Referee Volunteers & Training 

Every Volunteer in AYSO has a training path and certification level to be prepared and educated for the job they will do. Referees require training for each age level. 
In addition to age level specific training, each volunteer is required to take safety training and other checks to ensure the safety and fun of the children. 

Note: Youth referees are required to be 2 years older than the age level they are officiating. ex: a 12U referee needs to be 14. 

THANK YOU for putting in the effort and commitment to make AYSO the best organization it can be!

Age appropriate referee training levels:

• 6U Game Officials should attend a game official orientation - Dates to be provided by August 27.
• 7U and 8U Referees - are required to take the In-Person 8U Basic Referee Course
• 10U Referees - are required to have a Regional Referee Certification. This training introduces more detailed referee concepts and covers situations involving offside, fouls, goalkeepers and referee teaming. The training can be all in-person or an approximately 4 hour online training and an in-person companion course of  approximately 2.5 hours. There is no prerequisite training for this class.
• 12U Referees and up require an Intermediate or higher level certification. Please see this FAQ for additional information.

Good News! Any previous certification (like Basic or Regional) doesn't expire.

Questions? Email the Referee Administrator