NOTE: Rivertowns AYSO does not train referees -- the training is provided by National AYSO through AYSO U (AYSO University). This page is intended to help connect youth with a jumping off point to learn about becoming an AYSO referee. Youth need to be motivated, and having a supportive parent's help as they navigate is advised.

Rivertowns AYSO recreational teams need referees for their home games during the fall and spring soccer seasons. We encourage soccer-knowledgeable youth and our players' parents -- to become trained referees. Our coaches hugely appreciate having trained referees at their matches -- it allows them to focus on coaching and managing the players. Anyone already certified as a referee with AYSO or USSF can also serve as an AYSO referee -- they just need to register in the system for the current year.

Minimum age to become an AYSO referee: 12 years old
* For youth under age 14, a parent or guardian must stay at the match to support their young referee

Can AYSO-certified referees officiate WYSL or EDP travel matches?
No. They are only certified to officiate AYSO matches. Travel referees must be USSF-certified and follow the process on this page
https://ayso.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=963428

Rivertowns AYSO matches:
Division /  minimum age +  game time (all in, incl. pregame + breaks) / # players / referee pay rate
Payments are made through Amazon electronic gift cards.
19U (high school)  / 16 years old / 105 minutes / 11v11 / $75 center ref  / $50 assistant ref
14U (7th/8th grade)  / 14 years old /  85 minutes / 11v11 / $60
12U (5th/6th grade)  / 14 years old /  75 minutes /  9v9 / $45
10U (3rd/4th grade) / 12 years old / 60 minutes / 7v7 / $25
* Exceptions can be made to the minimum age if the youth has gained experience and is deemed mature and ready.
* Youth referees can apply their work hours to service/volunteer hours if they prefer. Just let the coordinator know before the season starts.

Youth Referees Under 18 --- 5 Required AYSO Referee Courses -- need to be completed before you can officiate a game
1 - AYSO's Summary of the Laws of the Game (30 mins)
2 - Regional Referee Training (120 mins -- called "Online + In-Person Companion Course 2-Part Bundle")
3 - Safe Haven Training (30 mins)
4 - Concussion Awareness Training (30 mins)
5 - Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training (30 mins)

If you are 18 or older, there are 2 additional requirements:
6 - Risk Status/Sterling background check (10 mins) 
7 - Safe Sport Training (abuse prevention training 60 mins)

Cost of training: FREE

Gear: referee jersey and whistle - provided when you complete the required training courses

How do I get assigned to games?  As soon as you complete ALL the required training, email [email protected] to let us know, and we will put you in touch with the referee assignor who will share season game dates and ask you about your availability as well as jersey size.

How to Get Trained:  You need to register as a Rivertowns AYSO referee to access AYSO U (the online training system).

Step 1 - referee needs to create account and register as a volunteer (even though it is paid, this is how it works)
-- Go to rivertownsayso.com.
-- Click REGISTER NOW and create an account.
-- The account needs to be the referee's name NOT a parent's name, but youth under 18 must enter a parent email address in the secondary email address.
-- If asked, "Which best describes you?"  -- select "Team coach or other personnel" (or similar).

How do I get to AYSO U after registering?
-- Log in to your account at rivertownsayso.com.
-- Click the VOLUNTEER button or tab to see your volunteer dashboard.
-- Click the AYSO U button.
-- The AYSO U webpage will open in another tab, and it will show that it is logging you into AYSO U.
-- Once in AYSO U, use the menu to navigate to the referee classes.

Where are the required referee courses in AYSO U?
-- Click TRAINING LIBRARY.
-- Under SAFE HAVEN -- Safe Haven, Concussion Awareness, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Safe Sport (18+ only).
-- Under REFEREE -- Regional Referee - Online + In-Person Companion Course (2 Part Bundle) and Summary of the Laws of the Game.
-- Click VIEW COURSES to access each course -- the menu list does not take you there.
-- Once you find the class, click ENROLL and get started.
-- The system saves your progress, so you can log out and log back in.

How do I register for an in-person referee class in AYSO U?
-- Once you are in AYSOU, click TRAINING EVENTS and navigate month by month to see any upcoming training events.
-- Find the referee training in the calendar and click on it to get to the training info page.
-- Read all the details, then click ENROLL to sign up. Follow any prompts and provide any needed info.
-- You will get an email confirming your registration.