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Becoming A Referee
Why should you become an AYSO Referee / linesmen? We need you. We can't have games without referees. More importantly, it's rewarding and working with kids is great fun!
The referee's No. 1 one concern is to keep the game as safe as possible for the players. While there is risk in all sports, the referee is responsible for minimizing such risks from field conditions, equipment, spectators, and the players.
We want our kids to continue to play, and they keep playing as long as it is fun. Referees learn that fun soccer varies from age group to age group of players.
Requirements
Step One Complete a Volunteer form that is critical to protect you from any accidents that may happen while supporting our soccer program.
FIRST STEP IS TO SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER
1. Every year, Volunteers must re-register with Blue Sombrero. Please go to
http://ayso.bluesombrero.com/region15 and Apply as a new (adult or youth) volunteer, or Apply as a returning (adult or youth) volunteer. Write down your password because you will use it again at AYSOU.org.
2. Fill in the appropriate fields on all the screens and electronically sign and submit the form. Your form will be incomplete unless the form is electronically
signed.
Step 2 Take the ONLINE COURSE - EMAIL TODD HAYS at ra@ayso15.org for a
FREE VOUCHER to take the ONLINE training class. NO NEED TO PAY THE $7.00 classroom fee.
Go to www.AYSOU.org
- Click the “eCommerce” tab (at the top of page)
- Select “Products” (from the pull down menu)
- Select “Referee Training” (on the right)
- Regional Referee Training Course $7.00 - USE THE VOUCHER PROVIDED TO YOU BY TODD HAYS - NO COST TO YOU
- Click the “My Courses” tab (at the top of page)
- See Regional Referee Training and click “OPEN” and get started taking the course.
Note - you can stop anytime during the online course and return later to complete
7. Under the "My Courses" tab, select the "Safe Haven" online course.
8. Under the "My Courses" tab, select the "CDC: Concussion Awareness" course.
Step 3 IN-PERSON CLASSROOM COURSE
Go to www.AYSOU.org
- Click the “Live Courses” tab (at the top of page)
- Click on the calendar date you want to attend
- Scroll down and find our Regional Referee Online Companion course or any other course you can take on a different day and location (additional details are available when you click on the course)
- Click “Register”
NOTE - This is a classroom setting and the 3rd part of the Regional Referee training.
OTHER REFEREE CLASSES FOUND LOCALLY ON AYSOU.org - you can get your training from any region, so find a date that is convenient for your schedule and take that class.
Once you complete the training you must complete the next 3 steps
- Request your Uniform by CLICKING HERE
- Assign your referee points to your team by CLICKING HERE
Once your logon is created to our referee sign up site
- Sign up for games by CLICKING HERE
Interested in upgrading your badge?
The more you know the better you will be. Take advantage of the upgrade classes! What is the criteria to upgrade my badge?
Contact either Todd Hays or Dan Dauer for assistance to upgrade your badge.
Referee Learning Resources
Frequently Asked Questions about becoming a Referee
Q: I’ve never played soccer before; can I (or my spouse) really become a referee?
YES, every year in Region 15 we train over 100 moms and dads like you to help their kids learn the sport of soccer and keep it a Fun, Fair and Safe experience. Try it. We’ll help you every step of the way and it may become a real passion for you and it is great exercise!
Q: How much time will this take?
After you attend the training course, the time commitments are usually about 1 – 1½ hours, 2 – 3 times per month during the season. We are very flexible to accommodate travel schedules and other children’s game commitments. This is usually much less time than a coaching position and still allows you to volunteer to help your child’s soccer experience. Generally there are 2 or 3 referees for each team so you do not need to ref every week.
Q: Can I start out as an Assistant Referee?
In the younger age groups (U7/U8) there is only 1 Referee per game and two Assistant Referees. At this level all that is required are the skills (and the patience) of a parent at a play group: directing traffic, encouraging the kids to play nicely, making sure everyone shares the toys, and stopping things if there is a boo-boo. It is very easy and straightforward. At U10 the games are competitive and must have a Referee who is assisted by 2 Assistant Referees. We can schedule you to be an Assistant Referee for your first few games to learn the requirements and gain confidence. Our training covers both positions.
Q: Can I ref my younger sibling’s game? How old must I be to referee?
YES, becoming an AYSO referee is a great way for soccer players to learn critical leadership, decision making and communication skills. You can referee a younger sibling’s game as long as you meet the requirements (minimum age of 10 for U6/U7/U8 games and minimum age of 12 for U9/U10 games). Community service hour worksheets are gladly signed by the referee coordinators.
Q: English is not my first language; will I be able to understand the training class?
YES, our instructors are trained to teach the material in a way that is easy to understand. The online training is self-paced.
Q: Do I need to pre-register for the training course? Must I provide my Social Security Number?
YES, these are required. Please see the instructions on the other side. SSNs are required by AYSO. These are used only by the AYSO National Office and are never printed on your form. Sorry, if you do not have a SSN, you cannot be a volunteer for AYSO.
Q: I took the One Night class years ago and have a U8 Referee Badge, what should I do? To ref in U9/10 you must have the Regional Referee badge.
Take the Basic Referee Online Training course and attend the course on the 22nd. There is much new material not covered previously that you need to know, and this must be reviewed in the classroom session.
Q: Whoaa, Wait a minute: Can’t I just use AYSO as a Babysitting service? Do I really need to Volunteer my time?
Yes, AYSO is an all-volunteer organization. You obviously care about your child. This is a youth development program run by volunteers. Who would be better than a concerned parent like you? And nothing beats the smiles and “Thanks Ref” after a job well done!
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