This page is designed for referees of AYSO Region 109. Included are: background information about AYSO refereeing, how to become an AYSO referee; details of local practice and arrangements (ranging from clinic schedules to sharpening your soccer savvy); and lots of ideas on how to have more fun as a referee, especially where to shop for ref gear.

Please check these pages regularly if you are an active referee in Menlo Park AYSO. Let us know how you like them and what you'd like to see added or improved.

Patrick Amor's easy guide to filling out your card correctly

We try to use email wherever we can to help run the referee program. If you are an active referee in Menlo Park AYSO and can be contacted by email for referee related business (scheduling, clinics, announcements), let us know your current email address, unless you are sure that we have it already.

All referees MUST attend at least one clinic each season.

Referees not attending an introductory or upgrade clinic should plan on attending a refresher clinic. New Law of the Game books and referee handbooks will be available at all clinics.

Referee Clinic Schedules online! The Referee Clinic Schedule shows the class information you need for the season. As we get into the season, referee assignments and game cards submissions will be done online. For instructions on using the referee features contact the Referee Administrator. You will be receiving specific instructions before the season begins.

Missed the clinic? Want a refresher? We've got the PowerPoint presentations from the Regional Referee Course and the Refresher Course, There is also a Basic Course created by national AYSO.

Questions? The FAQs explain many of the details of the referee program.

Want to look like you know how to signal like a pro? Check this chart that shows commonly used hand and flag signals.

Need an excuse not to sign up or a reason to smile? See Why I Can't Be a Referee.

The International Football Federation, FIFA has the most recent update to the Laws of the Game. Also check there for an excellent interactive tutorial on the Offside Law.

The United States Soccer Federation is a great reference source for referees.

Want to hang out and discuss controversial calls and rules with others? Pick up some inside tips? Try the BigSoccer referee board for hours of amusement and edification.

Our regional guidelines:

Division	Number of players per side	Ball size	Duration
U19	11 v 11	Size 5: 26.5 to 28" circumference; 14 to 16 ounces	45 minute halves
U16	11 v 11	Size 5: 26.5 to 28" circumference; 14 to 16 ounces	40 minute halves
U14	11 v 11	Size 5: 26.5 to 28" circumference; 14 to 16 ounces	35 minute halves
U12	9 v 9	Size 4: 25 to 26.5" circumference; 12 to 14 ounces	30 minute halves
U10 and U-9	7 v 7	Size 4: 25 to 26.5" circumference; 12 to 14 ounces	25 minute halves
U8 and U7	4 v 4 (two concurrent games	Size 3: 23 to 25" circumference; 10 to 12 ounces	20 minute halves
U6 (kinderleague)	3 x 3 (four concurrent scrimmages)	Size 3: 23 to 25" circumference; 10 to 12 ounces	approximately 15 minutes per scrimmage

Teams shall not play more than the number of field players shown above. Teams may only play fewer than the maximum number if not enough players attend the game.

No player may play as goalkeeper for more than 2 quarters per game in divisions U8-U12.. Players in Divisions U-14 and up may play in goal as many quarters as the coach decides. In Divisions U-12, U-10, U-9, U-8, any player who plays in goal must also play at least one quarter in the field.

Email Addresses:

Burt Cummings – Region 109 Referee Administrator:  RefAdmin@mpsoccer.org

Mark LeFebvre – Region 109 Referee Administrator:  RefMentor@mpsoccer.org

Lanette Kozlowski – Director of Referee Instruction:  Lanette.Kozlowski@comcast.net

Last updated July 2011