Racism - Not an Option

The Regions of AYSO Area 11K are most likely the most culturally and economically diverse regions in the entire country. Southern California is home to many race, education and financial family backgrounds. Many children in our communities come with mixed marriages and siblings. We are the primary home of several immigrant people that come from countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Egypt, Korea and The Philippines.

With this vast immigrant population of first, second and third generations comes a mix of cultures, backgrounds and traditions that are combined into the innocence of children. Our children are not racist by design and we all hope that outside influences do not destroy that wonderful blindness to color and financial status of their friends, co-players, coaches and other parents present at games or practices.

One of AYSO's primary philosophies is called EVERYONE PLAYS. In fact, it is the first one on the list. Those six philosophies are burned time in and over again by every single AYSO volunteer training program. To us, they are just not words on the bottom of a PowerPoint presentation but a meaning that requires action in every Saturday we all meet for play. Referees are instructed, as a no-tolerance policy, to instruct, educate, and if necessary, eject coaches and parents who violate our positive coaching, good sportsmanship policy. This includes racial slurs or joking in a racially motivated manner. Most certainly, player on player racial comments will surely earn the perpetrator an immediate red card.

Our Area Director wants to assure you that he will take all precautions and necessary steps to protecting your children against unnecessary racism, name calling, bullying and exclusion of play. Our Area Referee Administrator will also take steps in making sure Regional Referees are up to speed in not allowing this behavior to play out on on any field, especially with our coaches. Our Area Director also has a diverse cultural background and understands the need to preserve a child's right to play in recreational sports without fear of ridicule and bantering. We welcome all races and colors to AYSO Area 11K and our doors are always open for discussions if you feel your player is threatened.

Thank you for your cooperation

Contact: Alan Gandall, Area 11K Director