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Coach Position Description 1 2013

Coach

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Purpose

The AYSO volunteer position of coach is intended to develop in players a positive

image of themselves, their teammates, coaches, game officials, and opponents, and

provide a good role model for players. Additionally, the coach will develop in his/her

players the appropriate soccer skills as recommended in the AYSO coaching manuals.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The coach is expected to:

1. Attend team organization night with the assistant coach before the season begins;

2. Attend the age appropriate coaching course for training on how to coach or as a

refresher on AYSO philosophy;

3. Attend uniform/equipment distribution night prior to a season to receive team

uniforms, equipment, and a playing schedule;

4. Conduct appropriate training sessions;

5. Promote the AYSO philosophy;

6. Support the Regional Commissioner;

7. Cooperate with the Regional Coach Administrator on all coaching matters;

8. Support the division (age group) coordinator;

9. Distribute practice and game schedules to parents;

10. Conduct a parent meeting;

11. Teach age appropriate skills;

12. Follow Safe Haven guidelines and principles;

13. Provide player evaluations to the division coordinators at the end of the season;

14. Carry out other team tasks as necessary; and

15. Have FUN!

Qualifications and Desired Skills

To be considered for the position of coach, the applicant must:

1. Annually submit an AYSO Volunteer Application form;

2. Pass the AYSO screening and background check;

3. Be annually approved and duly appointed as Coach by the Region;

4. Demonstrate good character and reliability;

5. The coach must be 18 years of age or older;

6. Be interested in promoting the benefits of youth sports, especially soccer; and

7. Attend training classes before the season begins.

Supervision Protocols

While performing as the coach, the volunteer is:

1. Subject to the bylaws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines of

AYSO;

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Coach Position Description 2 2013

2. Under the overall authority of and directly supervised by the Regional Coach

Administrator, and supervised indirectly by the Regional Commissioner;

3. To maintain the recommended adult to child supervision ratio of 1:8 or less; that is

one adult for every eight or fewer children and two adults (one of whom may be the

coach and one of whom should be of the same gender as the group) present at all

times. For the protection of both the children and the volunteer, no volunteer should

permit himself or herself to be alone with any child or group of children (except his

or her own) during AYSO-sponsored activities; and

4. Once the head coach has assumed charge of the children on his or her team, he or

she remains responsible until a duly designated adult has taken charge of each

child after practice or a game or the child leaves the immediate vicinity of the

practice or game as prearranged by the parent to walk home or to a friend’s or

relative’s house. No child shall be left unsupervised after a game or practice.

Parents who are unreasonably late or consistently tardy should be reported to the

child protection advocate for action. Each coach may establish a standing policy of

where children may be picked up by late parents.

Time Commitment

The anticipated time commitment for a coach is a full year. The estimated hours to fulfill

duties are approximately six hours per week during the season.

Orientation, Training, Certification, and Continued Education Provided

To prepare a volunteer for the position of coach, AYSO will offer the following

educational opportunities which volunteer coaches are expected to take advantage of

and participate in, as appropriate.

1. Orientation by the head coach;

2. AYSO Safe Haven Certification;

3. Training classes and continuing education;

4. Coach clinics;

5. Referee clinics; and

6. Annual coach update.

Activity Locations

While performing the duties of coach, the volunteer is limited to the following locations,

unless expressly authorized in writing by the regional commissioner to hold activities in

another location.

1. Assigned field locations;

2. Regional meetings and sponsored events;

3. The annual Section Conferences; and

4. Independent work at home alone, in committees of adults, or in a properly

supervised situation with children.