Referee/FAQ/RefereeEquipment

FAQ: Referee Equipment

What is the uniform dress code for Referees?

The AYSO National Referee Program encourages Referees, and Assistant Referees to follow the uniform standards for match officials established by USSF. Throughout the soccer community, Referees, and Assistant Referees are identified by their uniforms.

What is the USSF Referee Uniform standard?

AYSO referees should wear the shirt style, and colors currently recommended by the United States Soccer Federation. The colors are as follows: Primary shirt color:

• Yellow

Alternate colors:

• Black
• Red
• Blue
• Green

The alternate jersey may be worn when the yellow jersey will not provide a clear contrast to either team’s shirt colors. Uniformity on the part of Referees establishes initial credibility for them as a team. The Referee, and ARs should wear shirts of similar color, and style. If the Referee wears an alternate jersey of a color that the ARs do not have, the ARs’ jerseys, whenever possible, should match each other.

What is the appropriate Referee badge for AYSO Referees?

The only badge appropriate for Referees to wear is the highest AYSO Referee certification level badge earned by the Referee. Exceptions: A FIFA Professional Referee may wear their FIFA badge, and, if provided, special Referee tournament badges may be worn by Referees during that tournament’s games.

Are Referees permitted to wear a cast or splint while Refereeing?

AYSO National Rules & Regulations prohibit players from participating in practices or games while wearing a cast or splint (even with a doctor’s permission). However, there is no such prohibition for Referees to officiate while wearing a cast or splint even if they are youth Referees. The likelihood of an injury to players occurring from contact with the Referee’s cast or splint is very remote. Some padding on the cast may add a measure of protection.

May Referees wear hats or sunglasses?

If hats are worn for sun-protection health reasons, the following guidelines should be observed:

• Solid black or predominately black with white trim
• Hats

should bear no logo or slogans, with the exception that AYSO logos (traditional, Regional, or tournament) are permitted. Sunglasses are discouraged for Referees as this restricts communication through eye contact with players, and are generally considered unnecessary adornment.