FAQs - Monitors

Why do we need team monitors at every game?

Does this mean I am totally responsible for the conduct of our team's sideline?

How do I sign-up for the Monitor Training?

I am a returning monitor. Do I have to re-take the Monitor Training Course?

I am a returning monitor. Do I have to wait for the Monitor Training Course before I can begin to be a monitor at the fields?

What happens if I do not attend the Monitor Training Course?

How do I get the required monitor vest?

I am a returning monitor.
How do I get a replacement monitor vest?

I see that the other team monitor does not wear his/her vest during our games. Can I do the same?

Can I volunteer to be a team monitor on more than one team?

As Team monitor, it appears that I may have to confront people who are not complying with AYSO or Region 70 rules. May I bring a dog for my protection?

I really like the look and feel of my monitor vest. May I order more vests to add to my wardrobe?

These pages will be updated whenever I get a question that others may be interested in. So, please send your questions by e-mail to the webmaster.
(please include the age of your children).

Why do we need team monitors at every game? 
There is a national, really an international, increase in violence in sports and alarmingly in youth sports. We have a great track record on our sidelines, but we believe in being pro-active to ensure that our children, and their parents, have a positive experience at our games. To learn more about how AYSO addresses these types of issues, please visit our Kids Zone page.

Does this mean I am totally responsible for the conduct of our team's sideline?
No. The team's coach is still responsible. However, your help with maintaining a positive environment around the field will allow the coach to focus on coaching the team.

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How do I sign-up for the Monitor Training?
Please visit our Monitor table at registration in May and provide us with your contact information. Ensure that your child’s coach has signed you up as a team monitor when you meet in late August/early September and then simply attend one of the September Monitor Training Courses in its entirety. Please check this website as we get closer to September for specific information on the training course locations and times.

I am a returning monitor. Do I have to re-take the Monitor Training Course?
That depends!
No, if you attended the 2007 Monitor Training Course.
Yes, if you did not attend the 2007 Monitor Training Course. We have found it beneficial to refresh our returning monitors on the reasons why we need their help, which situations they can help with and how they should approach each situation.

I am a returning monitor. Do I have to wait for the Monitor Training Course before I can begin?
No. You can begin to assist your team's coach with the sidelines from the first game of the season.

What happens if I do not attend the Monitor Training Course?
Monitor training is required for all new team monitors and returning team monitor volunteers who did not attend the 2007 Monitor Training Course. Not attending the training course precludes you from being one of the required monitor volunteers for your child's team.

How do I get the required monitor vest?
You will be issued with your very own vest at the Team Monitor Training Course.

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I am a returning monitor.
How do I get a replacement monitor vest?
You are encouraged to use your vest from last year. However, if you need a new one, they will be available at the Team Monitor Training Course.

I see that the other team monitor does not wear his/her vest during our games. Can I do the same?
The monitor vest identifies you as an AYSO Monitor volunteer. It helps you to be more effective as it visually alerts others of your presence and may help you avoid even having to say anything. Wearing your monitor vest is part of your your monitor responsibilities and not doing so may jeopardize your child's place on a team for this year and/or next year. Anyone having knowledge of monitor misconduct or little or no attempt to be an effective monitor may report incidents anonymously to the Team Monitor Coordinator.

Can I volunteer to be a team monitor on more than one team?
Yes, as long as you volunteer as a team monitor for teams in different divisions.
Example #1 – you volunteer as a team monitor in division BU12 and BU6. This arrangement is okay.
Example #2 – you volunteer as a team monitor for two teams in GU10. This arrangement is not okay.

As Team monitor, it appears that I may have to confront people who are not complying with AYSO or Region 70 rules. May I bring a dog for my protection?
No, no one is permitted to have dogs at our field locations as dogs can be dangerous, messy and/or a distraction from enjoying the soccer experience with our kids.

I really like the look and feel of my monitor vest. May I order more vests to add to my wardrobe?
Not at this time (smile). 

Remember this is a volunteer organization
that depends on parental involvement to be successful.

Thank you for volunteering to be a Team Monitor.