Kids Zone

Dubuque's Region 419 board of directors, eager to preserve fun in children's sports, are declaring their soccer fields a "Kids Zone." That's the name of a national campaign by the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), which the Dubuque region is adapting for its upcoming outdoor soccer season. The Kids Zone poster to be displayed at games says it all: "Alert! You are entering an AYSO Kids Zone. By entering this Kids Zone, you agree to the following:

• Kids are #1.

• Fun -- not winning -- is everything.

• Fans only cheer, and only coaches coach.

• No yelling in anger.

• Respect the volunteer referees.

• No swearing.

• No smoking.

• Leave no trash behind.

• Set a proper example for our children.

"If you can agree to the above, we welcome you. If not, we ask that you leave now. "AYSO -- it's for the kids!" The program is AYSO's response to accounts of negative behavior by players, coaches and parents involved in youth sports. Region 419 Dubuque will introduce Kids Zone at its upcoming coaching and referee meetings. AYSO's focus is on having fun, developing skills and learning teamwork, rather than on competitive play.