AYSO’s Child and Volunteer Protection Guidelines are designed to facilitate:
- Appropriate Boundaries
- Transparent Interactions
- Protection of minors’ identities and privacy
AYSO recommends the follow supervision protocols:
- At least two registered adults present at all times.
- One registered adult for every eight or fewer children.
- At least one registered adult of the same gender as the players.
- No adult should ever be alone with a child other than their own, including transporting a child. When it is necessary to speak privately with a child, select a spot out of earshot but within sight of others for transparency.
- Team Coaches are responsible for all players until they are picked up or leave the area as authorized by parents.
- Parents must not “drop” players off at fields or AYSO activity without establishing contact with coaches.
- No child shall be left unsupervised after a practice or game. AYSO does not recommend that children walk or ride a bicycle home alone. However, when allowed, the Coach should secure a General Release form from the parent/guardian to ensure their approval. This includes allowing a child to car pool with another parent.
- The AYSO “Buddy” system must have at least 3 players to minimize opportunity for player-on-player abuse.
In order to prevent misunderstandings, physical contact with children should be:
- In response to the need of the child only; intervene only as necessary for the health and safety of the child.
- With the child’s permission, respectful of hesitation or discomfort.
- Careful to avoid private or bathing suit areas.
- Age and developmentally appropriate.
- Always in the open; never in private.
- Brief as in a hug from the side, “high five” or fist taps to signal a good job or support.
