Referee Roundup

Why become a referee?

Referees are the guardians of the game. Their job is to keep the game SAFE, FUN, and FAIR. This is DEFINITELY the best seat in the house to see all the action. Games cannot be played without a Referee and we provide complete training and a uniform.

Entry level certification training takes 4 - 5 hours to complete and the commitment is for only 1 game per weekend. The minimum age is only 12 years old and we can provide community service hours for volunteering. Please consider becoming a Referee so you can help make a difference in our children's lives.

Safe, Fair & Fun

Referees play a vital role in keeping the games Safe, Fair and Fun - which is what AYSO is all about:

Safe: The Referee's #1 job 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.

Fair: The Referee is responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game in such a way as to keep the game Safe, Fair & Fun. 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.

Fun: We want our kids to continue to play, and they will keep playing as long as it is fun. Referees learn that fun soccer varies from age group to age group of players.

Referee Resources

Fill in this sheet to schedule yourself for games.
Referee Admin - Doug Ryan

Laws of the Game & AYSO Rules
Ask the Ref - A Q&A website forsoccer referees.
FIFA - The international governing body of soccer

Offside Rule (Law 11) video

New Rules and Regulations: Heading the Ball

I. HEADING THE BALL

1. Consistent with the U.S. Soccer mandates on heading the ball, heading is banned for all division players U-11 (U-12 and below for programs without single age divisions) and below in both practices and games.

Heading for players in U-14 is limited to a maximum of thirty (30) minutes per week with no more than 15-20 headers, per player. There is no restriction on heading in matches.

2. An indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player age 10 or younger, deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a game.

a. The indirect free kick is to be taken from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head.

b. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area, must be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the player touched the ball with his/her head.

3. Neither cautions nor send offs shall be issued for persistent infringement or denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity related to the heading infraction.

Eric Stauffer

Regional Commissioner

AYSO Region 310