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American Youth Soccer Organization Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

Area 11L (South Orange County)

Return to Play Guidance

  • If you are not comfortable with returning to play, DON'T
  • Adhere to all Return to Play protocols
  • Ensure you or your child is healthy (temperature above 100.4 - do not attend).
  • Wash hands thoroughly before and after each match.
  • Wash and sanitize all equipment (shoes, shin guards, clothing, ball, etc.) after each match.
  • Do not share water, food, or equipment.
  • Respect and practice social distancing.
  • Bring and use your own labeled hand sanitizer at every match.
  • Place equipment, bags, etc. at least 6 feet apart.
  • No high fives, handshakes, knuckles, or group celebrations.
  • Face coverings are to be worn - at all times.
  • Stay positive and create a safe/fun environment.

Referee General Guidance

Pre-game:
  • Prior to arrival, wash hands with soap or alcohol-based solution for at least 20 seconds.
  • Arrive in full uniform.
  • Only use designated area for referee team.
  • Do your normal field inspections.
  • If possible, maintain six (6) foot distance from players, coaches, spectators and referee team for all administrative procedures.
  • Remind the coach that both coaches and subs should be at least 2 yards off the touchline; spectators should be 3 yards off the touchline.
  • Face covering is required for the referee crew for all pre-game duties.
  • No handshakes with coaches, players, or spectators.
  • A three-person referee crew is preferred.
  • Club linesperson are NOT allowed.
  • Coin toss options (modified):
    • One player from each team; center official; no handshakes; physical distancing.
    • No coin toss. Home team selects the half of the field. Away team will take kick-off.
During play:
  • Face coverings are not required but strongly recommended for the entire referee team.
  • AR’s use their own equipment, i.e., flags
  • Assistant referees are recommended to wear breathable face coverings unless wearing a face covering causes breathing problems.
  • Referees are recommended to stay a minimum of six (6) feet away from players, coaches, spectators, and the referee team during dynamic play and stationary play at all times.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth and spitting.
  • Cough into your elbow.
  • Do not share whistles or, if possible, any other referee equipment.
  • If not feeling well during the game at any time, go home immediately.
  • Try to keep the game flowing to help avoid the congregation of players.
Post-game:
  • After the game, applaud the players and coaches, but handshakes are not permitted; fist bumps/elbow bumps are not recommended.
  • If shared, wipe down the handles of flags with an alcohol-based rub or wash with soap and water.
  • Upon completion of the match, wash hands with soap or alcohol-based solution for at least 20 seconds.

Coaching Requirements

ALL AYSO coaches and assistant coaches must complete the following:
  • Be a registered and an approved volunteer for the current program/season (including background check clearance).
  • Must have completed the AYSO Safe Haven course.
  • Successfully completed the AYSO/CDC Concussion Awareness course.
  • Completed the AYSO Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness course.
  • Be properly trained per the AYSO National Coaching Program Guidelines for the age/skill level of the team they wish to coach.
Below are the required coaching certifications for each age level:

Division Required Certification
6U 6U Coach
8U 8U Coach
10U 10U Coach
12U 12U Coach
14U Intermediate Coach
16U/19U Advanced Coach

** Some certifications may be completed online.

Referee Requirements

ALL AYSO referees and assistant referees must meet the following requirements:
  • Must be a registered and approved volunteer for the current program/season (including background check clearance).
  • Completed the AYSO Safe Haven course.
  • Successfully completed the Concussion Awareness course.
  • Completed the AYSO Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness course.
  • Be trained per the AYSO National Referee Program Guidelines for the age/skill level of the match they wish to referee.
  • Minimum age requirements:
    • Regional = 12 years old
    • Intermediate = 14 years old
    • Advanced = 16 years old
    • National = 18 years old.
Below are the general required referee certifications for each age level:

Division Required Certification
10U Regional
12U Regional or Intermediate
14U Intermediate or Advanced
16U/19U Advanced or National

** Some certifications may be completed online.

Regional Return to Play Guidance

CDC Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers recommendations on how members of the public can limit the spread of the coronavirus. They currently include:
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and exercise equipment (including balls).
  • Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth in public settings.
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from non-household members.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Stay at home if you are sick.

Pet Policy

Please be aware that pets are NOT allowed at School fields - AT ANY TIME. That especially holds true for all AYSO practices and games. The presence of pets at any school field, will lead to the revoking of our permits.

While some cities do allow leashed pets at city parks, they are NEVER allowed at the field during a practice or game.

For the safety of ALL our players and volunteers - please leave your pets at home.
AYSO is obligated to observe and respect existing regulations and laws regarding the presence of service animals at our fields. Service animals are defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as only dogs or miniature horses that have been trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Other animals, whether wild or domestic, do not qualify as service animals.

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AYSO Area 11L

24310 Moulton Parkway, Suite #O-214
Laguna Hills, California 92653

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