In recent
months, the national media has focused on the negative, even violent,
behavior of players, coaches and parents involved in youth sports. In a
proactive effort to counteract this trend of violence, AYSO is
initiating a program called Kids Zone.
As part of
AYSO's education agenda, Kids Zone is a dynamic program targeted to
eliminate negative sideline behavior. It is aimed toward producing a
thoroughly positive impact on everyone involved in youth soccer. To
execute this program, three basic elements are involved:
- The
Badge. This is a pin-on button bearing the program's logo. This will
be worn by program supporters at games, and will serve as a reminder
of the importance of positive sideline behavior.
- The
Sign. A large sideline, which lists positive behavior standards, will
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. We will request AYSO parents to sign a pledge that holds them
to the Kids Zone standards.
In order to
make this program work, we need your help!
Kids Zone is sure to be a big part
of the AYSO scene. AYSO Regions by the bunch are signing up for Kids
Zone. The regional volunteers will roll out the program in the fall.
Thousands of buttons and signs are being shipped to communities across
the country. From New York to Oregon, from Texas to Michigan---and lots
of places in between, Kids Zone will be there. You may read about it in
your local newspaper or hear it discussed on your favorite radio talk
show. Kids Zone is big news. You may even have experienced Kids Zone at
tournaments this summer.
We believe in this program so
much, Kids Zone was even adopted as the official theme of AYSO for the
2001/2002 season.
Just to keep you posted on the
latest and greatest news about the program, Soccer Now will feature a
Kids Zone article in each of the next few issues to keep you updated.
If your region isn't in "the
Zone," talk to your coach and find out why.
If it is, wear your Kids Zone
button proudly and spread the word.
