Just like Coaches in AYSO - our referees are also volunteer parents who take time out on Saturday to help out with games.
Believe it or not - Referees have a MUCH EASIER job than Coaches do.... Refs just show up on Saturday - Run a few games and then get to go home..... Refs don't have to do Coach stuff like organize and hold practices two nights a week, make phone calls to all the players, gather Fundraiser packets, organize snack schedules, etc.
PLUS --- Referees get to have the BEST seat in the house - RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of the playing field. It truly is the best view of a soccer game.
As a "Thank You" for volunteering to become an AYSO referee - The region will provide to you at No charge - all of the necessary training you need to become a Referee. It's OK if you haven't been playing soccer your whole life - NOT very many of us have. :-)
Also you will receive - FREE!! - the entire AYSO Referee uniform and all equipment needed to Ref on Saturdays. Hey - Did we mention you get your VERY OWN whistle!
Also there is a rumor going around that Refs get FREE GATORADE from the Concessions Stand - (Sssshhhhhhh) - I also hear they get a cool pin at the end of the season. :-)
The best part of volunteering is --- you get to be a part of your child's AYSO soccer experience - What a great way to spend your time to ensure your kid and everyone else's kids has a fun and safe time on the soccer field. -- Did we mention You get your OWN WHISTLE! ;-)
How do I become an AYSO Referee?
If you are interested in becoming a Referee - Please call our Region Voicemail at 1-888-268-8598 and leave a message for our Regional Referee Administrator. We will set up a class for you and teach you EVERYTHING you need to know to become a great Ref!!!
Thanks again for Volunteering with AYSO - It's through our volunteer parents and family members, that our region is a success!!!
Referee Info
U-8 OFFICIAL (minimum age 10)
No. of Games:
No minimum number of games required
Training:
Complete the U-8 Official Course (Includes Safe Haven Referee Certification)
Testing:
Take U-8 Official Exam
Assessment:
Not required
Fitness Test:
Not required
Service:
None required
REGIONAL REFEREE (minimum age 12)
No. of Games:
No minimum number of games required
Training:
Complete the Basic Referee Course (Includes Safe Haven Referee Certification)
Testing:
75% or better on the Regional Referee Exam
Assessment:
Not required
Fitness Test:
Not required - an introduction to the AYSO Physical Fitness Test is recommended.
Service:
None required
INTERMEDIATE REFEREE (minimum age 14)
No. of Games:
25 as referee with at least 5 in U-12 matches
Training:
Complete Modules 14 through 19 (Intermediate Referee Course)
Testing:
90% or better on the Intermediate Referee Exam
Assessment:
See note 3 below.
Fitness Test:
Not required - practice for AYSO Physical Fitness Test is recommended
Service:
None require
ADVANCED REFEREE (minimum age 16)
No. of Games:
50 as referee (10 in U-14) and 5 as an assistant referee (in U-14)
Training:
Complete Modules 20 through 24 (Advanced Referee Course)
Testing:
90% or better on the Advanced Referee Exam
Assessment:
One as referee and one as assistant referee in a U-14 match
Fitness Test:
Complete the AYSO Physical Fitness Test for this level.
Service:
Do a minimum of five service units. See note 4 and 5 below.
NATIONAL REFEREE (minimum age 18)
No. of Games:
100 as referee with at least 30 in U-16 and U-19 matches of which at least 15 must be in U-19, if available, and 25 as Assistant Referee with at least 10 in U-19, if available. The Section Referee Administrator may authorize substitution of U-16 for U-19, if U-19 matches are not available.
Training:
Complete the National Referee Course. A pre-requisite game count of at least 80 matches as referee prior to attending the National Referee Course is required.
Testing:
90% or better on the National Referee Exam
Assessment:
Two assessments as referee in U-16 or U-19 with at least one in U-19, if available, and one as assistant referee in a U-19 match, if available. The Section Referee Administrator may authorize substitution of U-16 for U-19, if U-19 matches are not available.
Fitness Test:
Complete the AYSO Physical Fitness Test for this level.
Service:
Do an additional five service units. See note 4 below.
