“Regional Referee” training–required for 8U-14U volunteer parent referees/assistant referees:
The basic/first referee course, “Regional Referee,” for these age divisions (8U-14U) 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 referee modules/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
5U/6U/7U Training — “Volunteer Parent Referee” Orientation:
All you need to do for your child’s 5/6/7U team is attend a 45-minute 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 these:
All volunteers working directly with the kids need to take the following National AYSO (and/or California mandated) required “safety courses”: Safe Haven, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, CDC Concussion Awareness, and Safe Sport. These are found at “eTrainU/AYSOU” the online educational platform accessed through your Inleague account. Log in to InLeague using your OWN email and password (not a spouse’s), click the “graduation cap” icon in upper corner, click “Training Library” and click “Safe Haven Courses” and then take the four safety courses.
Important REFEREE Info — referee training/educational tools, “division guidelines,” playoffs, etc…
If you have any questions or suggestions please contact our Regional Referee Administrator at rra@ayso20.org
THE LAWS OF THE GAME
- LOTG–You don’t need to memorize it word for word, but when you can find the time please try to read through the 17 Laws. When you go for your upgrade to Intermediate/Advanced/National, however, you will want a VERY thorough understanding of the LOTG!
REGIONAL REFEREE (8U-14U) TRAINING tools
- Referee Laws of The Game (LOTG) Cheat Sheet-–referee’s LOTG Summary 2023/24
- Regional Referee Online Companion Course POWERPOINT—what we use in our in-person classroom session for 8U-14U parent volunteer referees; without the charming instructors; you still need to attend the course to get certified.
5U/6U/7U REFEREE TRAINING tools
- 5/6/7U Volunteer Referee Parents POWERPOINT-–what we use in our Zoom Volunteer Parent Referee Orientation; you’ll still need to attend a Zoom classroom session (schedule TBD).
- 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. Just attend one of the ZOOM Orientation sessions.
- 7U Referee Guide--a three page detailed guide for volunteer parent “referees” at this age group. It’s much less complicated than this document makes it seem. Just attend one of the ZOOM Orientation sessions.
INTERMEDIATE REFEREE CONCEPTS and TOOLS for reffing (and passing the test):
- Intermediate Fieldwork–helpful checklist of things to think about as a CR or AR
- Intermediate–CR and AR Communication
- Intermediate–AR Signaling
- Intermediate–How to pass the Intermediate Exam
- Intermediate–“Fill-in-the-blanks” suggested items for Intermediate Exam
DIVISION GUIDELINES — Age group-specific “divisions” have different “guidelines”:
- 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.
PLAYOFFS:
- Playoffs, Extra Time, and Penalties (Penalty Shoot-out)--formerly “Kicks From The Penalty Mark”
- “Penalties” Score-Card--good template for keeping track of “Penalties” (formerly KFTPM)
- 8U Tournament (2023)–guidelines for end of season 8U tournament
EXTRA Referee Requirements and Info
NATIONAL AYSO:
- AYSO Rules & Guidelines: AYSO Area/Section/National Documents, and much more.
- AYSO Reference Book–everything, AYSO National
ADDITIONAL HELPFUL TOOLS:
- 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.
- What is Offside? TextVideo
- 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.
- 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)
- “Penalties” (formerly ‘Kicks from the Penalty Mark’) card — for keeping track of the kicks during the “penalties”
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