Jamboree Guidelines

Introduction

The objective of this program is to provide young players and their parents with a “pressure free” introduction to the beautiful and simple game of soccer. At this age, players should be exposed to soccer by playing simple, fun activities and games that require little to no practice, and a minimal time commitment.

This program allows players to discover the game for themselves, while parents are given a soccer foundation on which to build and grow into future AYSO coaches, referees and administrators.

The AYSO Jamboree (4-year-olds) is not to be considered a coaching program. It is a program that is designated to be facilitated by a qualified AYSO Master Coach. The AYSO National Coaching Commission supports this program predicated on the basis that the guidelines provided within the Jamboree Master Coach Manual are followed and that all decisions regarding the program are made in the best interest of the players.

General

Every player must wear shin guards, soccer cleats or sneakers, and have their own size 3 ball.
No jewelry, including earrings, are to be worn during the session.
No pets, such as dogs, should be brought to the field.

Organization

Jamboree will provide the best possible introduction to soccer for our youngest players. In AYSO soccer, a Jamboree means that “teams” are formed on a weekly basis depending on how many players attend a given session. Parent coaches for each team will be appointed at the beginning of each session from the pool of parents attending.

A “Master Coach” will lead each session. The Master Coach will introduce a game/activity that will practice a certain skill or part of the game using explanation and demonstration. Each team will then attempt the activity while the Master Coach circles between teams providing specific help or suggestions so that the activities are performed as intended. After a suitable amount of time, the Master Coach will bring the teams back together as a group and recap what they have done, introducing the next game/activity.

Each Jamboree session will end with a 15-20 minute short-sided game (ideally 3 v 3, but sometimes 4 v 4). Most importantly, allow the players to play without coaching or teaching them as this experience is designed to expose them to soccer, not to begin developing them. The two goals of the program are to allow the players to enjoy the activities and to let the game be the teacher.

Master Coach

Region 7 uses highly qualified coaches from First Touch Soccer. The coaches are in agreement with the AYSO National Coaching Program and have a full understanding that:

Young soccer players need special consideration
They are children playing a child’s game
These young children must be regarded as young children, not mini adults
Fun activity factors must be a central part of a child-centered program
Educators agree that early learning experiences are the most important and produce lifelong learning experiences
Four-year-old players are essentially self-oriented and relate naturally to one or two others, not to large groups
Most children cannot sustain prolonged activity
They function best in suitable starts and stops (rest periods)
Concentration span is limited, so frequent changes of pace and activity is essential
The young players should learn to discover the wonderful game of soccer, not be taught the game of soccer by adults

3 v 3 Game Set-Up and Guidelines

Each player in the Jamboree division receives a uniform (shirt, shorts and socks), since it is part of the fun to get dressed up for “the big game.” Having fun will make the kids want to come back. Parents need to provide shin guards, soccer cleats or sneakers, and a #3 ball.

Session Schedule

Sessions last one hour and will include:

Group warm-up and activities
Team organizing, coach appointment & jersey color assignment
Water breaks
Training activities and games
3 v 3 or 4 v 4 game (played in two halves with a short break at the half to get a quick drink)
Review and encouragement for a job well done

During the game, the parent coaches from each team act as the game supervisors. They should keep the game going. All other parents should be encouraged to cheer positively and refrain from “coaching” (giving directions) from the sideline. This is the time for the kids to play – LET THEM!

The following guidelines include the only elements of the Laws of the Game that apply to the AYSO Short Sided Game Program for Jamboree:

The Field:
The recommended field size for the Jamboree games is 30 x 15 yards marked with cones.

The Goals:
The goals in Jamboree games should be a maximum of 4 feet high and 6 feet wide or 2 tall cones set 6 feet apart.

The Ball:
A size 3 ball is used for Jamboree games.

The Teams:
Each Jamboree team should have a maximum of 4 players. Games are played with no goalkeepers. Separate boys and girls teams are used.

Player Equipment:
Shoes and shin guards, covered by the socks, are mandatory at all practice and game activities. Soccer shoes, tennis shoes, or similar type athletic shoes are recommended. No baseball cleats (they have a front cleat that will injure soccer players).

The Start of Play:
To start the first and second halves, and following each goal in all age group games, play is started or restarted with a kick-off in the center of the field. Following a goal, the team scored upon kicks off.

The Kick-off:
The kick-off is taken from the center of the field with each team in their own half and the team not kicking off at least 5 yards from the ball. Do not insist the opponent be a minimum of precisely 5 yards from the ball as this is just a guide to give the kicker room to kick the ball without it immediately hitting an opponent. Remember, let them play and do not interfere for technicalities.

Ball In and Out of Play:
The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line) either on the ground or in the air. In Jamboree games, the game supervisors for the week will determine when the ball is out of play and should guide the restart, interfering as little as possible. It is the player’s game, let them play and work on technique later.

Method of Scoring:
A goal in all age group games is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal. Goals should be enthusiastically celebrated by everyone. In Jamboree games, goals are not recorded to determine who wins as everyone is a winner.

Fouls and Other Stoppages:
Deliberate fouling should be rare in Jamboree games. Kicking, tripping, handling the ball and dangerous play may occur. There should be few, if any, additional reasons to stop play in Jamboree games. If a player is “not playing well with others,” or if play must be stopped for any other reason (injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a passing train, butterfly or frog), refocus the players and begin again with a free kick or as may be appropriate. Award the restart to whichever team deserves it. Stoppages must not become a lengthy ceremony.

Free Kick:
Play may have to be stopped occasionally to “sort things out” in Jamboree games. When this is necessary, correct the situation then restart with a free kick for the deserving team. The opposing team should be at least 5 yards from the ball in Jamboree games. All free kicks in Jamboree games are direct free kicks which means, if you’re lucky, a goal can be scored directly from the kick without the ball having to be touched or played by another player on the field (indirect kick).

Throw in:
The parent coaches will just keep the games moving by tossing a new ball into play when necessary. Again, let them play with minimum interruption. Keep the game moving and fun.