A Message from Our Regional Commissioner

AYSO Soccer Season is starting this month in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak Park and Westlake Village.  Opening day is Saturday, September 7 2013.  We have over 2,000 children ready to take the fields.

First, let me thank the volunteer members of our Regional Board, our Coaching Commission and our Referee Commission who have donated thousands of man hours since January 2013 orchestrating registration, balancing teams, training coaches and referees, and making preparations for the season. 

Next; thank you to all the coaches, assistant coaches, referees and team managers.  Many hands make light work.  We have over 700 parent volunteers who make this program work; so thank you to all the volunteers who are making this experience possible for the children in our community!

A few reminders to help everyone enjoy the season:

1.  The game is for the KIDS.  Let’s all be positive and encourage our children to do their best and to have fun.  Our example is their best teacher.  

2.  Our coaches and referees are all volunteers and trying to do their best.  AYSO rules and the FIFA laws of the game do not allow for dissent.  Please respect the game.  It is NOT OKAY to disagree or argue calls made by referees on the field.

3.  Parents are not allowed to coach.  Only Coaches should be coaching players during a soccer match.  Our coaches have spent many hours completing coach certification courses, coaching clinics and Safe Haven training.  Parent coaching leads to confusion and distracts players from enjoying the experience. 

Please remember, everyone on game day has a job to do:

• Players play,
• Coaches coach,
• Referees referee, and
• Parents cheer

4.  Spectators. Parents and other spectators MUST sit on the side of the field that their team is assigned; home team on one side and visiting team on the other.  All spectators should remain in the center third of the field’s sideline between the penalty boxes.  All chairs and spectators should remain at least 3 yards off the touchline to protect the players and the referees.

5.  NO pets of any kind are allowed at the fields.  This is a health and safety issue as well school and park district policy at the fields that we use.

6.  No smoking or alcohol allowed at the fields.

7.  Respect our neighbors.  All of our fields are in neighborhoods. Our neighbors deserve our respect and courtesy by not blocking driveways or littering.  Please drive safely in the parking lots and around the playing fields, particularly on Conifer Ave. next to Brookside Elementary.

8.  Trash.  The schools and parks do not clean up after us.  Please pick up all trash and carry it home with you.  Parents in charge of refreshments should bring trash bags and take the trash bags home.

9.  Soccer is a team sport.  Respect the coaches and team mates by getting your children to their games and practices on time.

10.  Have fun. This is not World Cup.  College and pro scouts are not showing up at our games.  Relax, take in the fresh air and enjoy the kids having a great time.

If we all do our part, I am confident that as in years past, we will have a terrific soccer season and our children will once again have a great experience.  Please join me in helping to provide our kids, our volunteers and parents with a fun, fair, safe and family friendly experience.

See you on the pitch,

Jim Lyon, CFA

Regional Commissioner

AYSO Region 4 - Agoura-Westlake

Serving the communities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak Park and Westlake Village.

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As a reminder to all parents: we ask that you be aware 
of the following items before the season starts:

No Pets are allowed at the playing locations
Check the website for late breaking news each week before games start
Playing conditions notices will be posted here

Online Safe Haven Course

 

AYSO Debuts Parent Orientation Video

Video Now Available Online     A video for new AYSO parents is now available online. The six-minute video helps parents understand the important child-first philosophies, powerful volunteer training and other valuable benefits that make AYSO the best soccer program for all children and families.   The video has also been sent in a DVD format to all AYSO Regional Commissioners to be used for fall Parent Orientation Meetings. It has a "looping option" that will also allow it to play repeatedly at Picture Day or other events where AYSO families gather. It's a great way to kick off the new season!  #1 Click here to watch the video.   #2 The AYSO "Parent Video" (the Bruce/Mel/Arno show)      To insure that every AYSO parent gets to see this important information, copy and paste the link into an email message and send it off to all the AYSO parents on your emailing list. And feel free to post it to your Region, Area or Section Web site. The presentation and handout from the Team Manager meeting can be found on the Forms Page