Referees are as critical to soccer as players and coaches. In AYSO, the game can't be played if there aren't enough referees.
It's most common for a volunteer to begin their AYSO referee career by refereeing their own child(ren)'s games. However, as they learn the rules, develop their own techniques for managing players, coaches, and fans, and gain an appreciation for how important the role of the referee is to a fun, fair, and safe soccer experience, they often find it very rewarding to expand thier knowledge and experience through AYSO's advanced training and certification process.
AYSO's referee training is considered some of the best in the U.S. and includes both in-person courses in your community and online opportunities. Soccer knowledge is a plus, but is certainly not required. The AYSO referee training will give you all you need to know in order to have a terrific experience on the field.
How do I become a referee?
You must first choose the referee volunteer option when registering your child for a new soccer season.
Then you need to be approved as an AYSO volunteer by our region.
Once you are approved as a volunteer, the training to become an AYSO referee is provided to you for free.
To join us as a volunteer Referee, you must complete the following required steps:
1. Register/sign up as a volunteer via the Sports Connect Registration System
2. Submit, and pass, a Sterling Volunteer Background check
3. Get fingerprinted [LiveScan] - (except minors)
4. Complete the Safe Haven online training (except minors)
5. Complete SafeSport training online
6. Complete your Referee-specific trainings (online trainings at AYSOU.org and in-person sessions)
Details for each of the 6 steps can be found on our Volunteer tab.