Referee Program
Referees are as critical to soccer as players and coaches. In AYSO, the game can't be played if there aren't enough referees. It's most common for a volunteer to begin their AYSO referee career by refereeing their own child's game. However, as they learn the rules, develop their own techniques for managing players, coaches and fans, and gain an appreciation for how important the role of the referee is to a fun, fair, and safe soccer experience, they often find it very rewarding to expand their knowledge and experience through AYSO's advanced training and certification process. AYSO's referee training is considered some of the best in the U.S. and includes both in-person courses in your community and online opportunities. Soccer knowledge is a plus, but it is certainly not required. The AYSO referee training will give you all you need to know to have a terrific experience on the field.
If you have any questions, please email your Region 272's Referee Administrator:
Lena Kapilevich
[email protected]
How to Become a Referee
Step 1: Register as an AYSO Volunteer
All referees must register as volunteers annually. Youth volunteers (ages 10-17) will need a parent or guardian to complete the online volunteer process for them.
Step 2: Complete Safe Haven and Concussion Awareness
All new referees must complete these courses on AYSOU:
- AYSO's Safe Haven
- Concussion Awareness (AYSO CDC Concussion Awareness)
You can access AYSOU from your account on ayso272.org by going to the volunteer tab and clicking on AYSOU.
If you have trouble getting in, here is a Wiki article with instructions for accessing AYSOU: Access to AYSOU
Step 3: Take a Referee Course
8U Official
Anyone ages 10+ can become an 8U official. To become an 8U official, take the course on AYSOU.
Regional Referee (Hybrid or In-Person)
Anyone ages 12+ can become a regional referee. To become a regional referee, you can either take the online portion of the hybrid course and schedule the in-person session with the Director of Referee Instruction, or you can take the full in-person course. Check out our regional calendar for upcoming training dates.