Andrew Bedard Sportsmanship Awards

Each year AYSO holds tournaments at the end of the season and awards trophies. Saratoga AYSO has added a trophy for Sportsmanship awarded during the U10 tournament and the U12 tournament for the division that we host.

In the Fall Season of 2003, our son Andrew was on a team that never won a game. They did not even score a goal until more than half of their games had been played. When that goal was scored, the players and parents celebrated as if they had won a major tournament. After a game, we would often ask Andrew how he was feeling. His consistent reply was, “I feel great! It doesn’t matter what the score is, if you have a great attitude, you’re a winner.”

In July of 2004, Andrew died because an aneurysm burst in his brain. He had lived for almost nine years, but in that short period, he lived what he believed about attitude. He loved his life. He loved people. He inspired his parents to sponsor a trophy awarding sportsmanship in the soccer that brought him so much joy. Andrew would have played in the U12 division this season.

The teams will be observed during the tournament by the referees. Points will be given based on the attitudes and behavior of the players, their coaches, and their fans. Trophies will go to each player and their coaches.

How can you help your team win?

•    Players should support members of their team and treat the opposing team members with respect. Nobody plays perfectly, so cheer the good moves and help each player find his or her best skills. Players will respect the calls of officials.

•    Teams should arrive well before starting time for their game and be prepared to play. When the teams line up before the game, the referees should not have to tell the players where or how to stand in a lineup. The home team should have the game ball ready for the referee. Coaches should have player positions assigned before the line up and should go to the technical area as soon as the line up is completed.

•    Coaches should stay in the technical area unless called to the field by the referee. Coaches should respect the calls of the referees. Directions to players should be supportive.

•    Fans should cheer, not coach. Parents should not be sending directions for play to their children. They should stay behind the orange lines.  Fans should respect the calls of the referees.

Trophies will be awarded at the award ceremony at the end of the tournament. At least half of the team must be there to receive the trophies or they will forfeit the award.