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. 

You may contact Erica Almanzar if you are ready to become a referee.

Upcoming classes:
Online Companion Regional Level Referee course: (Location: Ontario Soccer Park)
8/10 @ 6pm
8/19 @ 9am
9/17 @ 9am
9/26 @ 6pm

STEP 1:
Sign up as a referee on our website, 583ayso.org for the division of your child.
-Scroll to the top, click on LOGIN or REGISTER NOW
-Click on VOLUNTEER ROLES
-Click on REFEREE (or YOUTH referee if under 18yrs)
-Complete your volunteer form AND your background check thru Sterling Volunteers
-You should see a button under your name AYSOU. {Sometimes you won’t see it until your background clears}
STEP 2:
Complete the online portion of the Online Companion Regional Level Referee Course under AYSOU
-In the AYSOU website, click on LIBRARY
-Click on VIEW COURSES under REFEERING
-Click on Regional Referee - Online Companion Course
-There’s 9 Chapters plus an exam 
STEP 3:
Attend one of the dates above, it’s a 3 hour, in-person course
STEP 4:

In order to keep our children safe, there’s a few more certification courses and steps to complete. Please contact Theresa M, (951) 235-7446 for further details.

Upcoming classes:
Online Companion Regional Level Referee course: (Location: Ontario Soccer Park)
8/25 @ 6pm
8/28 @ 9am
9/11 @ 9am
10/2 @ 9am

Why I Can't Become a Referee

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

HOW DO I SIGN UP? you ask, please reach to your child's coach, or email us at [email protected] so we can make sure you join us at our next REFEREE Training class.
Thank you!!

Upcoming classes:
Online Companion Regional Level Referee course: (Location: Ontario Soccer Park)
8/25 @ 6pm
8/28 @ 9am
9/11 @ 9am
10/2 @ 9am