AYSO Coach Certification

*Certification requirements apply to both Head Coach and Assistant Coach

Certification Prerequisites

Safe Haven certification

All AYSO Coaches must complete the Safe Haven (Online) certification. This ensures that the well-being of the child is placed first, the philosophies of AYSO are understood and teaches the coaches risk management to avoid putting themselves in positions hazardous to themselves and the children. It is also part of the requirements to be covered under the Volunteer Protection Act. 

Age-Specific Training - 6U, 8U, 10U & 12U Coach certifications

These four coaching courses focus on working with the player in these age divisions to create a fun learning environment. Coaches in 6U, 8U, 10U & 12U must have the age specific coach certification for the age they are coaching. There are no substitutes nor will higher level courses satisfy the requirement. These courses have no pre-requisite and may be taken individually or in any order.

Intermediate, Advanced and National Coach certifications

These upper level courses build upon each other, thus a coach with the Advanced Coach certification may also coach teams needing only the Intermediate Coach certification. However, these do not confer the age-specific certification needed to coach 6U-12U. A coach who holds an Intermediate Coach or above certification and wishes to coach in 10U, must also hold a 10U Coach certification. 14U coaches must have at least the Intermediate Coach certification. 16U and 19U coaches must have the Advanced Coach certification. The National Coach certification is for coaches who desire to further advance their skills and offer a greater level of support to their region.