Why Referee?

Referees are part of the AYSO volunteer team and help keep the games safe, fair and fun. Refereeing can be a rewarding experience that gives volunteers a new appreciation for the rules and the game of soccer.

How to become a referee

As with all AYSO Region 18 roles, our referees are all volunteers and are prohibited from taking payment for their services. Please be kind to and respectful of all referees. They are fellow parents and friends from our community, donating their valuable free time to the league to help provide high-quality, low-cost soccer for all of our kids. Please thank them for donating their weekends for our kids.

To become a referee:

• Enroll as a volunteer for the current season with AYSO Region 18: Volunteer Instructions
• Pass a background check
• Complete AYSO and Federal/State volunteer requirements as required by the certification level (e.g. Safe Haven, Concussion Awareness, SafeSport, LiveScan fingerprinting)
• Complete the referee training requirements and pass the exam for the certification level
• Receive referee uniform and equipment
• Create an account in the Referee Scheduling System

Upcoming referee training classes are listed on this page.

AYSO referee training requirements by level and division

Training requirements vary by the level of referee certification you're seeking. Anyone may take the training and exams for 8-U Official or Regional Referee, but Intermediate or higher certifications require completion of the lower level qualifications and a certain level of experience.

Referee uniform and equipment requests

If you're a new or returning referee and need equipment, please fill out our online form. Equipment requests are typically fulfilled quickly, but please allow 3-5 days lead time in case items need to be retrieved from storage.

Laws of the game and division-specific adjustments

Region 18 follows the IFAB Laws of the Game with age-appropriate modifications to support development and competitive play. See more information about division-specific adjustments on a dedicated page.

For additional questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Referee Scheduling System

RSS is used to sign up for games, receive referee points credit, and request mentors. To access the Referee Scheduling System (RSS), navigate to https://www.cgisports.com/ref/5504/.

Some helpful resources for working with RSS:

• RSS Quick Start User Guide
• RSS Complete User Guide
• For additional questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Additional resources for referees

AYSO Resources

• AYSO Referee Feedback Form
  
• Misconduct Report Form
• AYSO Guidance for Referees, Coaches, Other Volunteers, & Parents: While this has not been updated in a few years, it is an excellent guide for new and experienced refs, parents and coaches to read regarding the basics of the game.
• AYSO Referee Guideline: 2022-2023 Excellent summary of LOTG with simplified interpretations and spirit of the law.
• AYSO Section 1 Rules and Regulations 22 and 23
•  Governance document for AYSO Rules and Regs 2022 and 2023
• Manual for Youth Referees: This is tailored to the youth ref in a short 13 page document. Useful Primer for both new youth refs and their parents.
• Advice for Referees: A great tool for every ref. Provides a lot of tables and charts and advice in every area. Goes far beyond just the Laws.
• The Spirit of the Game
• 2024 ayso18 returning referee meeting 2024 9.12.24 final.pdf
  

Resources from Soccer Governing Bodies

• 2022-2023 Laws of the Game: This is the FIFA LOTG, the bible for referees
• ifab_laws_of_the_game_practical_guidelines 1.pdf Great companion source for LOTG as well as Advice to Referees in previous section