(5u/6u/7u referee training see below)

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 an exam) and also coming to an in-person classroom session that reviews online material, and explains the mechanics of being a Center Referee and Assistant Referee.  Without CRs and ARs, the games just can’t be played–we need you; the KIDS need you.  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 classroom session. You can always go back and review them if you wish.

The 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 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, blow your whistle and have fun, with the KIDS!

Zoom sessions usually happen Tuesday or Thursday nights at 7:30pm leading up to Opening Day. If you’re available, let us know and we’ll send you the link.

Next thing will be to pick up your “gear” including a yellow referee t-shirt, a whistle, and cap (cap optional).  Best seat in the house.

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.

• 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” 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 2023/24

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

• Regional Referee Online Companion Course POWERPOINT—what we use in our in-person classroom session for 8U-14U parent volunteer referees; without the charming instructors; you still need to attend the course to get certified.
• 9U/10U Build-Out Line Video (v. 2019 +). For 10U games. Use this version, not the 2018 version. Changes made for the 2019 version are applicable for the current season.

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

• 5/6/7U Volunteer Referee Parents POWERPOINT-–what we use in our Zoom Volunteer Parent Referee Orientation; you’ll still need to attend a Zoom classroom session (schedule TBD).
• 5U/6U Referee Guide–a three page detailed guide for volunteer parent “referees” at these age groups. It’s actually much less complicated than this document makes it seem. Just attend one of the ZOOM Orientation sessions.
• 7U Referee Guide--a three page detailed guide for volunteer parent “referees” at this age group. It’s much less complicated than this document makes it seem. Just attend one of the ZOOM Orientation sessions.

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

• Section 1 Extra Rules and regulations
• Section 1 EXTRA Referee Requirements

NATIONAL AYSO:

• AYSO Reference Book–-everything, AYSO National (2024)
• AYSO National Referee Program Manual  (pdf 2023)

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL TOOLS:

• AYSO Rules & Guidelines: AYSO Region 20 things
• What is Offside?   TextVideo
• 9U/10U Build-Out Line Video (v. 2019 +). Use this version, not the 2018 version. Changes made for the 2019 version are applicable for the current season.
• 10 Tips for Dealing with Coach Dissent
• Ask, Tell, Dismiss (old method): CARDING team officials
• 10 Tips for Dealing with Player Dissent

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”

Other Website Links

• Guide To Procedures (2012)  The mechanics of refereeing (no longer updated but still useful) by the USSF
• AskTheRef.com  Not an official AYSO site, but can be a very useful resource; good search engine for refereeing topics and questions
• Ask A Soccer Referee  Not an official AYSO site, but also a very useful resource; good search engine for refereeing topics and questions