Coaches, like all AYSO Volunteers, MUST complete the following, as well as coach specific requirements listed below:

• AYSO Volunteer Registration - This is completed once every membership year. Register on www.ayso160.org
• AYSO Safe Haven - Taken online at AYSOU. Safe Haven certification is taken one time only.
• CDC Concussion Awareness - Taken every Membership year. Online course at AYSOU.
• SafeSport - Learn how to prevent, recognize, and respond to abuse in sport with SafeSport courses for athletes, parents, coaches, and volunteers.
• Background Check - Required for all volunteers

Additional coaching resources can be found at:

• AYSO Volunteers
• AYSO - The Coaching Manual
• AYSOU
  

What do I need to be an AYSO Coach/Assistant?

1.   Registration

All Coaches and Assistant Coaches must complete a registration form each year (Beginning Fall Season). Click here for Registration Instructions. Coaches must also sign up on Blue Sombrero to coach a specific division each season. 

2.   Safe Haven

All AYSO Volunteers are required to complete Safe Haven training once since 2012. This training may be completed from AYSOU.org under "My Courses"

3.   CDC Concussion Training

Concussion training is required each year by Alabama for all youth sports. Concussion training is available from AYSOU.org under "My Courses"

4.   Age Appropriate Training

Consistent with AYSO National policy, all coaches must be certified to coach at their team’s age level.  For example, 12U coaches must be certified to the 12U level.  This applies to both head and assistant coaches.

In addition to the requirements below, each coach volunteer is required to complete the following

• AYSO Safe Haven training (once)
• CDC Concussion training each year
• SafeSport training each year 

Coach Certification Requirements

Note that the coach training program has two elements – a theory component and an on-field component.  You must complete both and be signed-off by the course instructor at the end of each session, to be certified. The theory component may be delivered online and/or in person classroom sessions; see taking online classes in the sections below for more info.

It is advisable to complete the online Safe Haven, SafeSport, and concussion awareness courses before attending in-person sessions.

For the on-field portion, please wear athletic/soccer attire and be prepared for the weather (wear a hat if necessary and apply sunscreen).  

In Person courses are classroom or field sessions. The Training Requirements section gives details of which training is required for each Coach Certification. It is important that you register for your chosen course in advance. To find available classes and register:

Unregister - If you find you cannot attend a course or have made a mistake, please, unregister from the course

1. Go to the session for which you are registered, click on the title of the course, and click "Unregister".  You can then select another session.

If you get stuck, contact the Director of Coach Instruction at [email protected].