Who are the referees?
All volunteers, they are us. Many referees start when their children are young and move up with them. Referee training is provided for all age groups and levels.
Why does AYSO need volunteer referees?
AYSO is 100 percent volunteer organization; we all do it for the kids. Each season we need as many referees as coaches if not more; refereeing is easier and less of a time commitment. AYSO is about playing Fun, Fair and Safe. Our referee training is what makes it possible. If there is no official to referee a game the kids don’t get to play.
Can I pay someone to referee for my team to get enough playoff points?
Absolutely not. It is a violation of AYSO's policies and insurance liability coverage to pay for referees, including youth referees.
Where do I buy my uniform? Does my Region pay for this?
It is the practice of AYSO Region 92 to provide a free uniform to the volunteers who become certified referees in their Region. Volunteers who referee at least 10 games in a single season are eligible for an additional jersey in a different color.
Can I referee my own child’s games?
AYSO Region 92 policy is that during the regular season parents can be an Assistant Referee in their child's game if spaces are still available after the Thursday conclusion of the early bird signup period. We request that parents not Referee (center) their child's game unless there is not other option other than cancelling the game.
What is Safe Haven™?
AYSO makes a commitment to provide a safe place for children to play and compete. The referee has a responsibility to help make the environment safe, as well as fun. To ensure the safety of both children and volunteers, each volunteer is required to take a short in-person or online training session called Safe Haven™. It focuses on safety and appropriate behavior with children as well as first aid and other on-field issues. Agreeing to a background check is also required for each volunteer.
Learn More about Safe Haven™
Safe Haven™ is a unique program that all AYSO volunteers are required and how we can all participate in making the AYSO experience a positive one for our kids. In addition, there is an online class. Safe Haven™ certification is mandatory for all AYSO coaches and referees on a nation-wide basis, and can be obtained by attending a clinic where Safe Haven™ training is offered. A referee who has been Safe Haven™ certified will be entitled to legal protection for work as a referee under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.
Is prior soccer experience required to officiate?
No, but some familiarity with soccer is certainly a plus. Coaches, parents, players and other volunteers have all proved to be excellent referees even if they have never played soccer. Youth referees are welcome!
I am a soccer player and understand the game very well; can I just take the certification test and avoid some or all of the beginning course?
Currently this is not an option. Many of those who have played the game and think they know the Laws of the Game are surprised to find out how much there is to learn when they actually start studying to become a referee. Attending a face to face training course with an experienced instructor is a valuable learning experience.
What are the certification levels?
There are the five certification levels for AYSO referees. Here is a brief description of the requirements for each. Contact your Regional Referee Administrator (RRA) for more details:
8U Official (minimum age 10) Complete the 8U Official Course and pass the 8U Official Exam.
Regional Referee (minimum age 12) Complete the Regional Referee Course and pass the Regional Referee Exam.
Intermediate Referee (minimum age 14) Complete 25 games as referee with at least five in 12U games, complete the Intermediate Referee Course, pass the Intermediate Referee Exam and be (observed) mentored in a 12U game.
Advanced Referee (minimum age 16) Complete 50 games as referee with at least 10 in 14U and five as an assistant referee (in 14U), complete the Advanced Referee Course, pass the Advanced Referee Exam, pass one assessment as referee and one as assistant referee in a 14U match, pass the AYSO Physical Fitness Test and do a minimum of five service units (contact your RRA for details).
National Referee (minimum age 18) Complete 100 games as referee with at least 30 in 16U and 19U games and 25 as Assistant Referee with at least 10 in 19U, complete the National Referee Course, pass the National Referee Exam, pass two assessments as referee in 16U or 19U matches and one as assistant referee in a 19U match, complete the AYSO Physical Fitness Test and do an additional five service units (contact your RRA for details).
Do I have to ref little kids before I can ref the older kids?
There is no requirement to referee younger players before refereeing older players. AYSO Region 92 encourages all new referees to do at least a few games in the 10U divisions as both Assistant Referee and Referee before moving to the older divisions.
You may request referee assignments at whatever age level you feel comfortable. Refereeing at the various age levels requires different skills and just because the players are young doesn’t necessarily mean the games are easier – they are different! Managing six or seven year olds (and their parents) and managing 14 or 15 year olds requires different skills.
What do I do if I have a problem at a game with a coach or a spectator?
Report to the Referee Administrator all incidents in which a coach or a spectator behaves in a way that makes a game something other than a safe, positive, enjoyable growth experience for the children.
Is it safe for a teenage player or sibling to referee?
Teenagers who already like soccer have no trouble adapting at all – they know the game and what it takes to keep it safe, fair and fun. The training and time refereeing games can also earn them community service points as AYSO is a non-profit, volunteer, community organization.
What is the appropriate referee badge for AYSO referees?
The only badge appropriate for referees to wear during AYSO games is the current AYSO referee certification level badge earned by the referee. Exceptions: An International Referee may wear his or her FIFA badge; and, if provided, special referee tournament badges may be worn by referees during that tournament’s games.
Are referees permitted to wear a cast or splint while refereeing?
The AYSO National Rules and Regulations prohibit players from participating in practices or games while wearing a cast or splint (even with a doctor’s permission). However, there is no such prohibition for referees to officiate while wearing a cast or splint even if they are youth referees. The likelihood of an injury to players occurring from contact with the referee’s cast or splint is very remote. Some padding on the cast may add a measure of protection.
May referees wear hats or sunglasses?
Soccer referees have not historically needed to wear hats or sunglasses and AYSO referees are discouraged from doing so. Hats, in some cases, may be desired for sun-protection health reasons. Use of hats on cloudy days should be avoided. Hats should not be worn for night games.
Hats, if worn, should be solid black or predominately black with white trim, or solid white or predominately white with black trim. Hats should bear no logos or slogans other than AYSO logos (traditional, promotional, Regional or tournament) and AYSO national sponsor logos.
Sunglasses are likewise discouraged for referees as this restricts communication through eye contact with players and are generally considered unnecessary adornment.
Who is responsible for the players’ Medical Release Forms?
It is the coach’s responsibility to be in possession of the Medical Release Forms at all practices and games. Referees are not required, nor recommended, to ask coaches to prove that they have players’ Medical Release Forms in their possession at games. Referees should not require coaches to produce the forms at matches as this would, in effect, put the referee in the position of assuming a responsibility that properly belongs with the coach.
Are referees required to see a “Participation Release Form” before allowing a player to participate in games following a known serious injury or sickness which required professional medical attention?
No, this is not the referee’s responsibility. It is the coach’s responsibility to see and provide the Region Safety Director and/or Regional Commissioner with a copy of the form.