​About AYSO Referees​
 

AYSO referees range in experience from beginners to very experienced. Every year we train hundreds of new referees to help the kids with their games. Beginners usually start with the youngest players and frequently work as an Assistant Referee before being in charge of a game as a Referee. On the other end of the spectrum, several of America’s highest ranked professional referees started in AYSO and sometimes still referee AYSO games.

 

 

​Becoming a Referee for AYSO is Simple.​
We Need You - No Experience Necessary - Many Referees Never Even Played Soccer

We can’t have games without referees. Working with the kids is great fun, and it's an excuse to get out on a Saturday and run around in the grass for a little while.​
 

 

What Does it Take to Become a Referee?

Interest and enthusiasm! We will provide everything else:

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• Training on the rules (the "Laws"), the mechanics of the job and how to manage players, coaches and spectators
• A uniform and all of the basic gear
• Access to the online scheduling system where you sign up as a Referee or Assistant Referee for the games that fit your schedule
• On-field mentoring by experienced referees until you feel comfortable working by yourself
• Total protection from any sort of verbal abuse (this is absolutely not Little League; no one is allowed to yell at the Ref)

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How Do You Start
Its very simple. Click the TRAINING link on the left menu to find out how training works and when (and where) the next classes are being given. And, read the FAQ for info you didn't even know to ask.

 

The National Referee Bylaws of AYSO

The Authority of the Referee: Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed.

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What does this Mean ?

1. There cannot be a match without a referee (so they are very important to the players, coaches and parents)
2. The referee runs the match (enforcing the rules for play, the players, the coaches and the spectators)

 

Why is this Important ?

It gives the referee the "tools" to ensure that the kids who come to learn and play:

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• Have a SAFE environment with regard to the level of physical play, the equipment and the field
• Have a FUN experience regardless of how well they play or whether they win or lose
• Experience FAIR play by everyone involved in the match
• Receive only POSITIVE instruction and encouragement from coaches and parents
• DON'T witness any negative comments or behavior by coaches or parents against players, coaches or the referees