Why Not Volunteer?

Reasons Why I Can’t Volunteer

Rather than inventing creative excuses about why you cannot participate in this volunteer based program, we’ve decided to offer you a list of the most popular ones given in the past. At sign-up, simply tell us the #number which best applies to you – or you could go to the the online registration site e-AYSOprint the application, fill it out and bring it with you to sign-up.

1. I don’t know anything about soccer! Neither did we. For most of us, the extent of our knowledge amounted to this: You can’t touch the ball with your hands, right? Fortunately, with the investment of 8 hours, the AYSO instructors can teach you more about soccer than most folks will ever know.

2. I don’t have time. I’m too busy. Really, all it takes is eight hours. Everything else is a piece of cake! After the season begins, you would be at the fields for your child’s practice/games anyway.

3. I am allergic to whistles/balls/grass/(insert allergy here) Well, we have other positions that might be more suited to your skills. Are you allergic to paper too?

4. What if I make mistakes? What if you don’t? You’d make the rest of us look bad. We all make mistakes, and most of them go unnoticed. The rest we chalk up to experience. The most important thing is to approach any position with enjoyment and enthusiasm.

5. I can’t do it! I’m a woman / man / grandparent / aunt / kid! The AYSO definition of volunteer is “a caring individual, who generously donates their time and talents to a worthwhile cause.” Under this philosophy, we’ve discovered women make fantastic referees, men make wonderful team parents and our only requirement in regards to age is that a volunteers be “young at heart.” AYSO also sponsors a program AYSO PRO (Player Referee Organization) for youths 12 and up wishing to mentor younger players . In AYSO, everybody plays!

6. I don’t think I’m cut out to be a (insert any position here)! Well, sure you are. We are looking for caring people who can support and strengthen our program. You are obviously a caring person! You took the time to read this article. You are precisely the type of person we need!

7. I am borderline on the tax bracket! I can’t handle any additional income. Well, that’s great. We weren’t going to pay you. And last time we checked, exercise, enjoyment and mentoring children are not taxable. See how nicely that worked out for us both!

8. Why Bother? A perfectly vague excuse. We bother because we want to offer children the best possible experience they can have with AYSO. The quality, safety and success of this program relies on the dedication and commitment of it’s volunteers. If that explanation didn’t sway you, then perhaps you aren’t right for us.

If this does not apply to you, we need all the help we can get!