How it Started!

 

Back in December 2023 my fall soccer team qualified for Area Playoffs at Hart Park in Bakersfield, Ca. The girls won end up winning the championship and finishing the season with undefeated with a record of 12 wins 2 ties and 0 defeats. During this tournament I was coaching and refereeing for my team, which meant I had double duties. On the first day of playoffs Saturday I was scheduled to referee 2 games and I completed one game and I spoke to Adrianna Tijerina (Area Director) regarding my second assignment stating I didn’t have a ride home and if I was okay if i reschedule for the next day. She told me that it wouldn’t be a problem and she would find a replacement for me. I double checked with her before heading home that Saturday evening. Sunday morning comes around for the second day of playoffs and the team ended up winning the championship. The team was supposed to be moving on to sections for the next round of playoffs in January 2024. I waited many weeks for my commissioner to let me know more information regarding playoffs and nothing came of it. I ended up finding out that Adriana disqualified my team because of a referee assignment. The problem with this whole situation is she never told me anything and my girls were robbed of an opportunity. They never lost that whole season and I voice my opinion and Instagram with a post. Then comes to the present time of March 2025, my region of 73 has a meeting regarding me and determines I’m no longer able to coach anymore due to a post.

Why is this important?

Make a difference in a player’s life and teach her the game of soccer. I’ve made the game enjoyable for the kids and the parents have always had a great experience letting me coach for their children. I feel like my time with AYSO has been incredible and I have made some awesome memories with the teams. I’m being prohibited and it’s not right because I felt it was necessary to voice my 1st amendment right regarding my team being disqualified from the playoffs in 2023 fall season. I have always met the criteria and have a clean record that  allows me to coach for this volunteer league. I promote sportsmanship and develop our players’ positive image, while developing the technical skill for the game of soccer. I held myself accountable when being professional with the referees and the board members.

 

Summary 

Lift the ban for coaching on AYSO AREA 10A. I’m currently unable to coach for my sister’s team after being able to since 2021. I’ve never had issues until Spring 2025 I received the news through a phone call saying I would no longer be able to coach because of an Instagram post from 2023. Let it be noted that in this post I didn’t use any foul language or call out the individual. I’m doing this petition to hopefully wake up people and show them it’s time for change. I shouldn’t be punished over this situation because I care for my teams.