Referee Corner

This year our Region is in need of U8 and Assistant Referees (AR). Please help us to improve your child’s soccer experience, by volunteering your time as U8 or Assistant Referee. Contact us at ayso808@hotmail.com for training times and/or additional information.

One of the most important parts of the AYSO National Referee Program is the AYSO Referee Certification and Training Program. All AYSO coaches and referees are required to be certified and trained. Referee certification is obtained by attending the AYSO Safe Haven Referee Certification course. Referee training is available in six different training courses: U-8 Official; Assistant Referee; Basic Referee; Intermediate Referee; Advanced Referee; and National Referee.

The AYSO referee training is designed to provide training to referees and prospective referees that will allow them to referee an AYSO soccer match in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game and the AYSO National Rules and Regulations. It is the intent of this program to provide basic goals and objectives of each teaching module and course requirements that will ensure consistency throughout AYSO. With the exception of training for the U-8 Official, referee designations and training are not directly associated with any specific age group. The U-8 Official may officiate U-8 AYSO and younger age groups but is not adequately prepared or authorized to referee at any other level of AYSO play. Training in AYSO is a continuing process. Referees are encouraged to take additional courses and attend other training modules that are offered regardless of a desire to obtain higher level certification.

Our Region offers multiple opportunities and courses for our Referees. The National AYSO referee training program has been developed in modules that can be used for either referee upgrade or continuing education. As a means to improve the development of our referees and participants, all volunteers are welcome to attend any referee course we offer. Please come and join the fun while being educated at the same time.

The U-8 Official Course is conducted in modules 1-7 ranging from one-quarter to one hour in length. These modules are to be taught in sequence and provide a total of four hours of training, including one hour of Safe Haven Certification (Safe Haven Certification may be conducted separately). The content of these modules will train individuals to officiate U-8 AYSO matches. Perquisite: None. See: U-8 Official PowerPoint (.ppt - 3.68MB) for additional course information.

The Assistant Referee Course comprises the seven U-8 Official modules and are to be taught in sequence plus modules 10, 11 and 12. Total time required for certification as an Assistant Referee, including the U-8 Official Course and Safe Haven Certification, is 6.25 hours. Perquisite: None. See Assistant Referee PowerPoint (.ppt - 7.60MB) for additional course information

The Regional (Basic) Referee Course is taught in six additional modules (8-13) that total four and one quarter hours. These modules range from one-half to one hour in length and are to be taught in sequence. This training will provide the educational requirements for certification as a Regional Referee. This referee, who will receive a total of 8.25 hours of training, will be able to referee an AYSO match under FIFA Laws of the Game and AYSO National Rules and Regulations. Perquisite: None. See Basic Referee PowerPoint (.ppt - 8.46MB) for additional course information.

The Intermediate Referee Course consists of six modules (14 through 19) ranging from three quarters of an hour to 2.5 hours (most are one hour or less). Total additional training of seven hours is required to meet the education requirements for upgrade to Intermediate Referee. These modules are designed to prepare the Intermediate Referee to referee more physically and mentally demanding and challenging AYSO matches under FIFA Laws of the Game and AYSO National Rules and Regulations. Concepts include coach, player and referee accountability, principlessof play and mentoring are introduced in these modules. Perquisite: None, yet the completion of the Regional (Basic) course is recommended. Continuing education is strongly encouraged!