AYSO Kids Zone is a national program that asks everyone at the field — players, coaches, families, and spectators — to keep games positive, supportive, and safe. It’s how Region 13 lives out the AYSO commitment that fun comes before winning, and that every player has a great experience.
Kids Zone isn’t something you sign. It’s how we show up at every game.
The Ten Guidelines
The AYSO National Kids Zone Pledge sets ten standards for behavior on and around the field:
1. Kids come first
Every decision on the field — from playing time to game intensity — starts with what’s right for the children playing.
2. Fun matters more than winning
Children play soccer to learn, make friends, and enjoy the game. Wins and losses come and go. The experience is what stays with them.
3. Give players the space they need to play
Stay behind the spectator lines and off the field during play. Players need clear sightlines and physical room to move.
4. Set a proper example of sportsmanship
Children watch how adults at the field behave. The example we set shapes how they treat teammates, opponents, and referees.
5. Players play, fans cheer, coaches coach
The clearest line in youth soccer: each role has its job. Coaching from the sideline conflicts with what the actual coach has taught the team — and it confuses the players.
6. Respect the volunteer referees
Region 13 referees are family members and teenagers who give their time so games can happen. They will get calls wrong sometimes. Trust them, support them, and save concerns for after the game.
7. Use positive language
Cheering is welcome. Yelling, swearing, and abusive language are not part of Kids Zone.
8. No weapons, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
Region 13 facilities are alcohol- and substance-free at all times.
9. Leave no trash behind
Bring out what you bring in. Trash bins are at every field; if they’re full, take it home.
10. Celebrate the player — win or lose
Cheer effort, growth, and good plays from both teams. Final scores fade quickly; how kids feel about the game stays with them.
What “Players Play, Fans Cheer” Looks Like in Practice
Helpful Sideline Comments
- “Great effort”
- “Nice pass”
- “Way to hustle”
- General cheering and applause
Comments to Save for After the Game
- “Kick it” / “Shoot” / “Pass”
- “Get back” / “Go forward”
- “What are you doing?”
- Anything about the referee’s calls
When family members shout instructions, kids often look toward the sideline instead of focusing on the game. They become confused when sideline directions conflict with what their coach taught them.
The Car Ride Home
After the game, follow your child’s lead.
If they want to talk about the game, listen. If they want to talk about something else, do that instead. Save coaching feedback, critiques of teammates, and complaints about referees for another day — or skip them altogether.
The car ride home is one of the strongest predictors of whether a child will want to come back next season.
Source
The Kids Zone Pledge is an AYSO National program. Region 13 follows the national pledge as written.
Related Pages
- Sideline Behavior — Tips for before, during, and after games
- Getting Started — Overview for new families
- Your Child’s Team — Game day basics
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