Referee

Becoming A Referee

Keeping The Game Safe, Fair And Fun

Why should you become an AYSO Referee? We need you. We can't have games without referees. More importantly, it's rewarding and working with kids is great fun!

Referees are critical to soccer - the game can't be played without them. The referee's job is to be the official in charge of the game. He is the independent arbiter and manager of the game. Her authority extends to everyone at the field, including players, substitutes, team officials, spectators, and even assistant referees.

The referee's No. 1 one concern is to keep the game as safe as possible for the players. While there is risk in all sports, the referee is responsible for minimizing such risks from field conditions, equipment, spectators, and the players.

The referee is responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game in such a way as to keep the game safe, fair and fun for everyone: the players, the coaches, the spectators and themselves. He interferes with the game as little as possible, avoiding making calls for doubtful and trifling offenses. Referees only make calls for offenses they are sure occurred.

We want our kids to continue to play, and they keep playing as long as it is fun. Referees learn that fun soccer varies from age group to age group of players.

Contact your Regional Commissioner if you are ready to become a referee.

Why I Can't Become a Referee

To save you the trouble of having to create an excuse of your own, we have listed the most of the common excuses for non-participation in this critical function in the AYSO program.

I Don't Know Anything (Enough) About the Game
Most of us knew little, or less than you, about soccer when we became referees. Not to worry... for the investment of a day (eight hours) we will train you with more knowledge of the Laws of the Game than most Americans ever possess.

I Don't Have Time
Becoming a referee is the perfect slot for those AYSO parents who have crowded schedules. Referees are free to choose the games they can do, which can be scheduled at your convenience; possibly just before or after the game your child is playing. You may do as many or as few games as you choose.

I'm Not the Right Kind of Person
Yes you are. You obviously care about your child. This is a youth development program run by volunteers. Would you want your child involved with someone who is not as good as you? Who would be better than a concerned parent like you?

I'd Look Silly in That Uniform
Good heavens... you obviously haven't seen the Referee Administrator.

I'd Be Embarrassed
Everyone makes mistakes (even those of us who have been officiating for years). The import thing is to approach the job with enthusiasm and enjoyment, because that will be passed on to the players and coaches (and we can team you up with an experienced referee to help you through the initial learning process).

I'm a Woman - I Never See Them Referee
Wrong! We have many qualified women referees - and they are great! We could use many more. What other time in your life will you ever...with just one breath (or whistle)...be able to make 22 kids stop what they are doing, actually listen to you, and then do what they are told? And almost half of our players are girls and they love having women referees. They are comfortable with them and look up to them as role models. If you are a mom, you already are used to making quick decisions and multi-tasking. (If you are the mother of two or more children, you already know what it means to be a referee!) Don't worry, we will teach you and support you and start you off refereeing younger children. We will be there to mentor you until you feel comfortable and confident.

I can't afford the equipment
Don't worry about expense, because the Region will provide you with the necessary equipment to get you started.

I don't think I could keep up with the players. Some of them are pretty fast!
Don't worry, most of us can't keep up with them either. We give the older age division games, with the faster players, to our fitter and more experienced referees. We still have plenty of younger division games on smaller fields where you would be able to keep up. You know, refereeing is also a good way to get a little exercise and to have fun at the same time.

Now that we've addressed all your concerns we can't wait to see you at referee training. We need you badly. And in return, we promise you:

Enjoyment
Exercise
A sense of belonging
A free uniform
A small fan club of kids who think you're great and are thrilled to see you
A great time - Like many before you, it may turn out to be the most fun you have had in a long time

ONE FINAL NOTE: if you still don't think you are the right kind of person for this job, you took the time to read this whole flyer and that means you care. That means you are exactly the right kind of person.