The Unified Instructor Program

The program is "unified" because it unites common elements of the instructional program in all disciplines while providing specialization appropriate to the disciplines. Instructor grades are numbered 1 (highest) to 5 (lowest). There is only a single kind of Grade 5 instructor, who is called a Regional Teacher. All higher grades are qualified by one of the disciplines, e.g., a Grade 4 Referee Instructor or a Grade 2 Coaching Instructor.

Why is this happening? There are a number of reasons. In many cases, the existing instruction programs were not meeting the needs of the AYSO regions, especially the more isolated ones, which often found themselves unable to train local volunteers adequately. In addition, even where instruction was available, the messages about AYSO were inconsistently delivered in the coaching, refereeing, and management programs. Unification of the teaching program, together with substantial revision of existing courses, will address these problems while eliminating duplication across disciplines. However, the most significant impetus to unify the instruction program was probably the passage of the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997. By complying with the training-related provisions of this law, AYSO provides legal protection for its volunteers, especially those for whom the risk is greatest: coaches and referees.

During the "transition period," which lasts from now through the end of 2000, AYSO will have both instructors certified at the existing grades and instructors certified on the new hierarchy. Each will teach the courses for which they are certified. During the transition period, presently certified AYSO instructors who wish to move to the new hierarchy can do so by taking a suitable transition course. This course supplements the knowledge they already have by virtue of their existing instructor grade and certifies them at an appropriate grade in the new hierarchy without forcing them to "climb the ladder" from Grade 5.