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Pacifica AYSO 157

Drop Off vs. Hand Off

At AYSO, we believe that no child should be left unsupervised before or after a game or practice, which is why parents must not “drop” players off at the soccer fields without contact with the coach. Instead, AYSO encourages a “hand off” to occur between the parent and the coach so that the child is always under the supervision of an adult.

Contact with the coach is defined as face-to-face contact, verbal contact. This does not include dropping off a child and letting the coach know via media, i.e. by email, text or phone.

In the event that parents are unable to pick up their child or need to leave a game early, they should complete the Player General Release Form and give it to the coach in advance. If in the case of an emergency or a last minute situation, parents should write an email or text message to inform the coach that they are releasing their child to another parent on the team or another family member.

The parent should also write an email to the person responsible for their child’s well being after they leave the field. Before leaving the field, the parent needs to have a written confirmation from both the coach and the adult they are releasing their child to.

We encourage our AYSO parents to use common sense on this matter.

Safety FAQ

The safety of our players, volunteers, and referees is vitally important.

If you have any questions please contact the Safety Director or
Regional Commissioner
.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are players permitted to wear jewelry, earrings or studs?

Jewelry, including earrings of any kind, any visible body piercing or any hard replacement stud used when the jewelry is not being worn, must be removed before the player is allowed to participate in a practice or game. Covering the jewelry or hard replacement stud with tape, padding or bandage is not sufficient. The jewelry or hard replacement stud must be removed before playing. Subject to approval of the referee, various soft, flexible materials that do not present a danger to the player or other players may be used to keep recent body piercings open for participation during games.

Can players wear Medical Alert Bracelets?

Children may participate in games and practices while wearing medical alert bracelets. It is important that this information remains visible. However, to ensure the bracelet does not present a danger to the player or other players it should be secured to the player with tape, a cloth wristband or something equivalent taking care to leave the information visible. We must all recognize that if the bracelet is removed and lost or hidden in any way,the child might be put in danger, particularly if the parents are not present to ensure that the medical condition is known. We must also recognize that it is unlikely that a medical alert bracelet, when properly covered, will pose a danger to the other children who are participating. Medical alert sports bands with a snug-fitting soft, polyester ribbon band are available and should be permitted without modification.

May a player wear a cast or splint?

The AYSO National Rules and Regulations paragraph VI.H. states: "Players shall not be allowed to practice or participate in any game with any type of cast or splint."

May a player remove a cast or splint in order to participate?

The AYSO National Rules and Regulations paragraph VI.H. states:"Removal of any type of cast or splint at the field or surrounding area in order to participate shall disqualify the player from practice or in any game." Removable casts are designed to facilitate personal hygiene and dressing; they are not designed to be removed so that a player may engage in contact sports.

Are players permitted to wear knee braces?

AYSO policy statement 2.9 titled "Knee Braces" reads as follows: AYSO will not prohibit the use of knee braces by players in AYSO events and programs, provided that the knee brace is adequately covered and padded in the judgment of the referee so as to eliminate the possibility of its use causing injury to other players on the field of play. The difference between casts or splints and knee braces is that a cast or splint is used for the treatment of a temporary injury to provide for healing. The use of a knee brace is different in that it is used to provide support and/or flexibility. Knee braces are designed to allow for flexibility of movement, while conversely, a cast or splint is designed to restrict mobility.

Are players permitted to wear any other kind of medical devices?

If the device is needed to restrict mobility, protect an injury or support proper alignment to expedite the healing process of a temporary injury and is hard (cast, splint, etc.) then this is not allowed. If, on the other hand, the protective device is used to provide support, flexibility or enable an otherwise healthy player to function normally such as a knee brace, prosthesis, hearing aid, insulin pump, etc. then this would be allowed provided the device was sufficiently padded to prevent injury to other players. The Laws of the Game specify that "A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player." The referee is the sole judge of whether or not the individual item in question is permissible to wear in the game.

May players wear spectacles?

Players who require prescription glasses are to be allowed to wear them during practices and games. It is recommended that retaining straps be worn. Rubber bands may also be used for this purpose. Prescription goggles, such as the type used by racquetball players, are also permitted subject to the approval of the referee prior to the start of the match. Spectacle guards made of plastic or other hard material are not permitted.

May players wear hearing aids?

Players who normally must wear hearing aids are also allowed to wear them during practices or games.

Are players permitted to wear mouth-guards?

AYSO does not prohibit the use of mouth-guards. Parents are encouraged to consult, their child's dentist or orthodontist to determine what, if any, mouth-guard is appropriate for their child. Players wearing mouth-guards should not be prevented from participating in practice or games.

Safe Haven

AYSO’s Safe Haven: Keeping AYSO Players and Volunteers Safe

We take the safety of our athletes seriously. Precautions are taken on the field to prevent physical injuries, and precautions are taken off the field to ensure children and volunteers are safe in their interactions with each other.

AYSO’s Safe Haven program has been put in place to protect AYSO players and the volunteers who serve them. It requires that each AYSO volunteer complete and eSign a volunteer application each and every year, agreeing to background checks and to abide by the philosophies and policies of AYSO. 

Every AYSO volunteer must apply and be accepted as a volunteer. Volunteers are also asked to complete Safe Haven and job specific training in order to become trained and certified. AYSO in-person or online training focuses on the best ways to work with children and important safety protocols. Becoming Safe Haven certified takes some time, but AYSO volunteers know it’s worth it. 

Also, did you know that every AYSO Region is required to designate a volunteer to act as the Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA)? A CVPA helps implement Safe Haven policies at the local level. Next time you see your local CVPA, stop and say hello! 

AYSO is so proud of our Safe Haven program – it was the first of its kind in youth sports, most notably in soccer. It creates a safe environment for players and volunteers to have a happy and healthy soccer experience. 

It takes a lot of dedicated people to make AYSO possible, and volunteers are always needed. If you are interested in participating, apply in person at a registration event or go to www.eAYSO.org.

National Partners

AYSO Region 157 Thanks Our Sponsors for their continued support!!

Contact Us

Pacifica AYSO 157

PO Box 615 
PACIFICA, California 94044

Email Us: [email protected]
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