Shin Guards: Please ensure that all your players are wearing shinguards (under their socks) along with their proper uniform. If they are not wearing shinguards they can not participate in practices or games. They must be worn under the socks and be completely covered.

Jewelry: This is a zero-tolerance rule in soccer. All jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches, must be removed before the player can take the field. Taping over jewelry is not a solution. Players MAY NOT participate in practices or games if they have earrings in their ears. They MUST be removed or the player cannot participate. I know that some players get new piercings for the new school year, but they can and must be removed for the player to participate in AYSO events.

Cleats: Remember that players may not wear shoes with a toe spike (like baseball or football cleats). These are a safety hazard and cannot be worn for soccer.

Hydration and Nutrition: The forecast for Saturday puts the temperature in the low to mid 80's. Even in cooler weather though, players can get dehydrated easily during a game. Be sure to not only bring water for your players during and after their game, but also have the start hydrating now. Drinking water 24-48 hours before physical activity will let the body have fluids in reserve and cuts down the risk of dehydration. It is also recommended to have a healthy, high-carbohydrate meal a few hours before the game, and to avoid heavy or sugary snacks less than an hour before kickoff.

Casts and Splints: Team members are not be allowed to practice or participate in any match with any type of cast or splint.  Removal of any type of cast or splint at the field or surrounding area in order to participate is not permitting and will disqualify the team member from practice or match participation.

Removable casts are designed to facilitate personal hygiene and dressing; they are not meant to be removed so that a player may engage in contact sports.

2. Field and Goal Safety

Goals: This is one of the most serious safety concerns. Remind your players to never climb on or play with the soccer goals. Goals can be extremely heavy and can tip over, causing serious injury even when properly anchored.

Field Hazards: Before the match, coaches and referees should check the field for potential hazards, but it's good for parents to be aware as well. This includes things like holes, exposed rocks, debris, or broken glass.

3. Health-Related Issues

Heat-Related Illness: Remember to keep an eye on your player and ensure they are drinking enough water during their match. They can come to the touchline at anytime (remaining on the field) and you can hand them their water bottle for a drink. Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, or hot and dry skin.

Concussions: While a low-contact sport, concussions can still happen from collisions or falls. Every volunteer is trained to recognize signs of concussion (dizziness, headache, confusion, etc.) and if a player exhibits these signs they must be get a medical professional's clearance before a player can return to the field. Safety of our players is our highest concern.

4. Sideline Etiquette and Behavior

Pets: Pets are not permitted at any games, or at practices.  While neighbors around our fields may walk their pets around the park's paths, no pets of any kind may be near the fields themselves. This is not only part of our permit conditions, but is also for the safety of our players. A referee can stop a match until the pet is removed from the fields, so please leave you family friend at home.

Photography/Videography: You are welcome to take photos of your player, but please be mindful of others' privacy. If you choose to post photos of your player and perhaps other team members, AYSO recommends that you do not identify players individually by name. A group photo could list the players names (first name only recommended), but should not indicate which player is which in the photo.

Sideline Conduct: When you setup to watch, please leave enough room for the coaches and team to have their area and for the Assistant Referee to have access and visibility of the entire touchline. Please remember to always be a positive and encouraging presence for your player and everyone on the field. Cheer your player and team on, but let the coach coach, and let the referee referee. Please refrain from yelling at referees, coaches, or players from either team as this can dampen the experience for all.

Above all, have a great experience, be safe, and enjoy the games!