AYSO Philosophies 

. Open Registration  .  Everyone Plays  .  Balanced Teams .
. Positive Coaching . Good Sportsmanship . Player Development

Which of these  will the referee help enforce?

Referees are made responsible to enforce the rules of competition. AYSO's mission is to provide world class youth soccer program in a fun family environment in accordance with the six philosophies of AYSO. As referees we adapt game management to the skill level and age division of the players to make it a Safe, Fair and Fun experience. 

Know Rules of the Age Division

Our younger players can’t follow all the rules. For the smallest ones, it’s a big accomplishment to know what end of the field is their goal. We adjust the rules accordingly. Refs who work in more than one division (many if not all of you) should know the differences and how to apply them.
              
Referee Duties—Before, During and After the Game

Before the game

• Arrive 15 minutes before game time
• Check field for any debris or holes (ask parents to help clear and fill)
• Check players from both teams for shin-guards (can not play without), (rubber) cleats or sneakers, no steel spikes, and no jewelry.
• Jerseys shall be tucked in (best way to monitor holding during play) and worn over any sweatshirts
• Confirm roster cards accuracy and monitor number of "quarters" out (mark with X).
• Track the player(s) in goalkeeper position (mark with GK)
• Call captains before start of match to center spot. Flip the coin, winner may select which end of the field to attack, loser kicks off
• Keep the game on schedule. There are lots of games on Saturdays, and a delay early in the day will push back all of the games.
• Shorten both halves equally in case the games start late and bring the matches back on the time schedule.
• Remind coaches at first game to put up the nets. Coaches for last game to take down the nets at end of the match.

During Game

• Check roster cards at end of each quarter. Breaks half way through each half should be short and allow for substitution.
• If improper rotation, help remind the coach of his/her responsibility. No player shall play a third quarter until everyone has played two. And no player to play fourth period until everyone has played three. No player is to be goalkeeper for four quarters.
• If a player plays the keeper position for three periods, he/she must play a field position in the fourth period.
• If unsportsmanlike coaching from sidelines by coaches or parents, correct as necessary to keep the game from getting out of control.
• You may relieve a coach of his position for the remainder of the game and/or ask a board member to remove an unruly parent.

Post Game

• Players and coaches shall line up at centerfield to shake hands
• Collect roster cards and turn in to Referee Coordinator
• Report any problems to Referee Coordinator
• Return the ball to the team that supplied it or to the referee shack where you picked it up
• Retrieve flags from Assistant Referees