AYSO Region 47 institutes touchline rules

In an effort to quell any and all off-the-field misconduct, AYSO Region 47 has initiated touchline protocol for its Spring 2013 season.

Before this change, each team was given its spot on either side of the halfway line. That is, teams, their coaches and supporters, were on opposite sides of the field from one another.

Now, both teams are located on the west side on the field while all supporters must be on the east side. To wit: Each team is allowed one coach, one assistant coach and one parent on its bench, and parents are allowed to walk across the field at halftime.

"Studies have repeatedly shown that the kids overwhelmingly prefer this setup. The only people that question it are the parents and (we) remind them that AYSO is for the kids. We are taking this step to make the match more enjoyable for the players," Region 47 Referee Administrator Steven Tick said.

Region 47 hosts to largest AYSO tournament in Southern California every President's Day Weekend, dubbed 'Locomotion,' and will co-host the 2014 AYSO National Games.

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Dennis Pope, founder of Fieldhouse of My Brain, is a freelance sports journalist and father of two living in Southern California. A former sports columnist for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, Dennis has more than 10 years experience in print and digital media but now spends his not-so-spare time...

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