Referee Classes–required for 8U-14U volunteer parent referees/assistant referees:
Referee Training for these age divisions 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 emphasizes the mechanics of being a Center Referee and an Assistant Referee, allowing you to contribute to your child’s 8U-14U volunteer referee requirements. Without CRs and ARs, the games just can’t be played–we need you. The KIDS need you. Online training can be accessed through your InLeague account via “eTrainU/AYSOU” the online educational platform. The in-person classroom sessions begin in August and will be available every weekend leading up to the season. Get started on your online requirements ASAP–these are required prerequisites before coming to the classroom session. Reach out to our Regional Referee Administrator for more info rra@ayso20.org There are also detailed instructions in the drop-down menu under the REFEREES main tab of this website.
“Volunteer Parent Referee Orientation” — required for 5/6/7U parent ‘referees’:
All you need to do for your child’s 5/6/7U team is attend a 1-hour Zoom Volunteer Parent Referee Orientation. There will be several opportunities (leading up to Opening Day) to sit in on one of these Zoom sessions. If you are interested, reach out to our Regional Referee Administrator at rra@ayso20.org and get your date/time and Zoom link. Next thing is to pick up your “gear” including a yellow referee t-shirt, a whistle, and cap (cap optional). Then you’re good to go. Best seat in the house.
Volunteer “safety courses” required:
All volunteers working directly with the kids need to take a handful of National AYSO required safety courses: Safe Haven, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, CDC Concussion Awareness, and Safe Sport.
Important REFEREE Info–training, education, guidelines…
If you have any questions or suggestions please contact our Regional Referee Administrator at rra@ayso20.org
SM AYSO Region 20 Division (age group) Guidelines — how games in each age group/division are played; everything about each division.
5U-14U Guidelines Comparison Chart (2023)–a nice excel sheet comparing the different divisions.
AYSO Rules & Guidelines: AYSO Area/Section/National Documents, and much more.
***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.
***9U/10U Build-Out Line Video (v. 2019 is most recent). Use this version, not the 2018 version. Changes made for the 2019 version are applicable for the current season.
Laws of the Game 2023/24–International Football Association Board--FANTASTIC resource including Changes to LOTG, important documents/circulars from IFAB, access to all versions/years.
Playoffs–Penalties (Penalty Shoot-out)--formerly “Kicks From The Penalty Mark”
Referee Zero Tolerance Policy--Region 20 does NOT allow any mistreating of volunteer match officials.
10 Tips for Dealing with Coach Dissent
Ask, Tell, Dismiss (old method) now we can CARD team officials if warranted
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)
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