GENERAL INFORMATION:

                                                                        AYSO PHILOSOPHY

All Bridgeport AYSO coaches are required to follow the philosophy outlined by the AYSO National guidelines as described by the following 6 basic principles (EBOPPS): 

• Everyone Plays:  Every child plays at least half of each game.  Coaches are required to encourage all players to try playing all positions on the field throughout the season.
• Balanced Teams:  New teams are formed each year (no carry-overs from the year before except for the coach’s child) and are constructed so that all teams have the same chance to succeed.  Player evaluations from the previous year are used to help balance the teams.
• Open Registration:  AYSO does not restrict membership on the basis of talent, race, religion, nationality or creed.
• Positive Coaching:  Soccer is FUN for players, coaches and parents.  We believe that negative criticism is inappropriate for coaching young children and experience shows that it doesn’t produce good results.  Positive coaching builds positive team spirit.
• Good Sportsmanship:  We want to create a positive environment based on mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude.  Our program is designed to generate good sportsmanship among players, coaches and spectators alike. Avoid running up scores
• .Player Development: We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.
• Safety: Never leave children unattended on the fields before, during or after practice or games.  Always wait for the last child to be picked up before leaving.
• Never allow children who are not AYSO registered players to play in practices or games.
• No jewelry and no casts or splints are allowed to be worn during a practice or game.  Shin guards are mandatory for both practices and games.
•  Make sure players are allowed rest and fluids at practices and games, especially in warm, humid weather to prevent dehydration.  Players should be instructed to bring water bottles to all practices and games.
•  At the first sign of lightning, you must immediately leave the field.
•  Inspect your game and practice fields for unsafe conditions such as glass, rocks, etc.  Remove any debris before using the field.  Give special attention to goal posts.  Be sure that the sandbag anchors are securely attached to both sides of the rear posts. 
  

PRACTICES and GAMES 

• Please carry all player registration sheets to all practices and games. This form also acts as a medical release form.  Remind parents to update the form as needed with phone numbers or emergency contact changes.
• Warm up and stretch with players prior to practices and games.
• Coaches are required to take constructive measures to not allow a lopsided game score to get out of control.  When an AYSO team builds up a 3 goal lead, players are to be re-positioned in order not to run up the score.  It prevents one of the teams from being humiliated. 
  

REFEREES  

• The referee’s call is final.  All our referees are volunteers and are required to attend AYSO Referee Clinics.  They have a big responsibility to keep the game under control.  Please treat these volunteers with respect and never criticize their call.  This sends a bad message to all of the kids.  Also realize that in some of the younger divisions, the referees are instructed not to call certain types of infractions in order to keep the game moving.
  

WEATHER RELATED CANCELLATIONS

• With regards to weather related cancellations on game day, a decision is made prior to 7:00am on Saturday.  Our website:  www.bridgeportayso.org  will announce our decision.   See our tab " Rain Out Notification" for instruction to set up text  alert.
• With regard to weekday practices, the decision is based on field conditions determined by the Bridgeport Parks and Rec. Department by 3:00 pm (usually around 2:00).  Park and Rec. will put a message on the Twitter section of its website http://www.bridgeportct.gov. If they close the fields, you can not use the fields.  You should determine how you will communicate a cancellation to your team (e-mail usually works best).