Why Referee?
The referee’s job is to be the official in charge of the game. A referee’s authority extends to everyone at the field, including players, substitutes, team officials, spectators, and even assistant referees. AYSO Referees keep the game safe, fair and fun for everyone: the players, the coaches, the spectators, and themselves!
Become a New Referee!
1. Register as a volunteer at www.ayso1631.org. You will then receive an email from a third-party vendor asking you to complete a background check. Please follow the directions in that email.
2. Use the same username and password that you used for ayso1631.org to log in to www.aysou.org. Complete the free online Safe Haven course and CDC Concussion course.
3. For 8U referees: complete the free online Regional Referee course or attend an in-person Regional Referee course. For 10U referees and above: attend an in-person Regional Referee course.
4. Email [email protected] once these steps are complete. Our Regional Referee Administrator will provide you with a referee uniform, equipment, and an account for Arbiter Sports, the website referees use to sign up for games and report final scores. They will also answer all of your questions and serve as a mentor as you get started!
For Returning Referees
- Re-register each season as a volunteer at www.ayso1631.org.
- Retake Safe Haven training and CDC Concussion training (online at www.aysou.org) only if it has been more than 3 years since you took it.
- You do NOT need to retake referee training courses - these are valid forever.
- Consider upgrading! Regional Referee ---> Intermediate Referee ---> Advanced Referee ---> National Referee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get training to be a referee?
Yes. AYSO provides all training, equipment and support to become a referee.
What if I've never played or refereed soccer before? Most new AYSO volunteers have not played or refereed before. We provide everything you need to get started refereeing!
Do I need to referee every weekend? No. You decide what games and what weekends to volunteer. Volunteers who referee 5 or more games per season receive $50 for their team to use for an end-of-season party!