Becoming a Referee
Keeping The Game Safe, Fair And Fun
Why should you become an AYSO Referee? We need you. We can't have games without referees. More importantly, it's rewarding and working with kids is great fun!
Referees are critical to soccer - the game can't be played without them. The referee's job is to be the official in charge of the game. He is the independent arbiter and manager of the game. Her authority extends to everyone at the field, including players, substitutes, team officials, spectators, and even assistant referees.
The referee's No. 1 one concern is to keep the game as safe as possible for the players. While there is risk in all sports, the referee is responsible for minimizing such risks from field conditions, equipment, spectators, and the players.
The referee is responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game in such a way as to keep the game safe, fair and fun for everyone: the players, the coaches, the spectators and themselves. He interferes with the game as little as possible, avoiding making calls for doubtful and trifling offenses. Referees only make calls for offenses they are sure occurred.
MINIMUM BADGE LEVELS FOR CENTER REFEREES
| Division | Minimum AYSO Referee Certification for Center Referees |
| U6-U8 | U8 Official |
| U10 | Regional Referee |
| U12 | Intermediate Referee OR Regional Referee with waiver from Regional Referee Administrator, Director of Referee Assessment, or Director of Referee Instruction (candidates for upgrade this season may be granted waivers) |
| U14 | Advanced Referee OR Intermediate or Regional Referee with waiver from Regional Referee Administrator, Director of Referee Assessment, or Director of Referee Instruction(candidates for upgrade this season may be granted waivers) |
| U16 | National Referee OR Advanced Referee with waiver from RRA, DRA, or DRI |
Assistant Referees for U10 through U16 division matches must hold Regional Referee badges at a minimum.
Center Referees must be two years older than any player in a match. For example, a 15-year-old Youth Referee may not CR a U14 match but is welcome to do so in U12 if that Youth Referee holds a waiver or an Intermediate Referee Badge.
We want our kids to continue to play, and they keep playing as long as it is fun. Referees learn that fun soccer varies from age group to age group of players.