Category:Referee/FAQ - Revision history

Rickroberts: /* Miscellaneous */

2026-06-07T16:16:30Z

Miscellaneous

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:16, 7 June 2026
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	players or rules that require teams to somehow stop scoring goals only penalizes a team for accomplishing what it has been trained to accomplish (score goals), and sends the wrong message to the losing team.		players or rules that require teams to somehow stop scoring goals only penalizes a team for accomplishing what it has been trained to accomplish (score goals), and sends the wrong message to the losing team.

	A major part of the sport is enjoying the process of playing by the players- not just who ultimately wins. The message we want to send is “keep on trying”- not to give up just because it is difficult. Losing, when dealt with appropriately, builds character, and resolves to improve. Mercy Rules, play-short rules, or similar rules potentially build a willingness to give up early or to want rules in place to give teams an unfair advantage just because they are losing.		A major part of the sport is enjoying the process of playing by the players -- not just who ultimately wins. The message we want to send is “keep on trying”- not to give up just because it is difficult. Losing, when dealt with appropriately, builds character, and resolves to improve. Mercy Rules, play-short rules, or similar rules potentially build a willingness to give up early or to want rules in place to give teams an unfair advantage just because they are losing.

	Each team is entitled to start and play the game with the maximum number of players allowable. Nowhere in the Laws of the Game or the AYSO National Coaching or Refereeing Program is it suggested or required to have a winning team play with fewer players than the losing team or for the game to end early or similar rules because the score is lopsided. AYSO’s “Balanced Team” concept refers to		Each team is entitled to start and play the game with the maximum number of players allowable. Nowhere in the Laws of the Game or the AYSO National Coaching or Refereeing Program is it suggested or required to have a winning team play with fewer players than the losing team or for the game to end early or similar rules because the score is lopsided. AYSO’s “Balanced Team” concept refers to

Rickroberts: /* Miscellaneous */

2026-06-06T19:02:31Z

Miscellaneous

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:02, 6 June 2026
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	=== Miscellaneous ===		=== Miscellaneous ===

			{{FAQ Row
			\|question=Can a Youth become a certified Instructor or Referee Mentor?
			\|answer=Youth volunteers may not be certified as an Instructor or serve as a Lead Instructor in any discipline, given the similarity between instructing and mentoring, creating a certification to allow youth referees to mentor other youth referees would violate the AYSO policy, which exists to minimize potential liability issues. The best way for an experienced youth referee to “mentor” a less experienced youth referee would be to have the experienced youth together with an adult mentor provide guidance to the less experienced youth referee.
			}}
	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=May Regions adopt local playing rules outside of IFAB, and AYSO rules?		\|question=May Regions adopt local playing rules outside of IFAB, and AYSO rules?

Rickroberts: /* Game Day Procedures */

2026-03-19T00:39:11Z

Game Day Procedures

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:39, 18 March 2026
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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Can a Referee display a misconduct card to a 10U player?		\|question=Can a Referee display a misconduct card to a 10U player?
	\|answer=Misconduct is rare in younger players’ games, but if it occurs in the 9U or 10U game, cards should not be shown. The referee should approach the offending player's coach, explain the misconduct to the coach while showing the coach you are recording the misconduct on your match report. The misconduct should also be recorded on the back of the game card and a misconduct form completed as required by the competition authorities. ~~In 11U and 12U games, the display of a card is discouraged, and handling it through the Coach is preferable, but in rare cases, the display of the card may be appropriate.~~		\|answer=Misconduct is rare in younger players’ games, but if it occurs in the 9U or 10U game, cards should not be shown. The referee should approach the offending player's coach, explain the misconduct to the coach while showing the coach you are recording the misconduct on your match report. The misconduct should also be recorded on the back of the game card and a misconduct form completed as required by the competition authorities.

			In 11U and 12U games, the display of a card is discouraged, and handling it through the Coach is preferable, but in rare cases, the display of the card may be appropriate.
	}}		}}
	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row

Rickroberts: /* Miscellaneous */

2026-03-19T00:37:56Z

Miscellaneous

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:37, 18 March 2026
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	Each team is entitled to start and play the game with the maximum number of players allowable. Nowhere in the Laws of the Game or the AYSO National Coaching or Refereeing Program is it suggested or required to have a winning team play with fewer players than the losing team or for the game to end early or similar rules because the score is lopsided. AYSO’s “Balanced Team” concept refers to		Each team is entitled to start and play the game with the maximum number of players allowable. Nowhere in the Laws of the Game or the AYSO National Coaching or Refereeing Program is it suggested or required to have a winning team play with fewer players than the losing team or for the game to end early or similar rules because the score is lopsided. AYSO’s “Balanced Team” concept refers to
	making an honest attempt to balance the skill level of teams within an age group when teams are formed before the beginning of the season.		making an honest attempt to balance the skill level of teams within an age group when teams are formed before the beginning of the season.

	In situations where one or both teams are short a significant number of players; a “friendly match” could be organized by combining/sharing players from one or both teams. Where won/loss standings are recorded, the outcome of the “friendly match” would not affect the standings. It should be predetermined and agreed upon in advance how the official outcome of the regularly scheduled game is to be recorded. Regions should not adopt local rules, and Referees should not interfere with games because of lopsided scores. It is a player’s game, and they should be given the full playing time without undue interference to enjoy, and learn from the process.		In situations where one or both teams are short a significant number of players; a “friendly match” could be organized by combining/sharing players from one or both teams. Where won/loss standings are recorded, the outcome of the “friendly match” would not affect the standings. It should be predetermined and agreed upon in advance how the official outcome of the regularly scheduled game is to be recorded. Regions should not adopt local rules, and Referees should not interfere with games because of lopsided scores. It is a player’s game, and they should be given the full playing time without undue interference to enjoy, and learn from the process.
	}}		}}
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	\|answer=Monitored Substitution is allowed in 13U/14U, 15U/16U, and 17U/18U/19U age divisions only if it is handled in a manner that will ensure that every participant plays at least one half of every game by requiring a separate time monitor, independent of the Coaches, who checks each player in or out of the game.		\|answer=Monitored Substitution is allowed in 13U/14U, 15U/16U, and 17U/18U/19U age divisions only if it is handled in a manner that will ensure that every participant plays at least one half of every game by requiring a separate time monitor, independent of the Coaches, who checks each player in or out of the game.

	Where Monitored Substitution is being used in 13U/14U, 15U/16U, and 17U/18U/19U games, substitutions will be permitted with the Referee’s permission during any stoppage in play as specified in the IFAB Laws of the Game, Law 3 (The Number of Players) as well as in the section titled “Practical ~~Guidelines~~ for ~~Match~~ ~~Officials”~~. Substitution rules used in High School, College, or other soccer organizations do not apply to AYSO games. The substitution procedures used in games played according to the IFAB Laws of the Game will be in effect. Namely, when a substitution is requested (the Assistant Referee signals a substitution has been requested), the Referee will determine when there is an appropriate stoppage in play, and will then allow the substitution to occur.		Where Monitored Substitution is being used in 13U/14U, 15U/16U, and 17U/18U/19U games, substitutions will be permitted with the Referee’s permission during any stoppage in play as specified in the IFAB Laws of the Game, Law 3 (The Number of Players) as well as in the section titled “Practical guidelines for match officials”. Substitution rules used in High School, College, or other soccer organizations do not apply to AYSO games. The substitution procedures used in games played according to the IFAB Laws of the Game will be in effect. Namely, when a substitution is requested (the Assistant Referee signals a substitution has been requested), the Referee will determine when there is an appropriate stoppage in play, and will then allow the substitution to occur.

	Stoppages in play include the eight identified restarts plus other stoppages where, in the opinion of the Referee, the substitution will not unfairly interfere with play, e.g., injury stoppages, outside agent stoppages, stoppages to administer misconduct sanctions, and free kicks where the team taking the kick has not elected to take a quick kick.		Stoppages in play include the eight identified restarts plus other stoppages where, in the opinion of the Referee, the substitution will not unfairly interfere with play, e.g., injury stoppages, outside agent stoppages, stoppages to administer misconduct sanctions, and free kicks where the team taking the kick has not elected to take a quick kick.
	}}		}}

Rickroberts: /* Game Day Procedures */

2026-03-19T00:34:31Z

Game Day Procedures

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 18 March 2026
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	** Be aware of the reactions of other players and discourage them from joining the fracas.		** Be aware of the reactions of other players and discourage them from joining the fracas.
	** Provide a detailed report of the facts of the incident in the game report for reference.		** Provide a detailed report of the facts of the incident in the game report for reference.


	Addressing violent conduct is everyone’s job. Regional, Area, and Section staff should be proactive in taking steps to address the issue with programs such as Safe Haven, and Kids Zone.		Addressing violent conduct is everyone’s job. Regional, Area, and Section staff should be proactive in taking steps to address the issue with programs such as Safe Haven, and Kids Zone.

Rickroberts: /* Referee Equipment */

2026-03-19T00:31:05Z

Referee Equipment

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:31, 18 March 2026
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	\|question=How do Referees obtain Badges?		\|question=How do Referees obtain Badges?

	\|answer=8U Official and Regional Referee badges (and, optionally, certificates) are awarded by the course instructor upon completion of the associated course and exam. These entry-level badges ~~and certificates~~ may be ordered directly from [https://www.sportpins.com/shopayso/#!/Patches/c/182507551 Sports Pins International].		\|answer=8U Official and Regional Referee badges (and, optionally, certificates) are awarded by the course instructor upon completion of the associated course and exam. These entry-level badges may be ordered directly from [https://www.sportpins.com/shopayso/#!/Patches/c/182507551 Sports Pins International].

	Intermediate, Advanced and National Referee badges are provided to the upgraded referee by the Section Referee Administrator upon receipt of an appropriate completed, signed and verified [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Category:Referee/Applications_for_Referee_Certification Application for Referee Certification] form.		Intermediate, Advanced and National Referee badges are provided to the upgraded referee by the Section Referee Administrator upon receipt of an appropriate completed, signed and verified [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Category:Referee/Applications_for_Referee_Certification Application for Referee Certification] form.

Rickroberts: /* Referee Equipment */

2026-03-17T22:00:15Z

Referee Equipment

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:00, 17 March 2026
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	\|answer=8U Official and Regional Referee badges (and, optionally, certificates) are awarded by the course instructor upon completion of the associated course and exam. These entry-level badges and certificates may be ordered directly from [https://www.sportpins.com/shopayso/#!/Patches/c/182507551 Sports Pins International].		\|answer=8U Official and Regional Referee badges (and, optionally, certificates) are awarded by the course instructor upon completion of the associated course and exam. These entry-level badges and certificates may be ordered directly from [https://www.sportpins.com/shopayso/#!/Patches/c/182507551 Sports Pins International].

	Intermediate ~~and~~ Advanced and National Referee badges are provided to the upgraded referee by the Section Referee Administrator upon receipt of an appropriate completed, signed and verified Application for Referee Certification form.		Intermediate, Advanced and National Referee badges are provided to the upgraded referee by the Section Referee Administrator upon receipt of an appropriate completed, signed and verified [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Category:Referee/Applications_for_Referee_Certification Application for Referee Certification] form.
	}}		}}

Rickroberts: /* Referee Equipment */

2026-03-17T21:55:41Z

Referee Equipment

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 17 March 2026
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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=How do Referees obtain ~~Certificates and~~ Badges?		\|question=How do Referees obtain Badges?

	\|answer=8U Official and Regional Referee badges (and, optionally, certificates) are awarded by the course instructor upon completion of the associated course and exam. These entry-level badges and certificates may be ordered directly from [https://www.sportpins.com/shopayso/#!/Patches/c/182507551 Sports Pins International].		\|answer=8U Official and Regional Referee badges (and, optionally, certificates) are awarded by the course instructor upon completion of the associated course and exam. These entry-level badges and certificates may be ordered directly from [https://www.sportpins.com/shopayso/#!/Patches/c/182507551 Sports Pins International].

Rickroberts: /* Referee Equipment */

2026-03-17T20:45:25Z

Referee Equipment

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:45, 17 March 2026
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	\|answer=8U Official and Regional Referee badges (and, optionally, certificates) are awarded by the course instructor upon completion of the associated course and exam. These entry-level badges and certificates may be ordered directly from [https://www.sportpins.com/shopayso/#!/Patches/c/182507551 Sports Pins International].		\|answer=8U Official and Regional Referee badges (and, optionally, certificates) are awarded by the course instructor upon completion of the associated course and exam. These entry-level badges and certificates may be ordered directly from [https://www.sportpins.com/shopayso/#!/Patches/c/182507551 Sports Pins International].

	Intermediate and Advanced and National badges ~~and certificate~~ are provided to the upgraded referee by the Section Referee Administrator upon receipt of an appropriate completed, signed and verified Application for Referee Certification form.		Intermediate and Advanced and National Referee badges are provided to the upgraded referee by the Section Referee Administrator upon receipt of an appropriate completed, signed and verified Application for Referee Certification form.
	}}		}}

Rickroberts: /* Player Equipment */

2026-03-15T21:41:47Z

Player Equipment

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:41, 15 March 2026
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	\|answer=Soccer shoes and shinguards made by any established soccer equipment manufacturer are acceptable. Other shoes are acceptable if, in the opinion of the Referee, they are not dangerous to the player wearing them or to another player.		\|answer=Soccer shoes and shinguards made by any established soccer equipment manufacturer are acceptable. Other shoes are acceptable if, in the opinion of the Referee, they are not dangerous to the player wearing them or to another player.

	Team members must wear shinguards that provide a reasonable degree of protection, and that are completely covered by their socks, to participate in any practice or match. Though the Laws of the Game		Team members must wear shinguards that provide a reasonable degree of protection, and that are completely covered by their socks, to participate in any practice or match. Though the Laws of the Game
	impose responsibility for the size and suitability of shinguards upon the players, the referee will remain responsible for determining the safety of each player’s equipment. A piece of cardboard rolled up newspaper or similar makeshift items do not constitute proper shinguards.		impose responsibility for the size and suitability of shinguards upon the players, the referee will remain responsible for determining the safety of each player’s equipment. A piece of cardboard rolled up newspaper or similar makeshift items do not constitute proper shinguards.