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American Youth Soccer Organization Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

Allendale AYSO Region 1391

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION



AYSO is an all-volunteer organization. The coaches who guide teams through practices and during games, the referees who tirelessly officiate games going from one field to the next, the board members who organize the region’s events all the way from planning registrations to setting the schedule and making sure game days run smoothly, are all volunteers. Nobody gets paid one dime to participate in AYSO. Nationwide, more than 220,000 parents, relatives and friends sacrifice their time and effort to make sure that all of the children receive a great AYSO experience.

Because of this volunteer foundation, AYSO ensures that the costs are as low as possible.

AYSO has developed special job-specific training that helps volunteers who may have little to no soccer experience familiarize themselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective coaches and referees, as well as offering unique administrative and management training.

All this ensures that each program abides by AYSO’s Six Philosophies, offers a great AYSO experience and continues to grow and offer AYSO to more children.

It only takes a few hours to become a qualified introductory-level coach or referee. If you are willing to commit to even more time, there are many small but important jobs you can help with. Even a few hours here or there can make a big difference not only to your team but to the entire region.

NEXT STEP

Thank you for volunteering! It is a fun and rewarding experience! There are also some steps to take before that happens.

AYSO Volunteer Application Form in Sports Connect
Any person wishing to volunteer in AYSO must complete an AYSO Volunteer Application Form each year and submit an e-signed copy to the region. Instructions are below.

Complete Background Check with Sterling Volunteers
Every volunteer must complete and pass a criminal background check with Sterling Volunteers. All requested information must be provided by the applicant. Criminal background checks ensure the safety of our children. After you complete your Volunteer Application you will receive an email from Sterling Volunteers with instructions for completing your background check.
AYSO’s Background Check Policy

Complete AYSO's Safe Haven Course
Safe Haven is a training session that focuses on safety and appropriate behavior with children. This course is taken online at AYSOU. Instructions are below.

CDC HEADS UP Concussion Training
All on field volunteers must complete the CDC Concussion Awareness course on AYSOU.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Online Course
All on field volunteers must complete this course.

SafeSport Training
The 2017 SafeSport Act has expanded Mandated Reporters to include adults authorized to interact with children. Due to this expansion, that includes AYSO and it requires training on child abuse and mandated reporting.

AYSO’s Summary of the Laws of the Game
Found on AYSOU this course is required for all Referee Volunteers. It is highly recommended for all Coach Volunteers.

Referee Volunteers
Each Referee is required to attend a live in person training session with one of our Referee Trainers. Before every season we hold referee training for all of our new referees. Instructions for registering for in person training is below.

Coach Volunteers
All Coaches, including Assistant Coaches, must be age appropriately certified. Refer to the chart below to verify which training courses you need to complete in order to coach in each division. Some coaches may be able to complete this certification online. Other coaches will be required to participate in an in person training. This training camp is held every August. Registration instructions are below.

DivisionRequired CourseFormatPrerequisites
    

   
5U & 6U6U Coaching TrainingOnline and/or In PersonSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, SafeSport
8U8U Coaching TrainingOnline and/or In PersonSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, SafeSport
10U10U Coaching Training & Field SessionCombined Online & In PersonSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, SafeSport
12U12U Coaching Training Pre Course & Field SessionCombined Online & In PersonSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, , SafeSport, 10U Coach
14UIntermediate Coach Pre-Course & Field SessionCombined Online & In PersonSafe Haven, Concussion, SCA, , SafeSport, 12U Coach


How does AYSO protect its volunteers and athletes?

Safe Haven™ is a program designed to address a growing need for child and volunteer protection. There are four elements in the Safe Haven™ intervention cycle: Create Policies, Screen Volunteers, Train Volunteers, and Promote Education and Awareness. These are intended to stop child abuse and its agents before they get into the program.  In AYSO, children play in a friendly and safe environment.

The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 
This law grants immunity from certain types of prosecution for volunteers who meet its requirements. In order to receive full protection under the law, AYSO volunteers need must: 1. be properly trained and certified; 2. be performing duties as laid out in a position description; 3. act within the scope of AYSO's Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines.

Thank you for volunteering for Allendale AYSO Region 1391.  Feel free to contact our Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate with any questions or assistance you may need.


  1. Kids are No. 1.
  2. Fun, not winning is everything.
  3. Fans only cheer, and only coaches coach.
  4. No yelling in anger.
  5. Respect the volunteer referees.
  6. No swearing or abusive behavior.
  7. No alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
  8. No weapons.
  9. Leave no trash behind.
  10. Set a proper example of sportsmanship.

Want these instructions in PDF version? AYSO Volunteer Registration

AYSO VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION PROCESS

Steps to complete Volunteer Registration with a pre-existing account are as follows: 
1.  Log into your AYSO Sports Connect account 
2.  Access the My Account page 
3.  Click on the Volunteer button on the left-hand side of the screen


4.  Click the Find Volunteer Roles button on the upper right-hand side of the screen


If the account holder has registered a player prior to this step, skip to step #5. If not, continue with 4a – 4c.

4a. If the account holder does not have a player registered and the division is currently accepting volunteer registration, the user is presented with an additional position selection screen shown below.


4b. Volunteer opportunities for the current season will appear on the next screen. All available 
options will be available if you toggle the accordion icon.


4c. Once you expand the accordion, you’ll be able to view any available opportunities. You may 
also select division/s you would like to volunteer in. Once done, select View Selected 
Opportunities.


5.  All available Open Positions are listed here. Select the opportunity you’d like to sign up for.


6.  Click on your name under the selected position.


7.  Next, fill out all required detail fields to complete the registration.


8.  When you arrive at the Waivers portion, view/accept all three.


9.  While viewing each waiver, read and scroll down the waiver page. It will ask you to type in your first and last name as an “E-signature.” When ready, hit I Accept.


10. Once all waivers have been e-signed, select the Continue button.


11. Your Volunteer Application is now complete!

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Allendale AYSO Region 1391

 
Allendale, Michigan 49401

Email Us: [email protected]
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