Safety Plan

Our Commitment: AYSO's highest priority is the safety and well-being of our children. We are dedicated to providing a safe, fun, and fair environment where they can learn and enjoy the game of soccer. This Safety Plan outlines the policies and procedures our Region follows to ensure the protection of all players, volunteers, and families. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we count on everyone – parents, coaches, referees, and players – to contribute to a secure atmosphere.

For questions, please contact safety@mpsoccer.org, or one of our other board members

Links & Resources

I. Volunteer Protection & Safe Haven

  • Volunteer Screening: All AYSO volunteers (coaches, referees, team managers, board members, etc.) are required to register annually and undergo a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting as mandated by California AB 506.

  • Safe Haven Certification: Every volunteer must complete AYSO's Safe Haven training. This program covers child protection, volunteer conduct, safety protocols, and creating a positive and safe environment for children. Refresher courses are required periodically.

  • SafeSport Training: In compliance with federal law and U.S. Soccer mandates, volunteers are also required to complete SafeSport training, focusing on preventing and addressing misconduct.

  • Child & Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA): Our Region has a designated CVPA who helps implement and oversee these safety policies at the local level.

II. On-Field Safety

  • Player Equipment:

    • Shin Guards: Mandatory for all players during practices and games.

    • Footwear: Appropriate athletic shoes or soft-cleated soccer shoes are required.

    • Jewelry: No jewelry of any kind (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, friendship bracelets, etc.) is allowed during practices or games. Earrings must be removed and cannot be taped over. It's recommended to get ears pierced after the soccer season.

    • Casts & Medical Devices: Hard casts or braces with metal are not permitted. Medical alert bracelets may be worn if properly taped down.

  • Goal Safety:

    • Goals must be properly anchored before every practice and game.

    • Under no circumstances should anyone (players, coaches, or spectators) climb, hang on, or play on soccer goals.

    • Coaches and referees are responsible for inspecting goal anchoring.

  • Field Inspections:

    • Coaches should inspect the playing field for debris, hazards (holes, sprinkler heads), or unsafe conditions before each practice.

    • Referees (or the first coaches of the day) are responsible for inspecting the field before games.

    • Report any poor field conditions or damaged equipment to the Regional Safety Director or Fields Coordinator immediately.

  • Hydration & Breaks:

    • Players should bring their own water bottles to all practices and games.

    • Coaches will provide adequate water breaks, especially during warm weather.

    • Proper hydration should begin 24 hours before scheduled events.

III. Health & Injury Management

  • Concussion Awareness & Protocol:

    • All coaches, referees must complete CDC Concussion Awareness training.

    • Any player suspected of having a concussion must be removed from play immediately and for at least the remainder of the day.

    • Parents are strongly encouraged to seek professional medical evaluation if a concussion is suspected.

    • A player who has been removed due to a suspected concussion cannot return to play without a signed AYSO Participation Release Form (and potentially a specific concussion release form signed by a medical professional).

    • Coaches must complete an AYSO Incident Report for any suspected concussion.

  • Injury Reporting:

    • All injuries, even minor ones, should be reported to the coach.

    • An AYSO Incident Report Form must be completed for any injury that requires medical attention or causes a player to miss significant playing time. These forms are crucial for insurance purposes and for tracking safety issues.

  • Return to Play:

    • Following an injury or illness that required a physician's care or a visit to an emergency facility, a completed and signed AYSO Participation Release Form (Return to Play) must be submitted to the Regional Safety Director before the player can resume any AYSO activity.

  • First Aid: Coaches should have access to a basic first-aid kit during practices and games.

IV. Weather & Environmental Safety

  • General Policy: Be prepared to delay or cancel games/practices if weather conditions pose a risk. Safety always comes first.

  • Hot Weather:

    • Be aware of the risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and sunburn.

    • Ensure proper and continued hydration. Apply sunscreen frequently.

    • Provide shade where possible.

    • Allow for frequent water stoppages. Consider shortening game/practice times in extreme heat.

  • Cold Weather:

    • Be aware of risks associated with cold, including hypothermia.

    • Players should dress in layers. The uniform jersey should be the outermost layer over any undergarments (which should be free of drawstrings, hard plastic, or zippers).

    • Practices or games may be canceled if temperatures are below 40 degrees and it is raining, or if field conditions become unsafe due to freezing rain, hail, snow, or sleet.

  • Lightning & Thunder:

    • "If you hear it, clear it! If you see it, flee it!"

    • All field activities must cease immediately upon hearing thunder or seeing lightning.

    • Seek safe shelter:

      • Safe: Substantial buildings (roof and fully enclosed walls, away from windows, towards the middle of the building on the lowest floor) or fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows closed.

      • Unsafe: Near metal objects (goals, fences, poles, bleachers), trees, water, open fields, high ground, small buildings, picnic shelters, concession stands, or tents.

    • Activities may resume only after no thunder has been heard or lightning seen for at least 30 minutes (the 30-minute clock resets with each new occurrence). Follow any local park warning systems.

  • Air Quality (Especially relevant in the Bay Area):

    • Our Region monitors the Air Quality Index (AQI) using reliable sources like AirNow.gov.

    • AQI 0-100 (Good to Moderate): Practices/games can proceed with no modifications.

    • AQI 101-149 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Modifications such as extra breaks and reduced intensity should be implemented. Coaches and referees will use best judgment. Parents of sensitive children should exercise caution.

    • AQI 150+ (Unhealthy for All or Worse): Practices and games will be canceled or postponed.

    • Notifications regarding cancellations due to air quality will be sent via email and/or posted on the Region's website/social media.

V. General Safety & Conduct

  • Player Drop-Off & Pick-Up:

    • Do not drop off players at fields without making contact with the coach. The responsible adult must walk the child to the coach.

    • Coaches will not leave a practice or game until all players have been picked up by a responsible adult or have authorized permission to leave independently.

    • Consistent tardiness in picking up players may be reported.

  • Kids Zone®: AYSO promotes a positive, encouraging, and fun environment on the sidelines.

    • Parents and spectators are expected to adhere to the Kids Zone Pledge, which includes no yelling at referees, coaches, or players, and maintaining respectful behavior.

    • Spectators are generally required to sit on their team's designated side of the field, set back a reasonable distance from the touchline.

  • Parking Lot Safety: Exercise extreme caution in parking lots and when crossing streets near fields. Drive slowly and be aware of children.

  • No Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drugs: The use of alcohol, tobacco products (including vaping), and illegal drugs is strictly prohibited at all AYSO events.

  • Incident Reporting (Non-Injury): Report any safety concerns, violations of policy, or suspicious activity to a coach, referee, or Board Member immediately.

VI. Communication & Emergency Preparedness

  • Emergency Contacts: Ensure your child's registration information, including emergency contacts and any medical conditions, is up-to-date.

  • Communication Channels: The Region will use email blasts, website announcements, and potentially social media to communicate important safety information, field closures, or cancellations.

  • Emergency Action Plan: Coaches should be aware of basic emergency procedures, including how to contact emergency services (911) and the location of the nearest medical facilities if applicable.

Thank you for your cooperation in making our AYSO Region a safe place for everyone!