WHAT IS AYSO?

Everyone Plays! Boys and girls are not registered on their merits as soccer players, but rather on their interest and enthusiasm. Our objectives are to teach, promote and develop youth soccer in the United States, and to develop American youngsters in body and character.

At the beginning of each season players are grouped to create balanced teams. Each child is guaranteed the opportunity to play at least half of every game. Hence our motto "Everyone Plays."

All of AYSO's coaches, referees and officials are volunteer members dedicated to our youth, their communities and AYSO's philosophies and objectives.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and the National President, all of them volunteers. Working closely with the Board of Directors is the staff at the National Support Center in Hawthorne, California. Here, a multitude of services are provided for the membership: training support for coaches, referees, local volunteer administrators, data processing/services, accounting, accident reimbursement, risk management, tournaments, cultural exchange information; recognition programs and educational seminars.

The grass roots level of AYSO starts with a community based league, kown as a region. Each region is headed by a regional commissioner. Regional commissioners have the responsibility and authority to conduct the business of the region within the framework of AYSO's Philosophy, National Rules and Regulations and National Bylaws. Depending on its stage of development, a region might have as few as 12 or as many as 400 teams, grouped for competition into boy and girl divisions by age. VIP divisions for children with special needs exist in many regions as well.

Area directors supervise several regions yet recognize local autonomy. Area directors are responsible for the performance and growth in their areas. Section directors are responsible for the general welfare and administration of a section which consists of a number of areas.

Board of directors, section directors, area directors and regional commissioners are executive members and thereby the voting members of AYSO.

This is the team! From the local region to the National Board, all of AYSO recognizes the value of a healthy competitive environment where children can grow and develop through soccer. It's fun and it's all AYSO!