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

Ref Scheduler Link

User Id: referee
Password: ayso225

Please visit this site to register for the games you would like to cover as a volunteer referee

For additional resources:

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

Offside Rule (Law 11) video

Become Referee Certified

Refereeing soccer is a very rewarding experience. Referees are pivotal to having children get the AYSO experience. Do you have little or no experience with soccer? No problem! AYSO will teach you, based on the age level you are refereeing. Unique age-appropriate referee training is one of AYSO's specialties. If you plan to be at your child's soccer practices and games, you'll also have time to learn to be a referee. Referees are needed in all age groups. You furnish the willingness and commitment and we'll furnish the training and support.

How Do I Become a Referee?

To become an AYSO referee, you must be certified in the age level you are refereeing. Certification takes four easy steps.

1st - Volunteer Fill out a volunteer form online.

2nd - Safe Haven To ensure the safety of both children and volunteers, each volunteer is required to take a short online training session called Safe Haven. It focuses on safety and appropriate behavior with children as well as other on-field issues. You can take this course at www.ayso225.org by selecting the "AYSOU" tab.

3rd - Concussion Awareness To ensure physical safety of players, each coach volunteer is required to take a short online training session called AYSO CDC Concussion Awareness. This course teaches you how to recognize signs of possible concussion and what to do if a concussion is suspected. You can take this course at www.ayso225.org by selecting the "AYSOU" tab.

4th - Age Appropriate RefereeTraining. Whether you referee 5 year olds, or 17 year olds (and all ages in between), AYSO has a referee training course tailored specifically to the age group you referee. Our age-appropriate training techniques focus on the mental and physical abilities of each age group, within the context of player development. Referee training courses are offered by Region 225 prior to the start of each season; we post date/time/location information on our Region 225 website’s home page.