Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up to referee games?
Our region uses Matchtrak.com for referees to sign themselves up for games. Once you have completed your online safety courses and received your certification (by passing the in-person class), you will be granted access to Matchtrak. If you have any issues, contact the Referee Administrator at [email protected].

Who gets the first choice of games?
It's first come, first served. You can sign up for any game in which you are qualified to referee as far in advance as you'd like.

How many weeks in advance may I schedule myself?
As many weeks as you'd like. As long as the schedule is posted on Matchtrak and the game is available, you can sign up for it.

What if I need to cancel?
Matchtrak allows you to cancel your game if it is more than 24 hours before the game begins. If it is within 24 hours of the game’s start time, please contact the Referee Administrator at [email protected].

How do I request a mentor?
Mentors are experienced referees who can stand by your side and observe and answer questions/offer tips. You can request a mentor at the same time you reserve your game on Matchtrak by clicking the Mentor Request checkbox, or you can email the Referee Administrator at [email protected].

Can I referee my own child's games?
To avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest, we ask referees to avoid refereeing within their own child's game. With that said it can be a challenge to recruit referees. In some situations, at the lower age divisions, when there is a shortage of referees, having a parent officiate their own child's game may be the only option.

Who is responsible for setting up and putting away goals/flags?
The first home team of the day sets up the goals, nets, and corner flags. The last home team of the day puts them away. The referees should remind coaches, but the referees are not responsible.

What do I do with lineup cards after the game?
The information on the back of the lineup cards should be validated and signed by all referees participating and then dropped off in the white box at the referee tent.

I am a soccer player and understand the game very well; can I just take the certification test and avoid some or all of the beginning courses?
Currently, this is not an option. Many of those who have played the game and think they know the Laws of the Game are surprised to find out how much there is to learn when they actually start studying to become a referee. Attending a face-to-face training course with an experienced instructor is a valuable learning experience.

What are the certification levels?
There are six certification levels for AYSO referees. Here is a brief description of the requirements for each:

U-8 Official
minimum age 10
Complete the 8U Official Course and pass the 8U Official Exam.

Regional Referee
Minimum age 12
Complete the Basic Referee Course and pass the Regional Referee Exam.

Intermediate Referee
Minimum age 14
Complete 25 games as a referee with at least five in 12U games, complete the Intermediate Referee Course, pass the Intermediate Referee Exam, and be (observed) mentored in a 12U game.

Advanced Referee
Minimum age 16
Complete 50 games as a referee with at least 10 in 14U and five as an assistant referee (in 14U), complete the Advanced Referee Course, pass the Advanced Referee Exam, pass one assessment as referee and one as an assistant referee in a 14U match, pass the AYSO Physical Fitness Test.

National Referee
Minimum age 18
Complete 100 games as a referee with at least 30 in 16U/19U games and 25 as Assistant Referee with at least 10 in 19U, complete the National Referee Course, pass the National Referee Exam, pass two assessments as a referee in 16U or 16U matches and one as an assistant referee in a 19U match, complete the AYSO Physical Fitness Test.

Who is the Referee Administrator? What do they do?
The Referee Administrator is the person responsible for implementing the AYSO National Referee Program in specific parts of the country (Region, Area, Section or National).

What do I do if I have a problem at a game with a coach or a spectator?
Report to the Referee Administrator for any 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.

Is it safe for a teenage player or sibling to referee?
Teenagers who already like soccer have no trouble adapting to refereeing - they know the game and what it takes to keep it safe, fair, and fun. The training and time refereeing games can also earn them community service points as AYSO is a non-profit, volunteer, community organization.

What is the appropriate referee badge for AYSO referees?
The only badge appropriate for referees to wear during AYSO games is the current AYSO referee certification level badge earned by the referee. Exceptions: An International Referee may wear his or her FIFA badge; and, if provided, special referee tournament badges may be worn by referees during that tournament's games.

May referees wear hats or sunglasses?
Sunglasses are not allowed. USSF has modified its recommendations related to the use of referee caps to enhance their support for the health and safety of referees. 
AYSO has applied the USSF recommendations as follows:

• The cap must not endanger the safety of the official or the players.
• The cap should be solid black or predominately black color.
• The cap may display the logo of AYSO (preferred), USSF, or FIFA, but should not display other logos, slogans, or commercial marks.

Who is responsible for the players' Medical Release Forms?
It is the coach's responsibility to be in possession of the Medical Release Forms at all practices and games. Referees may ask coaches if they have the forms in their possession. Referees may not ask coaches to prove that they have players' Medical Release Forms in their possession at games.

Are referees required to see a "Participation Release Form" before allowing a player to participate in games following a known serious injury or sickness that requires professional medical attention?
No, this is not the referee's responsibility. It is the coach's responsibility to see and provide the Region Safety Director and/or Regional Commissioner with a copy of the form.

Questions About Referee Volunteers or Training Courses?
For general questions about volunteering, refereeing, or about training courses, contact our Regional Referee Administrator at  [email protected],