KIDS ZONE®
In AYSO, fans are asked to be cheerleaders, not critics. Kids Zone® is a unique program that
includes a parent pledge that moms and dads sign to commit to positive,
encouraging behavior when they're watching the games. It also includes signs,
buttons and other game-day reminders.
Soccer is a player's
game. Players learn the game by trying new things, making mistakes and trying
again. Sideline critics who scream instructions at players or criticize
referees or coaches just slow down the learning process and make it less fun
for everyone.
Negative, even
violent, behavior of players, coaches and parents involved in youth sports has
become almost epidemic in the U.S. Kids
Zone® is a proactive effort to counteract this trend.
As part of AYSO's
education agenda, Kids Zone® is a
dynamic program aimed toward producing a thoroughly positive experience for
everyone involved in youth soccer. To execute this program, four basic elements
are involved:
-
The Button. This is a pin-on button with the Kids Zone® logo. This is worn by
program supporters at games and serves as a reminder of the importance of
positive sideline behavior.
- The Sign. A large sideline poster, which lists
positive behavior standards, designed to be posted at the entrance of
participating fields. Parents and spectators who will abide by these standards
are welcome -- all others are not.
- The Pledge. AYSO requests all parents to sign a
pledge that holds them to the Kids Zone®
standards.
-
The Video. This is a 12-minute documentary that
introduces AYSO's principles and its Kids
Zone® action plan to new participants. Viewers will also watch a parent
intervene to change another parent's negative behavior. In order to make this
program work, everyone must help!