Referee Training Instructions and Other Referee Resources

8U-14U referee training: “Regional Referee” training — required for referees and assistant referees.

See detailed instructions in the “Steps to Become a Referee” drop-down menu at the top of this page.

“Regional Referee” certification for these age divisions (8U-14U) consists of taking online referee training modules (9 modules/chapters, plus a quiz) and also coming to an in-person classroom session that reviews online material, and explains the ins and outs of being a Center Referee and Assistant Referee. The online training is accessed through your InLeague account, via the “eTrainU/AYSOU” tab (looks like a graduation cap icon). “eTrainU/AYSOU” is the online educational platform for all referees, coaches, etc… SUGGESTION: Get started on your online referee modules ASAP–these are required prerequisites before coming to the in-person classroom session. (You can always go back and review the online material if you wish by clicking the “My Training” button on your eTrainU/AYSOU page!)

In-person classroom sessions begin the first weekend in August and will be available leading up to the season. Refer to this list of available dates and contact us if you want to be placed on a class roster: rra@ayso20.org

**5U/6U/7U referee training — “Volunteer Parent Referee Orientation” — required to be a “referee” for the littles:**

All you need to do for your child’s 5U/6U/7U team is attend a 45-minute Zoom “Volunteer Parent Referee Orientation.” Bingo! We give you a FREE yellow t-shirt and a whistle and you’re good to go! Its soooo easy, basically supervising a playdate with 6-8 kids. No need to worry about the Laws of The Game, just smile, start their scrimmage, and have fun with the KIDS! Best seat in the house!

Zoom sessions will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30pm leading up to Opening Day. If you’re available, let us know and we’ll send you the Zoom link. One Zoom session and you’ll be good to go!

Next, you pick up your FREE “gear” including a yellow referee t-shirt, a whistle, and cap (cap optional).

If you are interested contact RRA at: rra@ayso20.org

“Safety Courses” required—volunteers working directly with the kids (referees, coaches, chaperones, etc.) need these.

National AYSO (and/or California mandated) required “safety courses”: Safe Haven, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, CDC Concussion Awareness, and Safe Sport. These are found at “eTrainU/AYSOU,” the online educational platform accessed through your Inleague account. YOUTH REFEREES are NOT required to take SafeSport

Log in to InLeague using your OWN email and password (not a spouse’s),
click the “graduation cap” icon in upper corner,
click “Training Library”
click “Safe Haven Courses” icon, and then take the four safety courses found there.

THE LAWS OF THE GAME

LOTG (click this link)–You don’t need to memorize them (17 Laws) word for word, but when you can find the time please try to get vaguely familiar with the 17 Laws. When you go for your upgrade to Intermediate/Advanced/National, however, you will want a VERY thorough understanding of the current LOTG (they are updated every year)!
Referee Laws of The Game (LOTG) Cheat Sheet-–referee’s LOTG Summary 2025/26

Training tools–“REGIONAL REFEREE” for 8U-14U

Training tools — “Volunteer Parent Referee Orientation” for 5U/6U/7U

INTERMEDIATE REFEREE –tools for reffing (and passing the Intermediate test). For when you decide to take your skill set to the next level, as your child grows in age and moves up in age divisions to 12U and beyond…:

Intermediate Fieldwork–helpful checklist of things to think about as a CR or AR
Intermediate–CR and AR Communication
Intermediate–AR Signaling
Intermediate–How to pass the Intermediate Exam
Intermediate–“Fill-in-the-blanks” suggested items for Intermediate Exam

PLAYOFFS–end of season playoffs to determine Regional Champions of each division:

Playoffs, Extra Time, and Penalties (Penalty Shoot-out)--formerly “Kicks From The Penalty Mark”
“Penalties” Score-Card--good template for keeping track of “Penalties” (formerly KFTPM)
8U Tournament (2023)–guidelines for end of season 8U tournament

“EXTRA” Program Referee Requirements and Info

NATIONAL AYSO:

AYSO Reference Book–-everything, AYSO National (2025)
AYSO National Referee Program Manual (pdf 2025)

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL TOOLS:

Forms & Documents

Lineup Card/Game Card–two-sided blank game card. Print a few out spare cards for that day the Coach/TM forgot to bring one 😉
Lineup Card Instructions (PDF)
Lineup Card Instructions (YouTube video)
“Penalties” (formerly ‘Kicks from the Penalty Mark’) card — for keeping track of the kicks during the “penalties”