Regional Operations

Goals and Strategic Plan

Every Regional Board should set goals and a plan for the continued operation of the program. What play programs should be offered, marketing opportunities, volunteer recruitment, fundraising opportunities, etc. should all be considered as part of this plan.

Operational Expectations

1. Run at minimum the AYSO core program. Additional program options such as Extra, Alliance, EPIC, Playground/Schoolyard, tournaments, etc. Run these programs via implementation of the Safe Haven, National Coaching program, Referee, and Management programs, etc.
2. Plan on RC attendance at NAGM and Section events such as EXPO. EXPO is an annual training event for all AYSO volunteers. Coach, Referee Admins, and Board Members should also attend the EXPO as well as dedicated coaches and referees.
3. Set budget including establishing player fees. Include a documented refund policy.
4. Team formation in accordance with Bylaw 1.04
5. Ensure Everyone plays is at least 50% of every game.
6. Ensure the Region has all necessary equipment and that players have uniforms in accordance with AYSO National Uniform standards.
7. Ensure Highest standards of conduct are followed, including Kids Zone Sidelines.
8. Follow Established accounting guidelines and AYSO Finance Policy.
9. Ensure Due Process and Dispute Resolution are followed when dealing with people, issues and any disciplinary matters.

AYSO Reference Book and Regional Operations

Regional Operations are detailed in the AYSO Reference Book. The book gives detailed information on the performance of key Regional operations. The table of contents is a helpful guide to finding the information. The online flip book is searchable, downloadable as a pdf file, and as a resource for selecting, copying and including the exact text in other communicates. For Region operations, here is a quick summary of the book's chapters:

1. National Bylaws - Structure and governance of the Organization.
2. National Rules & Regulations - Rules, guidelines, requirements for playing the game of soccer, age groups, field and equipment specifications.
3. National Policies including requirements to register, volunteer, and protecting program participants from serious incidents.
4. Standard Policies & Protocols - the duties and responsibilities, the "Must Do's" for all Regions.
5. AYSO United & Alliance Policies - Guideline for the AYSO United and AYSO Alliance competitive play.
6. AYSO's Finance Policy - Fiduciary and standard accounting requirements for all programs in AYSO. Includes requirements for maintaining AYSO's non-profit status.
7. AYSO Fundamentals - Reviews AYSO's organizational structure and place on the World's soccer stage.
8. Regional Operations - Covers additional legal and financial matters, field dimensions, RC election protocol, cultural exchange and tournaments, due process, team formation/balancing, game/match scheduling, small-sided play, volunteer and community engagement, and more.
9. - 14. National Safe Haven, Coach, Referee, Administrator & Management Program summaries, additional play opportunities,

15. Includes standard Regional Position Descriptions with roles & responsibilities.

AYSO Reference Book

Regional Operations

1. Legal Matters- Immediately alert the National Office of any potential legal issue and the national office will support.
   1. Personal Injury/Property Damage claims
   2. Trademark Issues
   3. Leases and Contracts
   4. Avoiding lawsuits
      1. Field Use permits
      2. Participation Release form after injury
      3. Medical Release forms
2. Financial Matters
   1. National Accounting Program use
   2. Bank accounts
      1. 1 checking
      2. 1 saving or CD
      3. RC, Treasurer, Area Director or Section Director, at least 1 other signatory
      4. No Credit or Debit cards outside of Divvy
      5. Additional accounts can be established with permission of RC and applicable to NAP policies (must be linked with AYSO)
   3. Budgets
      1. Due June 1 each year- submit to AD (Budget year is 8/1-7/31)
      2. Additional play like tournaments must be self-sustaining
      3. Include Expo, NAGM, etc
   4. Publish Regional Financial Statements
   5. Audits
      1. Spot check of finances
      2. Audit needed at change of treasurer/Regional Commissioner
3. Executive Member Selection
   1. Follow outlined steps for electing new RC
4. Conflict of Interest policy and definitions
5. Coed programs, playing non-AYSO teams, cultural exchange, tournament teams
6. Due Process for participating members (board members, parents, coaches, referees, etc.)
7. Team Formation and Balancing recommended procedures
8. Game Scheduling
   1. Post-season schedules
9. Standard Fields and Field setup
10. Standards of play
11. Equipment Selection and Purchase
12. Uniform Purchasing
13. Volunteer Recruitment, Development, and Retention
14. Community Relations
15. Media Relations

Adding to or Modifying Standard Regional Policies & Protocols (Guidelines)

Should a Region desire to amend the Standard Regional Policies & Protocols (P&Ps) from the Reference Book, Chapter 4, it may only be accomplished with the following steps:

1. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting Regional Board Members.

2. The recommendation of the RC.

3. Copies of the signed Standard Regional Policies & Protocols Addendum Form, with the recommended change(s), sent by the RC to the Area Director, Section Director and the AYSO National Office.

4. Approval by the NBOD or its delegate.

Publication of P&Ps and Addendums

The Region must make these P&Ps, along with any Regional Addendums, if they exist, available upon request to the members of the Region pursuant to Bylaws 1.04(i) and (l).

Click here to download: AYSO Standard Regional Policies and Protocols.

Click below to download Addendums A or B:

   Download Addendum A

   Download Addendum B