AYSO Region 217 - Tucson, AZ

The AYSO volunteer position of Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate is intended to oversee the child and volunteer protection program in the region in accordance with the AYSO Safe Haven program.

AYSO Safe Haven provides a place where players and volunteers can come to play and work together, where fun is the order of the day, and where the welfare of the individual participant is always a high priority. We create the Safe Haven environment by taking steps to preserve the culture of AYSO while responding to demands from the legal and legislative communities.

AYSO requires all its volunteers to complete, sign and submit a Volunteer Application form each year, and to act within their job descriptions, and the scope of AYSO Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines.

Basically, all volunteers who have any kind of interaction with the kids need to take the Safe Haven Clinic. This is a one time deal, and once you have completed this clinic, you will receive a sticker on your license for future verification. It is also now an insurance requirement under AYSO national policies. Any volunteers not attending a Safe haven class will not be covered by AYSO's insurance policy. You only have to take this one time, as long as you complete the course.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The Pledge. We will request AYSO parents to sign a pledge that holds them to the Kids Zone standards