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12

Feb, 2018

AYSO Expo Recap

AYSO Section 6 Expo is held every year in mid February, usually in the Chicago Area. It gathers AYSO Volunteers from across the upper midwest in one location for networking, sharing of ideas, and advanced or specialized training.

This year, Seven volunteers from Region 1103 attended, including Tim Riggle, John Mohr, Houston Nunnelley, Danielle O'Brien, Vaughan Stevenson, Wendy Yelland, and Kaitlin Riggle. Some of the advanced certifications included Tim and Houston certifying as Referee Trainers, and Kaitlin certifying as a VIP Trainer and Playground Program Leader.

Every season, each region completes a Regional Assessment which is evaluated by National and graded. This assessment rates how well the region is following AYSO guidelines and protocols, how well it is executing different AYSO initiatives, and how well it is training its volunteers. Region 1103 has achieved gold level status for three years running. This year we achieved the highest award - Platinum Level status - for the first time ever. This is directly reflective of all the time and dedication of ALL of the volunteers in region 1103.

A lot of new information was passed out as well, regarding small rules changes, registration and website upgrades, and process changes. One of the major changes coming down the pipeline is regarding to background checks. As you are aware, feeling secure with the people who are in contact with your kids is more important than ever in todays world. Almost a decade ago, AYSO set the bar by requiring background checks of every volunteer in the organization on an annual basis. Unfortunately even with the standard background check, a lot of information can be slow in reaching the national databases, or even forgotten at the local level. Now AYSO is raising it's standard again and starting in 2019 will be requiring a level II background check - including Federal, State, County, and City Records inclusive. As a volunteer, you will see no change to the registration process, but as a parent, you can feel even more secure with the quality of the people representing AYSO.

Finally, dates were set for Sectional Games Tournament in Libertyville, Illinois - June 16 - and for Dubuque Soccer Fest - June 30 & July 1. Soccer Slam in Amana will be held on June 23-34. In addition, for the first time ever, their will be a 19U division at both Soccer Slam and Soccer Fest. The registration programs for all three tournaments should be open on the regional website starting March 1.

This year's Expo was a huge success, and I know everyone who attended has returned with a refreshing new excitement regarding AYSO Soccer and the upcoming season. Kudos to all the volunteers who make this program possible, and all the players, parents, and spectators who make us strong.

See you on the Pitch in the spring
AYSO Region 1103

Website Manager

Bay United

Soccer Club

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12

Feb, 2018

AYSO Expo Recap

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