Category:Referee/Content
AYSO is renowned for our robust referee program designed specifically for volunteer referees. To complement our age-appropriate programs for players ages 3 to 19, AYSO has comprehensive and practical training for today’s officials.
Most volunteers begin by taking the Regional Referee Course which provides the basic aspects of refereeing needed to officiate youth AYSO matches (10U and below) under IFAB Laws of the Game and AYSO National Rules & Regulations. Following on an initial rewarding volunteer experience, many referees pursue upgrades to Intermediate Referee (12U and below), Advanced Referee (14U and below) and National Referee (19U and below).
That said, AYSO's 8U Official in-person course trains volunteers as young as 10 years old to officiate in 8U matches.
To provide an upgrade path for our Youth and Adult volunteer officials, AYSO Referee Instructors work with AYSO Referee Assessors to train and mentor you as you enhance your skills as Referees.
Why do this? It’s fun and easy. Jump in today. Better yet, bring a friend.
AYSO Referees certified Intermediate Referee and above can cross-certify to USSF to be eligible to officiate US Soccer club games.
Questions? Want to know where to get help for your program? Contact the National Referee Council at ayso.nationalrefcouncil@gmail.com or contact your Section Referee Adminstrator for guidance and support.
Health & Safety Training
All Referees must register annually and complete an annual background check and have current training certifications:
This required training can be found in AYSOU.
California, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Washington require completion of Sudden Cardiac Arrest training. AYSO recommends that all referees complete this.
Additionally, California AB 506 requires California volunteers who have direct contact with children 16 hours a month or 32 hours per year, which applies to most coaches, referees, team parents, and board members who spend 2 or more hours on the field weekly, to have a one-time background check as approved by the California Department of Justice. This background check is known as LiveScan. Details can be found here.
2024 Annual Referee Update
Catch up on the updates to the AYSO Referee Program and 2024 Laws of the Game.
Subscribe to Whistle Stop!
AYSO has several newsletters that contain valuable information for all AYSO members. For Executive Members (Insider) , Coaches (Hey Coach) and Referees (Whistle Stop).
Missing a back issue? Check out the Whistle Stop Archive.
There is something for everyone. Subscribe here.
Access Referee Materials on AYSOU
All AYSO documents and instructional materials may be accessed on AYSOU.
Login then look under Document Library > Referee Manuals
Reference Manuals & Other Materials
Additional materials also available to help you build a successful officiating program include:
- Referee Administrator Manual
- Recruiting and Retaining Referees
- Developing and Maintaining a Youth Referee Program
- EPIC Program (formerly VIP) Referee Manual
- Referee Instructor Resource Book
- Handout: Build-Out Line for Coaches & Referees
- Build-Out Line for Coaches & Referees (a video)
- Considerations for Analysis of Match Situations – Detailed (USSF) – Summary (FIFA)
- Report Codes for Cautionable and Sending-Off Offenses according to the LOTG
Need to contact the National Referee Council?
Send us a note at ayso.nationalrefcouncil@gmail.com.
Or contact your Section Referee Administrator.
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