You will need to agree to these terms, and the USSF Referee Policy, to register with AYSO.
(For the soccer year starting in 2025)
Kids Zone Parent Pledge
Coaches, referees, parents, and players all agree to abide by the following code of conduct as a condition to their participation in AYSO activities:
1. I pledge to be on time or early when bringing my child to his/her practices and games. I understand that it may be uncomfortable for my child to be late to a game or practice and that he/she is subject to physical risk if not provided with adequate time to warm up. I understand that I am encouraged to stay during practices and games, but if I do not, I will be there when he/she is finished. Being punctual shows respect for the coach, who has other time commitments, and it tells my child that he/she is my top priority.
2. I understand that the top three reasons kids play sports are to have fun, make new friends and learn new skills. I understand that the game is for the kids, and I will encourage my child to have fun and keep sport in its proper perspective. I understand that athletes do their best when they are emotionally healthy, so I will be positive and supportive.
3. I will redefine what it is to be a “Winner” in my conversations with my child. Winners are people who make the maximum effort, continue to learn and improve, and do not let mistakes, or fear of making mistakes, discourage them. I understand that mistakes are an inevitable part of any game and that people learn from their mistakes. I understand that all children are born with different abilities and that the true measure of success is not how my child compares to others, but how he/she is doing in comparison to his/her best self.
4. I will “Honor the Game.” I understand the importance of setting a good example of sportsmanship for my child. I will show respect for all involved in the game including coaches, players, opponents, opposing fans, and referees. I understand that officials, coaches, and players make mistakes. If the referee makes a call I do not agree with, I will refrain from questioning, insulting or making personal attacks against him or her.
5. I understand that games can be exciting for my child as he/she deals with the fast-paced action of the game, responds to opponents, referees, teammates, and listens to coaches. I will not yell out instructions. During the game, I will make only sportsmanlike comments that encourage my child and other players on both teams.
6. I will not make negative comments about the game, coaches, referees or teammates in my child’s presence. This sets a bad example, which can negatively influence my child’s motivation and overall experience. I agree to act in a sportsmanlike manner and make every effort to foster a friendly and nonviolent atmosphere. I agree to honor the AYSO Parent Pledge in my words and actions.
7. I will not use alcohol, tobacco products, e-cigarettes or other vaping products, or controlled substances at any practices or games. I will not bring firearms or other weapons to any practices or games.
I am responsible for making my child, my spouse, other family members, and any persons I invite to an AYSO activity aware of this code of conduct and getting their agreement to abide by this code of conduct as a condition to their participation in any AYSO activity.
State law requires youth athletes and their parents to receive a copy of each of the following documents in order to participate in athletics. By signing this electronically, you acknowledge that you have received the following documents and will review the contents with the participating athlete.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information for Athletes and Parents/Guardians
https://epsavealife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SCAInformationSheet-2.pdf
Concussion Information Sheet
https://aysovolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/AYSOCDCConcussionHandout.pdf
Prescription Opioids: What You Need to Know
https://aysovolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/AYSO-Opiod-ELA_Parent-Release-Form.pdf
COVID-19 AND OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT
Inherent in participation in sporting activities such as soccer, whether as an athlete, a volunteer or a spectator, are certain hazards and dangers, including, but not limited to, those risks, inherent or otherwise, detailed in the Disclaimer, Assumption of Risk and Waiver agreement, which you signed during the registration process for the current membership year.
In addition to those risks set out in the Disclaimer, Assumption of Risk and Waiver agreement, which you have willingly and voluntarily assumed, COVID-19 remains a highly contagious infectious disease.
In the majority of people who become infected, COVID-19 causes a mild respiratory illness similar to influenza. In some individuals, including those who may have asthma, diabetes or other underlying health problems, it can lead to a severe respiratory condition that requires hospitalization.
Please understand that despite all the precautions that you, other participants, AYSO as a whole and/ or your AYSO Region may take to combat COVID-19 or other diseases transmitted by a virus, such as RSV or the flu, or by bacteria, such as strep throat or meningitis, AYSO and this AYSO Region cannot guarantee your health or safety, and you may still be exposed to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, including, without limitation, through touching soccer balls and other equipment, utilizing field space for training and/ or matches, participating in training and/or matches, and through direct and/or indirect interactions with other players, coaches, referees, volunteers, or individuals who have an infectious disease, have been exposed to an infectious disease or individuals who may be carrying an infectious disease, but do not exhibit any symptoms of disease.
By submitting an application to play or volunteer, and accessing the programming in your AYSO Region, you, on behalf of yourself and your participating child, and on behalf of all persons who reside with you and with your child, as well as your heirs, beneficiaries, representatives, successors and assigns:
1. Knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks and dangers, known and unknown, that are associated with any exposure to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, including, but not limited to, suffering any type of medical condition, illness and, potentially, death;
2. Acknowledge that your use of and/or participation in the programming of AYSO and this AYSO Region could result in you contracting COVID-19 or other infectious diseases, respiratory failure, death, and/or the transmission of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases to family or household members and others who may also suffer these effects;
3. Knowingly and voluntarily waive, release, covenant not to sue, and forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless AYSO, AYSO United and this AYSO Region, its players, parents, volunteers, subsidiaries and other affiliates, and its and their respective officers, directors, members, employees, contractors, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (the AYSO Parties) from any and all liability, damages, losses, suits, demands, causes of action (including, without limitation, negligence), or any other claims of any nature whatsoever, arising out of, or relating in any way to, your use of and/or participation in the programming of AYSO and this AYSO Region and any potential or actual exposure to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, to the maximum extent permitted by law; and
Consent to Electronic Signatures
I agree to use an electronic signature and that any physical or electronic copy of this form can be used as if it was an original.
If applicant is a minor, I am signing as parent/guardian on behalf of the player/youth volunteer.
AYSO requires all players and volunteers (members) to register with the organization and provide personally identifiable information necessary for participation in its programs. For players, this information includes name, date of birth, home address, parent contact details including phone numbers and email addresses, emergency contact information, and any medical conditions that may affect the player’s ability to participate safely. When a credit or debit card is used as a form of payment for any registration or membership fees, this information is used to complete the transaction and is not stored by AYSO.
Volunteers are required to provide full legal name, date of birth, address, contact information including phone number and email address, a photo identification card number and social security number. The latter two data fields are used for background screening and are encrypted in transmission to a commercial background screening vendor.
Volunteer disclosures and any background check results provided to the Organization are considered private and confidential and are secured with both restricted electronic and physical access limited to only the employees of the Risk Management Department of the National Office for the purpose of determining volunteer eligibility. Background check results are only available to the individual upon request and are not disclosed to any other party.
AYSO’s data, file and communications systems utilize the highest level of security, encryption and firewall protection available and are inspected and tested regularly. Physical files are stored in a restricted access, alarmed room.
AYSO does not sell or disseminate personally identifiable information. Premier, National and Supporting sponsors are permitted to send information including advertisements to AYSO’s membership; however, they are not given direct access to membership data. AYSO remains the sole owner of its membership data and any dissemination of information or contact with members requires the approval of the National Executive Director at the National Office.
Player and volunteer photographs and video may be taken from time to time and used in AYSO training and promotional materials as permissioned through the AYSO Registration forms. Member identities shall not be divulged in this process and the identities of players shall be protected in all public forums. Coaches and training staffs may make video recordings of games or practices for purposes of improving player training and must comply with AYSO privacy policies when doing so. Players, their families, and volunteers should be aware that spectators at practices, games, or other events may take photos or videos at those events. AYSO asks that all spectators comply with the requirements of AYSO privacy policies but AYSO may not be able to control the use of these images by spectators, and disclaims all responsibility or liability for any such use.
AYSO also collects membership information through email correspondence and online forms including surveys, contests and other promotions. This information is entered willingly and knowingly by the user. Additional information that may be automatically collected includes IP addresses, browsers, webpages on AYSO sites viewed by users, etc. This information is used by AYSO to improve membership communications and experiences with the Organization and may be shared with third party partners in the form of statistical and demographic data, never on an individual basis.
In compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act, all of AYSO’s members have the opportunity to opt out of any AYSO-based promotional emails.
AYSO does not knowingly collect or use personal information from children under the age of 13 without the consent of their parents, on any websites or for any contest, in compliance with Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
AYSO strives to be a transparent nonprofit organization to its membership, this Privacy Policy addresses policies of AYSO regarding information collected from AYSO’s membership, including information collected at registration and directly from the website, www.ayso.org and its affiliates.
What kind of personally identifiable information does AYSO collect?
AYSO collects the names, email addresses, phone numbers, addresses and credit/debit card information when AYSO members register their players for AYSO soccer. While your credit/debit card information is taken, AYSO does not store this information. AYSO also collects personally identifiable membership information through email correspondence and online forms including surveys, contests and other promotions. This information is entered willingly and knowingly by the user.
Additional information that may be automatically collected include IP addresses, browsers, webpages on AYSO sites viewed by users, etc. This statistical information is used so that AYSO can determine what areas of our sites are performing well or are not performing well and so that we can improve our membership’s digital experience.
AYSO may share this statistical data to third parties; however, no personal identifying information is shared without our users’ permission.
Once collected, this information is used to better serve our membership. We do not sell or share this information with third parties that are not otherwise stated in this policy.
We may also track conversion data from our correspondence (namely email) so that AYSO can measure our effectiveness in marketing and promotions.
In compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act, all of AYSO’s membership have the opportunity to opt out of AYSO-based promotional emails.
What does AYSO do with my personal information?
The information collected by AYSO may be used for marketing or promotional purposes, recordkeeping, editorial and feedback purposes or content improvement.
Does AYSO collect information from minors?
In compliance to Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), AYSO does not knowingly collect or use personal information from children under the age of 13 without the consent of their parents. If the situation arises where a child has provided AYSO personal information without the consent of their parents, the parents should contact AYSO immediately to remove that information.
How does AYSO protect my personal information?
AYSO protects your personal information with strict internal procedures at AYSO National Office.
Does AYSO share my personal information with third parties?
AYSO does not provide direct access to personally identifiable information by share or sell our memberships information. Our Premier, National and Supporting sponsors are all permitted to send information including advertisements to AYSO’s membership; however, they do not have access to personally identifiable information to directly contact AYSO’s membership.
How can I update my personal information?
Please email us if you need to update the contact information that we currently have on file. Please email us via the email address on file (your former address, the one we currently have) so we can verify ownership.
Does AYSO use photographs or video shared on Social Media?
AYSO does, on occasion, use photos or video shared by our membership on Social Media, which includes Facebook, Instagram and X (fka Twitter). Nonetheless, whether professionally taken or not, AYSO does not publish the names or locations of the children in the photo or video. For more information, please view our Electronic Communication and Social Media Policy or utilize our Safe Haven resources.
How does AYSO determine volunteer eligibility?
AYSO determines whether or not a volunteer is able to be a volunteer based on background check we conduct. AYSO will share the results of that background check with the volunteer applicant, but will not share them with anyone else.
Will AYSO update this Privacy Policy?
AYSO is continually striving to improve and our policies will be reviewed every 90 days. AYSO reserves the right to update and modify this policy at any time by posting modifications on the website, www.ayso.org.
The date the Privacy Policy was last updated can be noticed at the top of the statement.
How do I reach AYSO National Office if a privacy issue arises?
Mail:
American Youth Soccer Organization 19700 S Vermont Ave Suite 103 Torrance, CA 90502
Or email: morgantookey@ayso.org
Electronic Communication and Social Media
In keeping with the goal of the Safe Haven program to address the growing need to protect children from abuse, which includes the invasion of privacy rights and/or volunteers from misunderstandings and false accusations, the following recommendations are proposed for electronic communications and the use of social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Consistent with Safe Haven Child and Volunteer Protection Policies, AYSO asks all adults, regardless of whether they have a current volunteer application form on file, to maintain transparency in their communications with children while protecting children’s identity and privacy. It is the responsibility of adults to maintain appropriate boundaries.
All communications regarding AYSO activities and participation in the program must be directed to parents and guardians including voice messages, e-mails and text messages. It is up to a child’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s) to forward necessary communications to their children. If, for older players or youth volunteers, parents/guardians allow direct communications with a player or youth volunteers, parents must still be copied on any and all messages. Adults should refrain from private, personal, on-going electronic conversations with children.
All AYSO websites and pages on Social Media sites such as Facebook, Instagram Twitter and YouTube must be monitored to prevent inappropriate postings, blogs or tweets, which either divulge the identity of minors or include any disparaging comments or pictures. Neither AYSO websites nor social media sites may be conduits for social bullying, airing grievances, or gateways for predators. All AYSO social media sites/pages should conform to the rules and regulations for use and safety as outlined by the site owner.
The AYSO Player Registration Form includes a general photo release for non-commercial purposes. Pictures posted on public sites should not include the names of individual players to avoid identifying children to the wrong individuals. Team rosters with names, numbers and contact information must not be posted on any public website or social media page.
Operation and maintenance of all AYSO websites should conform to AYSO’s Privacy Policy for online privacy protection and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA of 2000) which establishes mandated disclosures, parental notifications and options for all online activities when information is requested from children under 13 years of age.
The advantages and convenience of electronic communications and social media pages make them valuable and necessary tools for communicating with AYSO participants. As long as the same Safe Haven guidelines for interactions between adults and children are used in electronic media, the risk of abuse and misunderstandings can be minimized. Parents play a critical role in keeping children safe online and they must be included in all communications. Encourage parents to help with online safety by providing links to documents such as A Parent’s Guide to Social Media, A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Teens on Social Media and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s How to Protect Kids’ Privacy Online resources.
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PARTICIPATION IN SOCCER NECESSARILY INVOLVES TRAVEL, PLAY IN ADVERSE FIELD CONDITIONS, CONTACT WITH CONSIDERABLE FORCE, AND RISK OF SEVERE, PERMANENT PHYSICAL INJURY INCLUDING BRUISES,SCRAPES, STRAINED, SPRAINED OR TORN MUSCLES, TENDONS OR LIGAMENTS, BROKEN BONES, DISLOCATION OF JOINTS, CONCUSSION, BRAIN DAMAGE, NERVE AND SPINAL CORD INJURY, PARALYSIS AND DEATH. I WILLINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES (THE TERM RELEASEES IS DEFINED BELOW.). I AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THE STATED AND CUSTOMARY TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION OR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION AND, IF THE PARTICIPANT (PLAYER) OR I OBSERVE ANY CONCERN IN PLAYER””S READINESS FOR PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICES, GAMES OR OTHER ACTIVITIES (EVENTS), I WILL REMOVE PLAYER FROM PARTICIPATION AND IMMEDIATELY BRING SUCH CONCERN TO THE ATTENTION OF THE NEAREST OFFICIAL AND THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
I HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE AMERICAN YOUTH SOCCER ORGANIZATION (AYSO), ITS PLAYERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, OFFICIALS, SPONSORS AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES AND ALL OWNERS, LESSORS, LESSEES OR OTHER PERSONS OR ENTITIES ALLOWING THE USE OF FACILITIES BY AYSO AND THE AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF SAID PERSONS OR ENTITIES (RELEASEES) FROM ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, CAUSES OF ACTION, COSTS, EXPENSES AND COMPENSATION ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO A LOSS, INJURY OR OTHER DAMAGE TO PLAYER OR TO MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY OR MY HOUSEHOLD OR INDIVIDUALS I INVITE OR FOR WHOM I AM OTHERWISE RESPONSIBLE, OR TO THEIR PROPERTY, WHILE PARTICIPATING IN OR PRESENT AT ANY OF THE EVENTS, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AYSO IS PRIMARILY ADMINISTERED BY VOLUNTEERS RATHER THAN PAID PROFESSIONALS.
I ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THIS WAIVER AGREEMENT IS INTENDED TO BE AS BROAD AND INCLUSIVE AS PERMITTED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE IN WHICH WE LIVE AND AGREE THAT IF ANY PORTION OF THIS WAIVER AGREEMENT IS DEEMED TO BE INVALID, THE REMAINDER WILL CONTINUE IN FULL LEGAL FORCE AND EFFECT.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSENT:
I understand the terms of the Soccer Accident Insurance Plan are set forth in a pamphlet available on-line at http://www.ayso.org, as may be amended from time to time, and either I have read and understand the terms or I will do so before Player participates in any Events.
For internal and external use, AYSO and its licensees and invitees may obtain, compile and use contact information, soccer photographs and audio visual recordings of Player consistent with the AYSO Privacy Policy set forth at http://www.ayso.org, as may be amended from time to time. I consent to such uses and hereby waive all rights to approval and compensation.
On behalf of myself, or Player (if Parent), and all members of my family or child””s family, I hereby agree to abide by the AYSO Bylaws, rules, regulations, policies and philosophies as available at http://www.ayso.org, as may be amended from time to time, and all decisions and directions of the Regional Board, Area and Section staff, and the National Board of Directors, and agree that Player or any member of Player’s family may be removed from the program at any time with or without cause. I represent that Player has not been convicted of any crime nor does Player have any known condition that might pose undue risk to Player or other participants.
I HAVE READ THE AGREEMENTS SET FORTH HEREIN AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND THE TERMS OF EACH AND THAT I AND PLAYER HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING THIS FORM AND AGREEING TO SAID TERMS. I SIGN THIS FORM FOR MYSELF AND, IF PARENT, ON BEHALF OF PLAYER AND MEMBERS OF PLAYERS FAMILY, AND AGREE TO THESE TERMS FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT INDUCEMENT. I ALSO AGREE TO INFORM AYSO IN A TIMELY MANNER IF ANYTHING ON THIS FORM CHANGES.
Emergency Treatment Authorization
In an emergency, I hereby authorize each of the Coaches, Volunteer Team Parents, or other Officials of AYSO to act as my agents in the capacity of activity supervisors and vehicle drivers, and I authorize each of them to consent to medical, surgical or dental examination and/or treatment.
I SIGN THIS FORM ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND PLAYER AND AGREE VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT INDUCEMENT.
Refund Policy
The National Player Fee is non-refundable.
For Regions registering players with Sports Connect, the transaction fee is also non-refundable.
In the absence of a local policy, it is AYSO””s National policy that all other fees you have paid for registration may be fully refundable until the first scheduled event, which may be the first practice, first day of a clinic, first game, or other final commitment date as defined by the Region. The amount and timing of the refund, if any, is specified by the Region and included in your confirmation of registration.
Your local program’s refund policy may amend or replace this refund policy; in the event of a dispute, you understand and agree that you have read and consent to all applicable, local refund policies.