The Official American Youth Soccer Organization Handbo

The first book endorsed by AYSO -- the organization that soccer moms and dads trust most -- that presents all the basics of youth soccer If you are a soccer parent, coach, or referee, or just a youth soccer enthusiast, The Official American Youth Soccer Organization Handbook is for you. Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, Lawrence Robinson, and John Ouellette, the National AYSO coach, have written the book that will help everyone to better understand the rules, regulations, and skills that are essential to the game and a rewarding soccer experience for the children who play. In a straightforward, easy-to-follow style, The Official AYSO Handbook covers:

• the five philosophies of AYSO: everyone plays, balanced teams, open registration, positive coaching, and good sportsmanship
• the responsibilities of each position
• the complete rules of youth soccer, including offside, throw-ins, and penalty kicks
• skills such as ball control, goalkeeping, heading, and shooting
• short-sided soccer rules for children between the ages of six and twelve
• information for the prevention and treatment of the most common soccer injuries AYSO is the best and most trusted youth soccer authority. And now, Fortanasce, Robinson, and Ouellette have collected AYSO's expertise in this indispensable book -- a must-have for anyone who embraces the important role that youth soccer can play in a child's life.

Vincent Fortanasce, M.D., is a neurologist, psychiatrist, and youth sports expert. He is also a devoted soccer dad and coach. He lives in Pasadena, California.

Contents Foreword Introduction: The Beautiful Game chapter 1: A Soccer Philosophy: Welcome to AYSO chapter 2: The Team chapter 3: The Skills chapter 4: The Goalkeeper's Skills chapter 5: The Laws of Soccer chapter 6: Playing the Game chapter 7: Short-Sided Soccer chapter 8: For Coaches chapter 9: For Parents chapter 10: For Referees chapter 11: For Players chapter 12: A Brief History of Soccer Glossary of Youth Soccer Teams Index