Q: Who are the referees?Who are the referees? Why can't I yell at the referee? What training is provided for referees? What is Safe Haven? When are the referee clinics? Do I have to buy my own uniform? Can I referee my own child's games? When are the games? How are referees assigned to games in U6? How are referees assigned to games in U7 and U8? How are referees assigned to games in divisions U9 through U14? How are referees assigned to games in U16 and U19? What if I have a problem at a game with a coach or a spectator? Do I really want to do this? Who will answer my other questions? Check the resources page for other useful information.
A: Volunteers who enjoy having the best seat in the house. Parents and others who care enough to ensure the games are safe and fair. Individuals who are essential to the game. Many referees start when their children are young and move up with them. In the younger age groups, referees are mostly parents who are new at it. Each U7 and U8 team must have at least one referee. U9+ divisions should have enough referees to provide three referees per game.
Q: Why can't I yell at the referee?
A: Ragging and questioning the referees during the game is not part of AYSO soccer. Remember that this is a game for kids. The kids learn what good sportsmanship looks like from how the adults act as much as what they say. Referees are very visible volunteer parents who are volunteering their time just like the all other parents. Referees, coaches, all other volunteer parents and friends are out there to see that the game is safe, fair, and fun for the kids.
If you disagree with a referee's call, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with the referees during halftime or after the game. Referees may not be seeing specific problems, and we have found that coaches and parents can learn from hearing an explanation of the rules, their interpretation, and their enforcement. Often, what a parent considers inappropriate (pushing, tackling) may in fact be legal; interpretations of the laws can vary.
In any case, yelling, name-calling, or other forms of abuse will not be tolerated, and referees will stop the game if necessary.
Q: What training is provided for referees?
A: There are several kinds of clinics: the basic course for U7 and U8 referees; the basic Regional Referee certification course; upgrade clinics; refresher clinics; and Safe Haven clinics. Safe Haven training, which covers safety and child and volunteer protection, is an essential part of the training for AYSO referees. The referee clinics page describes the different clinics in more detail.
A: AYSO has made a commitment to their participants to provide a safe place for children to play and compete. The referee has a responsibility to help make our environment safe, as well as fun. We have developed materials that will instruct the referees on what we mean by a safe haven and how we can all participate in making the AYSO experience a positive one for our kids. Safe Haven certification is mandatory for all AYSO coaches and referees on a nation-wide basis, and can be obtained by attending a clinic where Safe Haven training is offered. A referee who has been Safe Haven-certified will be entitled to legal indemnity for work as a referee under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.
Q: When are the referee clinics?
A: Clinics will be given in Menlo Park in August and September. You may also attend clinics offered in other regions.
Q: Do I have to buy my own uniform?
A: No. Once you complete your training, you will be provided with a free uniform (including jersey, shorts, and socks), badge, whistle, flags, and a copy of the most current edition of the Laws of the Game. You will also be given Guidance for Referees with tips and useful information.
Q: Can I referee my own child's games?
A: Absolutely. You can be the center referee in your own child's games in U7 - U9. In U10 and above we will try to place you as an assistant referee for your child's games, but sometimes due to scheduling and availability of referees, you may center those games as well. One thing to remember when acting as an assistant referee, and especially as a center referee, is to be as impartial as possible. This includes not coaching your kid (or any player, for that matter) on how to play better, when in offside position, etc. I know this can be hard to do, but it heightens the sensitivity of the parents and coaches who are looking for, and deserve, impartiality. Please restrain yourself from any displays of favoritism and remember it's not your job to coach, only to enforce and instruct on the rules as appropriate.
A: All games are played on Saturdays, except for U16 and U19 games, which are played on Sundays.
Q: How are referees assigned to games in U6?
A: There are no referees in U6 (Kinderleague); instead, the coaches facilitate U6 games.
Q: How are referees assigned to games in U7 and U8?
A: Games in U7 - U8 are self-assigned and there is only one referee per game. During the game, each team splits into two mini-teams that play a short 4 v 4 game against the other team's mini-teams. At halftime, the mini-teams switch so that each mini-team plays both opponent mini-teams. Each team must provide a referee for two of the four games every Saturday.
Q: How are referees assigned to games in U9 through U14?
A: There is a referee scheduler in each division who assigns referees to games in these divisions. You will receive an email from them, usually weekly, informing them of assignment requests if you're being assigned. You will generally act as an assistant referee for your own child's games at the upper levels (see above), but you are strongly encouraged to help out with other games as a center referee. The scheduler will attempt to assign you to games that work with your schedule. You can check, accept, and decline your assignments via your personal referee page available by logging in to www.mpsoccer.org.
Q: How are referees assigned to games in U16 and U19?
A: Because of the high level of play in U16/U19, and because U16/U19 games are played against teams from other regions, the Area 2A staff makes all referee assignments for U16/U19 games.
Q: What if I have a problem at a game with a coach or a spectator?
A: First, remain calm. Take all the time you need to slow things down. Walk slowly to the sidelines, and ask the coach to speak with you. Say that you’re having a problem and ask the coach to deal with the situation. If the problem persists, you may halt the game until the situation is corrected. We’ll provide you with other options and procedures at training. Inform the Regional Referee Administrator and your division commissioner of all incidents in which a coach or a spectator behaves in a way that makes a game something other than a safe, positive, enjoyable, growth experience for the children.
Q: Do I really want to do this?
A: Yes!
Q: Who will answer my other questions?
A: Email the Regional Referee Administrator