Team Parent

Banners

Team banners are a source of pride and identity and each team should proudly display their banner at each game and at Picture Day. Typically all teams have team banners in some form or another. There are only a few rules:

Our region prefers just putting uniform numbers with NO NAME as there tends to be players who drop and add right before the season starts.You may put player FIRST names only on the banner. DO NOT put first AND last names or uniform numbers.
Beside your team name, don’t forget your coach, assistant coach and team parent.
Team names should be fun and non-political. If there are any questions regarding appropriateness of your name, contact your division coordinator.

Banners that do not adhere to the banner policy may not be included in team photos, or displayed on the sidelines of games.

Two ways to get a banner:

Order through a vendor. Easiest and fastest way to get a banner. It usually takes just a few days to receive. Once you have a team name, you can pick from thousands of designs and they include the banner stand and carrying case with the purchase You can shop local or online.

Make one yourself. You can purchase supplies a local fabric store and have the team decorate the banner. Typically, teams use felt or other fabrics and decorate with paint, glitter or use cloth letters. To create the banner stand, you can buy ¾” or 1” PVC tubing (used for garden sprinklers) and the fittings. You may want to use Velcro, snap rings or grommets or just thin rope to mount the banner to your stand. Make sure it is easy to assemble and disassemble.

Become a Team Parent

The AYSO Team Parent is a pivotal part of every team. They are the coach's assistant, cheerleader and traffic director all in one. These are things you will already be doing if your child is on the team, so take it one more step and help the entire team operate more smoothly!

Every coach needs help arranging snacks and water for games, making calls when rain or snow makes practice impractical, and keeping an energetic team in line on the sidelines. You're making a difference for a whole team - a team that includes your child. It's a great way to make your child's team a family experience!

Another important role a Team Parent can play is the unofficial Kids Zone representative at every game. Kids Zone is one of the ways AYSO makes sure all its players and volunteers are having fun. The program encourages spectators to use good language, show good sportsmanship in attitude and behavior, and create an enjoyable day for every player. The Kids Zone button, parent pledge form and sign, remind those on the sidelines to act appropriately, and a Team Parent can wear and share these important tools with everybody watching the game.

Please step up at the beginning of the season and offer the coach your help as Team Parent!

Team Parent Resources

About Kids Zone

In AYSO, we want all players, coaches, families and volunteers to have fun. That’s where Kids Zone comes in. Kids Zone is a program that encourages fans on the sidelines, and anyone else near the play, to use positive language, show sportsmanship in their attitude and behavior, and create a great experience for every player. It’s a reminder that the soccer fields are a kid’s zone – a friendly, happy, wholesome place for children to play.

Regions that participate in the Kids Zone program typically place buttons and posters near the fields as helpful reminders that no matter how intense the game can be, kids need cheerful support from the sidelines. Then there’s the Kids Zone Pledge – parents and spectators are asked to sign the pledge and agree to the following guidelines:

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

When it comes down to it, Kids Zone is about supporting every child on the field - even those on the opposing team. It means supporting the players whether they win or lose. It means honoring the game – not the outcome of the game. Remember, respect starts with you!

For more information about the Kids Zone program in your Region, ask your coach or Regional Commissioner.