American Youth Soccer Organization
Player, Parent and Volunteer Handbook
Fall Season 2013
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Table of Contents 2 Table of Contents 3 Message from the Commissioner 4 Region 892 Board of Directors 5 A Brief History & Contact Information 6 AYSO 6 Philosophies 7 AYSO Mission Statement 8-11Parental Expectations 12 Player Code of Conduct/Expectations 13-14 Uniforms and Equipment 15 Refund Policy 16 Rain Policy 16 Picture Day 16 Keeping Score & Standings 16 Games and Travel 17 Fields of Play 18 Sponsors 18 Scholarships 19 V.I.P Program 20 NCACE Accreditation 21-23 Volunteering 24 Maui Friendship Games 25 Age Group Rules and Regulations—Under 5 26 Age Group Rules and Regulations—Under 6 27 Age Group Rules and Regulations—Under 8 28 Age Group Rules and Regulations—Under 10 29 Age Group Rules and Regulations—Under 12 30 Age Group Rules and Regulations—Under 14 31 Priorities 32 Calendar of Events
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Message from the Commissioner Aloha, Welcome to the wonderful world of American Youth Soccer. AYSO will be celebrating 50 years of soccer in 2014. We are committed to the safe development and nurturing of all children wanting to play soccer. We do this through parents like you who help make up a dedicated network of volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to give of yourselves and your time to benefit not only your own children but all the kids in our community as well. AYSO is a family affair…volunteer this season, help us nurture and keep our program strong while building family memories of treasured times spent together. Our main goal is to develop and provide a positive experience for all keiki who desire to play soccer. We train our coaches and referees to be the guiding forces behind this effort. We need you to be the support base for your child. We need you to be a supportive, positive, and encouraging parent, reinforcing our efforts to make the AYSO experience fun, fair and safe for every child. Remember: Coaches coach, Referees ref, and Parents CHEER! On behalf of our Regional Board of Directors, thank you for being a part of AYSO. “Annie” Diana Hayes Regional Commissioner
7/A/892
“It’s a great day to be a volunteer!”
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Region 892 Board of Directors Annie Hayes
Regional Commissioner
Owen Ueno
Assistant Regional Commissioner
Marilyn Ueno
Region Treasurer
James Hayes
Coach Administrator
Tony Griffith
Referee Administrator
Holly Pendergast
Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA)
Nicole Okada
Secretary
Annabehl Delaney Registrar Webmaster Diana Hayes
Regional V.I.P Coordinator
Sky Delaney
Referee Mentoring Administrator
Nicole Okada
Safety Director
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A Brief History of AYSO and our Region AYSO Region 892, which encompasses the Westside communities of Maui, was started as a pilot region on May 28, 1993. Through the dedicated and determined efforts of the volunteers of that period the Region was designated as a chartered region on March 17, 1995. We are part of a very proud and successful national organization born 1964 in Southern California dedicated and determined to bring the game of soccer to the youth of the area. Today an AYSO Region can be found in all of the states of our great union. Internationally, AYSO can be found in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Trinidad, and Tobago. Today AYSO has nearly 1000 active regions divided into 14 Sections. Each Section is divided into Areas that are made up of the regions within its boundaries. Hawaii’s unique location has earned us our designation of Section 7. Hawaii is divided into three Areas…O, E, and A. Region 892 is part of Area A which is made up of all the regions outside of Oahu.
Contact us: phone:
669-6883
fax:
667-2027
[email protected] www.westmauiayso.com Friend us on Facebook: West Maui AYSO 6
6 PHILOSOPHIES
EVERYONE PLAYS BALANCED TEAMS POSITIVE COACHING OPEN REGISTRATION GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP PLAYER DEVELOPMENT Everyone Volunteers
AYSO AYSO is a volunteer Everyone is Vision/organization: Mission Statement expected to volunteer! www.ayso.org
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AYSO's Vision is to provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives. AYSO's Mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on these Six Philosophies: Everyone Plays Our program's goal is for kids to play soccer so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least 50% of every game. It’s no fun to spend the game on the bench…and that’s no way to learn soccer! Balanced Teams Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because it’s more fun and a better learning experience when teams of similar ability play. It allows for each player to gain the experience of a wide variety of teammates and coaches of different skill levels. Positive Coaching Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment for the players and leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players. A coach can be one of the most influential people in a child’s life, so AYSO requires they create a positive experience for every boy and girl. Open Registration Our program is open to all children between 4 and 16 yrs who want to play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing. There are no elimination try-outs and nobody gets cut. Good Sportsmanship We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a winat-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO. Player Development We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as 8
members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.
Parental Expectations 1. Code of Conduct By registering a player in Region 892 you are agreeing to abide by the following:
Encourage all players—from both teams—with positive comments.
Coaching by Coaches and Assistant Coaches ONLY.
Support the referees, even if you disagree with the call.
No inflammatory or foul language allowed.
Leave the area if asked to do so by a referee.
Treat all volunteers with respect, especially coaches and referees.
No smoking (including electric cigarettes) or alcoholic beverages on or around the playing fields.
Help pick up litter on and around the playing fields.
No dogs allowed on or around the playing fields.
No food vendors are allowed, we can lose our ability to use County soccer fields if someone is selling items without a permit. Kona Shave Ice has appropriate permits to be at our soccer fields. 9
Read and abide by the Rules of the Region. Volunteer! Be more than just a hero!
2. An Important Word for Parents It cannot be overemphasized that the AYSO program is for the players. The emphasis is placed on good sportsmanship by exhibiting the qualities of fairness and self-control. Parents and officials are role models for children; thus overzealous behavior is totally inappropriate. While participation in a competitive situation is an important aspect of the game, it should not be confused with a “win-at-all-costs” attitude. The soccer promoted by AYSO is a balance of fun, development, and competition. All of this can and often does set the stage for some spectator situations that are not consistent with what AYSO is trying to do for our boys and girls. We have a responsibility: to keep our all-volunteer soccer program fun for all. Consider the following:
Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports!
Remember, children want to be involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, NOT yours.
Encourage your child to always play by the rules.
Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Your child will then be a winner even in defeat. 10
Do not ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake.
Set a good example. Children learn best by example.
Always tell your child that you are proud of him/her regardless of how well they play
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.
Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees, and officials and give them their due respect. Without them there would be no AYSO soccer.
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3. Touchline Etiquette AYSO soccer encourages positive self-esteem, discipline, personal responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, and acceptance of learning from both disappointment and success. It is an enjoyable game to watch as well as play. We believe that quality soccer can and should be developed, and that it can and should be fun. Therefore, the emphasis of our program is not on who wins but how the players and teams develop, and most importantly, did they have fun in doing so? We want all participants to reach their full, age-appropriate potential, while enjoying themselves in the progress. An important aspect of the AYSO program is Sportsmanship. The players need to experience:
The fun of hard fought but fair competition
Learning how to be gracious winners
Accepting a loss with dignity
Improving one’s ability through
practice Acknowledging good plays by teammates as well as opponents
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Learning the social skills involved in becoming a member of the team
One of the ways our children learn good sportsmanship is by our demonstration of good touchline behavior. Our children will learn by taking the clues from our conduct. Negative comments have no place on the field or on the sidelines; offer your support and encouragement. Keep a positive outlook and demonstrate it by supporting the players, the coaches and the referees, in spite of any mistakes they may make during the course of the game. Give them your respect…because without the players, the coaches and the referees, there wouldn't be any AYSO soccer. Some specific pointers:
Please allow the Coach to be the SOLE source of coaching during the game. When players hear conflicting instructions, it confuses them and thwarts their ability to "think on their feet".
The area off the field that the spectators occupy is on your own team’s side, no closer than two yards from the touch line, and between the penalty areas. Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed behind the goal lines.
The coach is responsible for the conduct of spectators. Discipline shall be up to the referee at each game, and the referee shall have the power and authority to discipline and send off players and coaches. Spectators may also be dismissed from the playing area if their conduct interferes with the course of play.
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Entry to the field of play is by permission of the referee only.
Tell your child that you are proud of him/her regardless of how well they play
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!
Player Code of Conduct/Expectations Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach. Play by the rules.
Never argue with or complain about the referee's calls or decisions.
Control your temper! Resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged. Concentrate on playing soccer and affecting the outcome of the game with your best effort. Work as hard for your team as you do for yourself.
Be a good sport. Cheer at good plays, whether it's for your team or for your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to
be treated.
Remember the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and feel good. Don't be a show-off or a “ball hog.''
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Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents, and the referees. There cannot be any soccer games without them.
Returning from a Medical Injury/Leave: If your child has been injured and treated by a doctor for that injury during the regular season of play, he/she may not return to either practice or games until the Region/coach has received a written release from the doctor.
Uniforms and Equipment Casts/Splints: Hard casts of any kind are not permitted and there are absolutely no exceptions to this rule. Medical splints maybe allowed as long as they do not contain any metal braces/brackets. Exceptions to this rule may be made for leg braces as long as the brace is sufficiently wrapped to protect other players from injury. Uniforms: A uniform consisting of shirt, shorts and socks is provided for your child’s use at the beginning of the season and is yours to keep when the season ends. The uniform will be numbered and marked in accordance with AYSO guidelines. No uniform may bear logos, the name of any registered player or sponsor information. No other clothing, such as shirts and pants, may be worn over the uniform while a player is participating in a game. If it is cold or windy, dress accordingly and have layers under the uniform. Headwear: Players may not wear hats, caps, bandannas, or any other head covering. Long hair should be tied back (a soft headband is allowed). 15
Footwear: Every player must wear appropriate athletic footwear. Regulation soccer shoes, gym shoes, or sneakers (with or without rubber cleats) are permissible. Soccer shoes with removable cleats will be allowed, only if the cleat is screwed into the sole of the shoe. No toe cleats are allowed. Shin Guards : Shin guards are required at all times for all AYSO competitions and practices. They are to be worn under/inside the socks with the sock pulled completely over/above the shin guard. Ball: Each player will be provided with one (1) appropriate size ball at the end of the season. Appropriate ball sizes are as follows: U6 and U8 ball size 3, U10 and U12 ball size 4, U14, U16, and U19 ball size 5. Jewelry/Other Items: Players may not wear any form/type of jewelry (bracelets, metal or plastic, rings, watches, chains, necklaces, earrings, hard pony tail holders, barrettes, bobby pins) during play. No exceptions. Earrings covered by bandages are not allowed. Prescription eyeglasses, hearing aids and knee braces ARE allowed, subject to referee approval. Goalkeepers may wear gloves, soft knee or elbow pads, and/or sweat pants for additional protection. Medical Alert Bracelets: These contain important medical information about the player. These bracelets must be padded and taped to the player's skin –or– covered with a cloth wristband or something equivalent, consistent with AYSO National Guidelines.
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Refund Policy All requests for refunds must be made in writing to the Regional Registrar or the Regional Commissioner and show cause for the request. The Regional Board of Directors will review each case and decide on the appropriate action as a committee. As a general rule the following guideline will apply: 1) Full refunds will be issued if; a) the player has moved out of the Region prior to the start of the season. b) the player is unable to play due to an injury or illness prior to the start of the season.
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c) the player does not want to play and the request for a refund is submitted before August 1st. 2) Depending on the circumstances a partial refund may be issued after review by the Regional Board of Directors. 3) Generally, no refunds will be considered after the season begins on August 1st. 4) Registered players not qualified for a refund will be issued a uniform set and a ball which are covered in the registration fee.
Rain Policy In an effort to maintain the playing fields, the fields will be closed when conditions warrant. If a significant amount of rain falls within 24 hours of a practice or game be sure and check the field status. Coaches will be contacted by the appropriate staff should practices or games be rained out.
Picture Day Two Saturdays in September will be scheduled for team and individual pictures. You will be notified by your team parent or coach as to your day and time. Picture order forms will be distributed prior to your picture day and also be available on site.
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Keeping Score & Standings AYSO games increase competitively along with player age, but sportsmanship is always valued more highly than a focus on winning. U5,U6 and U8 divisions are instructional, and scores are not tallied. U10 and higher divisions Referees keep tallies, but no standings are kept.
Games and Travel U5, U6 and U8 teams play all games in Lahaina. U10 teams will play games in Napili, we are debating having them travel this year because of safety concerns and the lack of certified referees in outer Regions. U12 and U14 teams will play games in Lahaina, Kahului, Kihei, and Upcountry when scheduled.
Fields of Play West Maui U5 Lahaina softball outfield U6 Lahaina softball outfield U8 Lahaina Recreation Center Wainee field and supplemental field next to the main soccer field. U10 Napili Park U12 Lahaina soccer field U14 Lahaina soccer field Central – Onehee Street, backside of Ka`ahumanu Ctr U10 KCC 1 19
U12 KCC 2 (Pit) U14 KCC 1 (tennis court side) Kihei - New South Maui park off Pi`ilani Hwy U10 South Maui Park (behind Elementary) U12 South Maui Park U14 South Maui Park Upcountry U12 Eddie Tam field U14 Eddie Tam field
Sponsors Look for and please support Kona-Ice Shave Ice Truck located on the main soccer field throughout the season. They are one of our Annual sponsors/ supporters and carry all the proper Permits to be at our soccer field’s. Regional Sponsors greatly enhance our programs throughout our season. Donations help us to provide training for our coaches, referees, and regional staff. Much needed field equipment are also purchased with donated funds. A very special Mahalo to last season’s sponsors for their much appreciated donations: Jim Falk Motors, Westside Glass, Young Brothers and Hawaii Tug & Barge Service. 20
A list can be viewed on our website: www.westmauiayso.com To be an annual sponsor or make a donation please contact your Regional Commissioner, Regional Treasurer, or any member of the Region’s Board for information.
Player Fee Scholarships The Region has been able to provide a limited number of scholarships to families needing financial assistance. Funding for scholarships, partial or full, is limited and all requests are required in writing and are subject to review by the Regional Board. Please contact us for information and requirements at registration or through our email.
[email protected] Programs
V.I.P (Very Important Players) AYSO has developed and provides a program for our children who have special needs. Children who have physical or mental disabilities that make it difficult for them to participate on mainstream teams may choose to play on a V.I.P team. Families who wish to participate in or 21
learn more about our V.I.P program are encouraged to contact the V.I.P coordinator for information and details.
NCACE Accredited Coaching Program The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) National Coaching Program is the only soccer coach education program in the U.S. that is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE.) The AYSO program has been reviewed in detail and has passed the very high standards of this important accrediting body. Mission Statement: The National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE) promotes and facilitates coaching competence within 22
all levels of amateur sport by overseeing and evaluating the quality of coaching education programs. In addition, NCACE endorses comprehensive standards for sport practitioners, including: volunteer, interscholastic, collegiate, and elite coaches. Through accreditation, NCACE provides leadership and guidance to coaching education providers, sport administrators, and the public regarding the knowledge, values, and skills of effective coaches.
Volunteering AYSO is a national non-profit organization established in 1964 to teach the game of soccer and develop positive character traits in children through their participation in a quality sports program. Our local region administers this program strictly through the efforts of volunteers. In order to provide the quality program our kids deserve, we need YOU! Following is a list of opportunities for you to consider. All volunteers will receive instructions for selected jobs. Safe Haven Certification is now mandatory for all volunteers. Coaches and referees are mandated to be Certified in their age appropriate Divisions. Remember: No Previous Experience is Necessary we are happy to provide free certifications and training! 23
COACH: One of the most rewarding opportunities, as it allows a parent to share in the excitement with the children. The coach is responsible for training the team, typically twice a week, and supervising the team during games. Prior experience is not required. AYSO has coaching clinics for all experience levels. As well as on-line support. ASSISTANT COACH: The assistant coach helps the coach run the practices and manage the team at games. When the coach cannot be present, the assistant coach acts in the coach’s place. No experience is required. We will provide coaching clinics for you and you will learn much about soccer.
REFEREE/ASSISTANT REFEREE: NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. We send you to an AYSO referee-training clinic to make sure you are adequately trained. Uniform provided by the Region. Contact the Regional Referee Administrator if you’re interested. You will learn the rules of soccer and how to conduct the game, and enjoy participating in the game with the players. Referees have the best possible view of the game. There is also a youth referee program available for children 12 and over. We are always in need of more referees and we can’t play without them. TEAM PARENT: Administrative assistant to the coach. The Team Parent is the primary communicator between the coach and the parents. Oversees and 24
coordinates other parents in several areas: refreshments, parties, newsletter articles, banner making, telephoning information, and anything else that pertains to the specific team. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Team Parent Meeting provides pertinent information necessary to perform duties. Coaches greatly appreciate a committed volunteer to fill this position REGISTRATION: Prepare and distribute registration materials at registration days. PICTURE DAY: Help assemble the teams for their pictures and keep things moving in an orderly fashion. TROPHY COORDINATOR: Coordinates the ordering and distribution of participation trophies and medals.
DIVISION COORDINATOR: Help region staff communicate with coaches regarding schedule changes, help coordinate trophy/ picture distribution at the end of the season. OTHER/REGIONAL DISCRETION: You will be asked to help with some activity such as fundraising, field or equipment maintenance, field or parking monitoring. We need help planning and implementing our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Marking ‘other’ does not relieve you of the obligation to volunteer. Remember:
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In order of ensure everyone to plays… we need everyone to volunteer!!
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Maui Friendship Games The Maui Friendship Games is a two day AYSO tournament formatted event held during a designated weekend in October (refer to the calendar of events). The Friendship Games objective is to provide an opportunity for our players to participate in a “tournament” as well as to foster goodwill among the players and regions of Maui. Four teams in each of the U10, U12, and U14 age divisions (two per gender) are selected by a lottery to represent the region. The Friendship Games are usually held in Makawao at the Eddie Tam sports complex. Please be ready to make it your family-fun soccer weekend!
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Age Group Rules and Regulations Under 5 – age 4 years Field size:
30 yards X 15 yards
Ball size:
#3
Roster maximum:
open
Max players in game:
3 v. 3
Game length:
20 minutes
Jamboree session:
1hour 15min. per week
The U5 age group was developed as structured introductory program for boys and girls 4 years of age determined by the “player’s age as of July 31 of the year that the season commences”. The format will be “One with One” which consists of primarily the interaction of player and parent. Team groups are formed on a weekly basis depending on how many players attend the session. Ideally we pair each player with their parent or other familiar adult to work with them on the field. It is important they have their parent with them on the field or the sideline at all times. This provides them a sense of security in large group activities. A “Master Coach” will lead each session and introduce and demonstrate the activities to the parents and players. The Master Coach will circulate among the groups offering tips and encouragement. Each Jamboree session will end in a 3v3 game free of coaching or teaching.
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Age Group Rules and Regulations Under 6 – age 41/2 – 5 years Field size:
30 yards X 15 yards
Ball size:
#3
Roster Maximum:
5
Max players in game:
3 v. 3
Game length:
20 minutes
Practice sessions:
Max 2 hours per week
Rules of Play with modifications 1.
No Heading
2.
No Slide tackling
3.
No Goalies
4.
Restarts will be throw-ins except for kick offs to start the game at the beginning of each half.
5.
All “goal kicks” will be taken at the penalty line nearest the end line where the ball exited the field.
6.
All “corner kicks” will be a throw-in from the corner nearest the end line where the ball exited the field.
7.
Duration of game is 20 minutes divided into four five minute periods with a five minute halftime break.
8.
No Score Keeping
Coaches are allowed on the field to guide the play and keep control of the game. Coaches will also be the referees and will keep to the basic rules of play.
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Age Group Rules and Regulations U8 – age 6-7 years Field Size:
50 yards X 25 yards
Ball size:
#3
Roster size:
8
Max players in game:
5 v. 5
Game length:
40 minutes
Practice sessions:
1 hour twice a week
Rules of Play with modifications 1.
No goalkeepers
2.
No Heading
3.
No Slide tackling
4.
No offside infractions
5.
All restarts off of fouls will be Indirect Free Kicks.
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Age Group Rules and Regulations U10 – age 8-9 years Field size:
80 yards X 40 yards
Ball size:
#4
Roster size:
11
Max players in game:
7 v. 7
Game length:
50 minutes
Practice sessions:
1 hour twice a week
Rules of Play with modifications 1.
No Heading
2.
No Slide tackling
3.
A new goalkeeper each quarter
4.
Play down rule is in effect and mandatory unless a) the AYSO requirement that each player play a minimum of 2 quarters cannot be honored, b) both coaches agree to otherwise.
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Age Group Rules and Regulations U12 – age 10 -11 years Field size:
100 yards X 50 yards
Ball size:
#4
Roster size:
13
Max players on field:
9 v. 9
Game length:
60 minutes
Practice sessions:
1 ½ hours twice a week
Rules of Play with modifications 1.
No slide tackling
2.
Heading allowed on corner kicks, throw-ins, and bounced balls. Not allowed on free kicks, goal kicks, and punts.
3.
Play down rule is in effect and mandatory unless a) the AYSO rule that requires that each player plays a minimum of 2 quarters cannot be honored or b) both coaches agree to otherwise.
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Age Group Rules and Regulations U14 – age 12 -13 years Field size:
110 yards X 55 yards
Ball size:
#5
Roster size:
15
Max players on field:
11
Game length:
70 minutes
Practice sessions:
1 ½ hours twice a week
Rules of Play with modifications 1.
No slide tackling
2.
Heading allowed
3.
Play down rule is in effect and mandatory unless a) the AYSO rule that requires that each player plays a minimum of 2 quarters cannot be honored or b) both coaches agree to otherwise.
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Priorities Tell your child that you are proud of him/her on a daily bases. Actively setting time aside just for them sets you up to be more than just their hero. “A Hundred Years From Now….. It Will Not Matter What My Bank Account Was, The Sort of House I Lived In, Or the Kind of Car I Drove…….. But the Whole World May Be Different because…. I was Important in the Life of a Child.”
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Calendar of Events August 2013 5 First day of the new fall season 5 First day of practice (consult your coach) 6 Board Meeting, 7pm, Honokowai Kauhale 17 Coach Orientation (details TBA) 24 Parent Orientation (details TBA) September 3 Board Meeting, 7pm, Honokowai Kauhale 7 Picture Day, First Game 14 Games 21 Picture Day, Games 28 Games - Maui County Fair October 1 Board Meeting, 7pm, Honokowai Kauhale 5 Games 12 Games 19-20 No Games…Maui Friendship Games Weekend 26 Games November 2 Games 5 Board Meeting, 7pm, Honokowai Kauhale 9 Games 10 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon – 2-4pm - TBA 16 Last Games, Season End December 3 Board Meeting, 7pm, Honokowai Kauhale *Region 892’s Board of Directors meet the first Tuesday of each month February - December, 7 pm at the Honokowai Kauhale Community Room. *Calendar subject to change without notice.
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