Q. How do I become an AYSO Referee?
A. You must first complete an AYSO volunteer application form on e-AYSO and be approved as an AYSO volunteer by Region 1020. Once you are approved as a volunteer, the training to become an AYSO referee is provided to you free of charge. Note: All volunteers must register annually, even if they no longer have kids in AYSO.

Q. Is prior soccer experience required to officiate?
A. No, but some familiarity with soccer is certainly a plus. Coaches, parents, players and other volunteers have all proved to be excellent referees even if they have not played this sport. (Youth referees are welcome!)

Q. How are referees assigned to games?
A. Once you are a certified AYSO referee, you may sign up for games based on your availability. AYSO referees are volunteers and do not get paid.

Q. Where do I get referee gear and equipment?
A. Upon completion of your referee training,you may check out a referee shirt and whistle before each game that you ref.

Still have a question?  Contact the Regional Referee Administrator, TBD

Youth Referee Program

The Youth Referee program in Region 1020 was launched to answer the growing demand for referees and to provide a leadership opportunity for young people in our community.

Girls and boys ages 10-17 take the required referee training courses which certify them to officiate as assistant or center referees. These Youth Referees meet the same certification requirements as adults. There will usually be Youth-only Referee Training right before the fall sessions so that new Youth Referees can be trained with their peers. 

A mentor accompanies Youth Referees to most games, especially their first few as the Referee - the person in charge of the game. There is an opportunity for additional training to cover games at the U12 and U14 Divisions as well as to be assistant referees (run the lines) for older division games. AYSO guidelines establish that a  Youth Referee should typically be at least two years older than the Division they are working as a Referee.

The program has multiple benefits:

• Inspires younger players, giving them role models to look up to.
• Young people participating in the Youth Referee program get a chance to do community service and a unique opportunity for intellectual and emotional growth.
• Helps relieve the shortage of referees.

 RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL INVOLVED ADULTS

Although we expect the best behavior from everyone toward all referees, it is simply forbidden to criticize a youth referee. There is NO TOLERANCE FOR NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO OR ABOUT YOUTH REFEREES (or any other game officials, for that matter) at any time before, during, or after games.

Anyone who does so will be asked to leave the game vicinity by the center referee, and the Regional Board may also choose to enact further sanctions.

These Youth Referees are well trained, and many are also experienced players; however they are still youngsters without the life experience to handle negative remarks. Please give each your full support and help model good behavior for others to follow.