🟡 How to Become a Volunteer Referee
Whether you’re helping with the little ones or ready to manage full-field matches, becoming a referee is one of the most rewarding ways to support your child — and make sure the games can go on!
✅ For 5U/6U/7U Referees
It’s super simple — and a ton of fun! Be the parent referee that’s out there with the kids, helping them along! It’s the best 20-30′ you’ll spend on a Saturday!
All you need is a 45-minute Zoom session called the “Volunteer Parent Referee Orientation,” where we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to help guide games for our youngest players.
🧡 No whistles, cards, or soccer experience required — just a good attitude and a desire to help!
📩 Want to sign up?
Email us at rra@ayso20.org, and we’ll send you the Zoom link.
🟦 For 8U–14U Referees & Assistant Referees
To referee games in these divisions, you’ll need to become a certified Regional Referee, which includes:
- ✅ Online modules + quiz on AYSOU (via eTrainU) — everyone passes!!!
- ✅ One in-person classroom session
- ✅ Required online safety courses
- ✅ Background check (Sterling Volunteers)
- ✅ Live Scan fingerprinting–Santa Monica will set up these LiveScan opportunities as the season approaches
Once certified, you can:
- ⚽ Be an Assistant Referee (AR) at any age group (10U-14U)
- ⚽ Be a Center Referee (CR) for 8U and 10U
- ⚽ Move up to Center Referee at 12U and 14U with additional Intermediate/Advanced certification
📋 Step-by-Step: How to Get Certified
1. Register as a Volunteer on InLeague
- Log into your InLeague Family Profile.
- Click “Volunteer Registration” on the left menu.
- Select “Referee” under Volunteer Preferences and click Submit.
- Sign the electronic disclosure to begin your background check.
2. Access AYSOU (Powered by eTrainU)
- While logged into InLeague, click the 🎓 graduation cap icon (top right).
- In AYSOU, click Training Library → Refereeing → View Courses.
- Enroll in “Regional Referee – Online + In-Person Companion Course”.
- Complete the online modules and quiz at your own pace.
🔁 You can pause and return anytime from the “My Training” tab.
3. Attend an In-Person Referee Class
- Once you’ve finished the online training, sign up for a live classroom session by contacting rra@ayso20.org
- Classes typically begin in early August at locations such as:
- Colorado Center Community Room
- Douglas Park (Bowls Club)
📩 Email rra@ayso20.org to RSVP and reserve your spot. Classes start August 3.
Please RSVP in advance — classes may be canceled if turnout is low.
4. Complete Required Safety Courses
Head back to eTrainU (AYSOU) through InLeague — this step is important!
👉 You must access all training, including SafeSport, via the 🎓 graduation cap icon inside your InLeague account. This ensures your certifications are properly recorded and synced with your volunteer profile.
In AYSOU eTrainU, go to:
Training Library → Course Categories → Safe Haven (view courses)
Select and complete the following courses:
- ✅ AYSO’s Safe Haven
- ✅ CDC Concussion Awareness
- ✅ Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- ✅ SafeSport
🔒 The SafeSport Course will open in a new window and prompt you to create an account with the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
⚠️ Important: Make sure the name, email, and date of birth you use match exactly with what’s in your InLeague account — or your completion may not be recorded.
✅ Once completed, all your safety certifications will appear in your InLeague profile under “Volunteer Certifications.”
5. Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting
- Required for all referees 8U and up (even if you’ve done one elsewhere).
- Region 20 typically hosts Live Scan sessions in August (dates TBD).
- 🔗 [Live Scan Appointment Signup – Coming Soon]
Live Scan fingerprinting is a one-time requirement for AYSO volunteers — it ensures compliance with California state law and AYSO National safety standards. ✅ Once you’ve completed it, you won’t need to do it again!
📝 Quick Facts:
- ✅ Live Scan is different from the Sterling Volunteers background check — both are required.
- 🔐 Your information is handled securely and used solely for screening purposes.
- 🧾 The cost is covered by AYSO Region 20, and we host local sessions to make it easy.
💬 Need Help?
We’re here to support you at every step!
📩 Email rra@ayso20.org with questions or for help getting started.