Referee equipment

AYSO provides every referee in Region 109 with the basics - shirt, shorts, socks, a whistle, and a copy of the Laws of the Game. You are expected to provide a watch, shoes and a pen or pencil. That's enough to get you started (and indeed to get you through your first couple of years as an AYSO referee).

While tennis shoes are OK, as you get into the older ages (U10 and up), you're going to be doing a lot of fast stopping and turning, sometimes a 180.  A great investment is in field shoes which you can get online or at any local sports store.  Look for soft cleats that help with traction, which is especially handy in wet weather.  As you'll be responsible for keeping time for the game, a watch with timer would be good option.  Most digital watches provide this, but you can also just note the time on a regular analog watch and check it frequently.

If you want to buy items like a long sleeve shirt, fancy flags or elaborate stopwatches, please refer to the resources below.

Local (to Menlo Park) stores

Many local sports stores carry some soccer gear. Few of them carry enough to run to referee equipment, however.

Newest on the scene (part of a small local chain), and sure to become a local favorite, is Pro Soccer in Redwood City at 1235 Veterans Boulevard.

Soccer Pro is a mom & pop store with a convenient location. Check them out at 2737 El Camino Real, Redwood City, (650) 365-8282

One which has a full line of referee equipment is not too far away -- Kickers Soccer Shop at 840-B El Camino Real, Belmont (650-593-4924).

Also not too far away is Off the Wall Soccer on 700 Matthew, Santa Clara (408-988-6900).

There are also some other soccer specialty stores elsewhere (San Jose, SF) in the Bay Area.

Online soccer stores

The bigger online soccer stores carry some referee gear.

Referee equipment stores

A few firms focus on referees.


Last updated July 2011 Home Referee Home Copyright © 2011 AYSO Region 109