REGION
PROGRAMS

Improve Quality (IQ) Program

The IQ Objective is to:

  • Improving the quality of coaching,
  • Improving the quality of refereeing,
  • Improving the quality of soccer playing and
  • Improving the quality of parent involvement.

    • In past seasons, Region 88 has had as its primary focus, accommodating the ever increasing number of players signing up to play soccer. The IQ Program represents a shift from growth to improving the quality of the soccer program being offered to the participants, consistent with AYSO philosophy.

    1. Improving the quality of coaching.

    1. All coaches will be required to obtain AYSO coaching certifications.
    2. U-5, U-6, U-8 & U-10 coaches will be required to attend the appropriate U-5, U-6, U-8 or U-10 clinic, based upon the division in which they are coaching. Any coach who has already completed an AYSO U-10, U-12, U14, Youth, Intermediate, or Advanced clinic will be deemed to have satisfied this requirement.
    3. U12 & U-14 coaches will be required to attend the U-12 or Intermediate clinic, as appropriate, if they have previously completed the U-10 clinic or Youth clinic. If they have never completed an AYSO clinic, they will be required to attend the U-10 clinic. Any coach who has already completed an AYSO U-12, U14, Intermediate or Advanced clinic will be deemed to have satisfied this requirement.
    4. A listing of coaches and their certifications is included in the yearbook.
    5. Coaches will be allowed to coach only one team except in special circumstances. All exceptions will require the concurrence of the relevant Division Coordinators, the RC, the Chief Coach, and the Chief Referee.

    2. Improving the quality of refereeing.

    1. All U-5, U-6, and U-8 coaches must attend the "mini" referee clinic (3-4hours) for the lower divisions, unless they are certified as a Regional (or higher) referee.
    2. All U-10, U-12, U-14, and U-16 coaches will be required to successfully complete a
      Regional Referee course. Although they will not be required to complete an observation and obtain their badges, coaches will be encouraged to do so by expanding the mentor program and the number of observers. Those coaches who are already certified as referees will be required to take a brief (1-2 hour) refresher course (if offered) prior to the beginning of the season unless they have upgraded or completed a clinic within the past year.
    3. For U-10, U-12 & U-14 games, refereeing will be done using a three-referee team. As in the past, coaches will be required to referee the game following their game. The home team is required to furnish two qualified referees for the next game. The away team is required to furnish one referee for the next game. The home team is required to provide the center referee, unless the referee team agrees otherwise.
    4. Assistant coaches (or one or more volunteers from each team) who are not certified as referees, are required to complete an Assistant Referee clinic (approximately 2-3 hours) before the end of the third week of the regular season. Teams that do not comply with the AR qualification requirement will be ineligible for post season play.
    5. AR's will not be expected to call fouls, only offside, in & out of play, improper throw-ins, goals, corner kicks & goal kicks. If both AR's are certified referees, the center referee may choose to assign them full AR responsibilities.
    6. A coach may have a qualified volunteer fulfill his referee and/or AR obligations; however, the substitute must meet the established qualification requirements and be approved by the Chief Referee.
    7. All those completing the Regional referee clinic will receive a set of flags. Coaches who are already certified as Regional referees and do not have a set of flags will receive a set of flags.
    8. Upper Division coaches are encouraged to obtain at least an Intermediate Referee certification and are expected to AR the game following theirs. The Region will provide a qualified center referee, except in unusual circumstances.

    3. Improving the quality of play for players.

    1. The Kids Zone program will be implemented with signs and other materials.
    2. All coaches and referees will continue to be required to have completed a Safe Haven course.
    3. U-14 coaches will be encouraged, but not required, to play all players three quarters rather than two, when roster size or attendance make it possible.

    4. Improving the quality of our program for parents.

    1. The Region 88 website will include sections directed to parents explaining what is expected of them in terms of commitment and conduct at practices, games, photo day, opening day, and other events.
    2. Information about AYSO and the goals of our program will be expanded as well as information about becoming a volunteer.
    3. The Team Zone page will be implemented to provide a source of information specific to each team.

    5. Implementation of the IQ Program.

    1. Deadline for completing the Coaching certification requirement is prior to the first weekend of regular season play.
    2. Deadline for completing the Referee certification requirement is prior to the first weekend of regular season play.
    3. Deadline for completing the Safe Haven course is prior to the first team practice.
    4. Failure to comply with the coaching and/or referee requirements may result in the loss of coaching privileges.