AYSO offers unrivaled comprehensive training for referees. Because the training is focused on the kids, referee training is more than learning the rules of soccer - it's a multi-dimensional experience.

AYSO referee training is designed to provide education to referees and prospective referees that will allow them to officiate AYSO soccer matches in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game and the AYSO National Rules and Regulations.

The Basic Referee courses, which are required elements for all those individuals new to refereeing, emphasize the fundamental elements of the Laws of the Game, namely getting the match started, stopping and restarting play.

Completion of the Basic Referee course certifies that you may referee an AYSO soccer match; Every volunteer who acts as a center or assistant referee takes the same course, providing Region 3 with well trained referee corps.

*All referees must register as volunteers with AYSO. Follow these instructions to find and register for your appropriate course:

- First make sure you’re registered as a volunteer this year: https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Register_as_a_volunteer

- Then you’ll be able to access AYSOU: https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Access_to_AYSOU
- There are many courses offered by Region 3 as well as surrounding regions for you to choose from.

For those experienced referees seeking to upgrade their badge to either the Intermediate or Advanced level, we encourage you to take one of the Intermediate  or Advanced Referee  courses that are typically offered within Area 1b. Check the Area 1b website or contact the Area Referee Director of Instruction for details of these course offerings or ask anyone on the Referee Staff for information about attending one of these advanced classes.

We coordinate our training program with other local AYSO regions. If our training dates are not convenient for you, many of the other regions in the surrounding area offer similar courses that may better fit your schedule. We anticipate that there will be a number of classes from mid-July to mid-September that will be available to you as alternative choices. Check the Area 1b website for class dates, locations and registration information.

Costs

In AYSO there is no out-of-pocket cost in becoming a referee. We only ask that you invest your time to help promote a FUN, FAIR and SAFE environment for our kids. Once you have completed the Basic Referee class, you will be provided a complete uniform and accessory kit needed in order to get you off to the right start in your first match.

Once again, thank you to all who volunteer to be a referee. We appreciate your commitment to our kids and the AYSO program and we will do whatever we can to make this experience as enjoyable and as rewarding as possible. See you on the field! Referees are encouraged to check the web site frequently for updates, announcements and other information.

Dress Code

Yes, we have a referee dress code: “Look like a professional referee.” The Ref Staff requests that you wear the correct uniform while officiating. Our appearance and attitude reflect our commitment and responsibilities. Untucked jerseys and random articles of clothing earn less respect. We provide positive examples for our kids, their families, and their coaches.  We provide a canary yellow jersey with thin black stripes, black shorts, white-striped black socks and accessory kit (referee whistle, match coin, card wallet). You provide black shoes and a chronograph wristwatch.

It is up to each team to cover their referee requirements.  Referees must be in proper referee attire and met all volunteer requirements in order to get credit. Below are the referee requirements for each age group:

U6-U8 - Each team must provide 1 referee to cover their own game
U10-U14 - Teams are required to cover the game following their own, or if playing the last game of the day, they cover the first game of the day, in their division.  Home team will provide two referees and the visiting team will provide one referee.  Teams that do not fulfill their obligation will not be eligible to participate in the end of season tournament.
U16/U19 - Each team may be required to AR during their own game if the region is not able to provide coverage.

Referees Must Be Certified for Their Appropriate Age Level Prior to Working Any Games