Ossining AYSO is an all-volunteer, non-for profit organization run by parents like you.  Every coach, assistant coach, referee and administrator is a volunteer. Some of our volunteers have played soccer their entire lives and others had never kicked a soccer ball before getting involved with AYSO. All of us do it because it is fun and worthwhile. If you only have a little bit of time and want to help your child and our community, we will find something useful for you to do.  To learn more about how to become a volunteer follow this link

Click here to download The Ossining Parents Handbook.  This handbook provides essential information and answers to many basic questions, and it’s a “must-read” for all parents.

The AYSO Parent Pledge

In my words and action, I pledge to:

• Attend and participate in team parent meetings.
• Be on time or early when dropping off or picking up my child for a practice or game.
• Ensure my child is supported and encouraged by family or loved ones at games.
• Encourage my child to have fun and keep sport in its proper perspective.
• Define winning for my child as doing his/her very best.
• Endeavor to learn the Laws of the Game (rules) of soccer and support the efforts of referees.
• Honor the game and show respect for all involved including coaches, players, opponents, spectators and referees.
• Applaud and encourage players from both teams and not yell out instructions.
• Not make negative comments about the game, coaches, referees or players in my child's presence.
• Encourage others to refrain from negative or abusive sideline behavior.

Parents, please make sure your child knows the AYSO Player Pledge

The AYSO Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters.

Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In AYSO, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat - all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.

Support Your Child

Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important.  Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!

Always Be Positive

Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team.  Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities.

Remember: Your Child Wants To Have Fun

Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them. Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team.

Reinforce Positive Behavior

Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.

Don't Be a Sideline Coach or Referee

Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support too. That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there's usually always an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself!


Useful Links

Westchester Field Directions
Tips for Soccer Moms and Dads
i Soccer Mom
Soccer-for-Parents
Easy Guide to Soccer Rules
Simplified Rules of the Game
FIFA - Laws of the Game
National Alliance for Youth sports
Sideline Etiquette