coaches often take on this role, which is appreciated if you're willing. However, it's strongly recommended that team parents fulfill the referee requirement. If no one steps up, the team will lose playoff eligibility (regional, area, and beyond). Be clear about this during your meeting so expectations are set early.

Also, reach out to your Division Commissioner — they may offer advice or know of volunteers looking to get involved.


⚠️ I’m Having Difficulty with a Player—What Should I Do?

• First: Stay Calm
  Kids can be unpredictable. Keep in mind they might be dealing with challenges outside of soccer.
• Next Steps
  - Have a calm conversation with the parent outside of practice or games
  - Share your concern and ask for their support
  - If issues persist, contact your Division Commissioner
  

🚗 Can a Parent Just Drop Off Their Player?
It depends on the player's age and maturity, as well as the coach's willingness to accept responsibility. For younger players — typically U6 through U12+ — it's expected that a parent or responsible adult/sibling stays at the fields during practices and games. Most children in this range aren’t ready to be left unattended. For older players (13+), arriving independently may be reasonable — but should ONLY occur with coach's awareness and consent.

The responsible adult may have multiple children practicing and be at another field—but they must still be present at the complex, and the coach should know how to reach them.

If a child is dropped off, the Coach should ALWAYS ensure that the child is picked up by the player's responsible party.

If expectations are not met, or it becomes problematic with late pickups, etc. clearly communicate expectations to the parent and involve your Division Commissioner as needed.

😠 I’m Struggling With a Parent’s Behavior—Help?

• Take a moment to evaluate:
  - Is it against AYSO philosophies or policies?
  - Is it disruptive?
  - Or is it simply a personal frustration?
• Strategies:
  - Start with calm diplomacy — especially for personality conflicts
  - For disruptive, abusive, or policy-violating behavior:
  - Talk with the parent outside of practices/games
  - Clearly explain the issue, its impact, and how it can be resolved
  - Listen actively — they may be dealing with things you can't see
  - If needed, reach out to your Division Commissioner, who will involve board members as necessary
  

NO!  The region has a 3/4 rule mandating players play at least 3 quarters of a game, regardless of practice attendance. The only exception is late arrival to a game, which can adjust minimum playing time for that game. In general if they're there and ready to play, they should get 3 quarters.