Who are AYSO 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.
How do I become an AYSO referee?
You must first complete an AYSO volunteer application form and be approved as an AYSO volunteer by your local AYSO Region. Once you are approved as a volunteer, the training to become an AYSO referee is provided to you for free. You should contact our Region's Referee Administrator at [email protected] to get more information about the training schedule for referees in our Region.
Can I referee my own child's games?
Yes, provided you call the match fairly. In fact, at the 8U and 10U levels, the referee pool is mostly parents and older siblings of the players. It's a great way to enjoy soccer with your child.
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.
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!
Who is the Referee Administrator? What do they do?
The Referee Administrator is the person responsible for implementing the AYSO National Referee Program in specific parts of the country (Region, Area, Section or National).
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. 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. Officiating at the 16/19U is by invitation of the RRA.
What do I do if I have a problem at a game with a coach or a spectator?
Report to the Referee Coordinator for the appropriate age group 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.
Can youth referee AYSO games?
Yes definitely, we love having youth referees and so do the players! Youth referees must be 12 years old to officiate 10U games (options available for 10 year old referees as well). As AYSO is a volunteer organization many groups recognize youth referee hours for volunteer status.
How does scheduling work?
You request games based on your schedule and availability. Lots of business travel? Do a couple games on the weekend you are in town. Schedule goes up Monday and requests are filled as they come in. You will only be assigned games you requested.