Become an AYSO Youth Referee

Our AYSO community is always looking to provide meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunities for
young people ages 10 and up.

As an AYSO Youth Referee, you’ll gain valuable experience both on and off the field. Once trained, you can officiate as many or as few games as you’d like, choose age groups that match your comfort level, and work around your schedule. You’ll also earn community service hours while developing leadership, confidence, and decision-making skills.

Most importantly, you’ll play a key role in supporting a positive and fun soccer experience for younger players in your community.

Referee Training Path

AYSO Youth Referees can officiate games at different levels depending on their training. Youth referees must meet the age requirements listed below. They can serve as a Center Referee for games with players at least two years younger than they are, or be an Assistant Referee up to their own age level. Youth referees will need to take at least two games to get credit for classes. 

Note that service credits are earned both for refereeing as well as the hours spent in the training classes. 

U8 Official Certification

(Minimum age: 10)

This is the first step to becoming an AYSO Youth Referee. 

Required courses include:

• U8 Official Training
• Safe Haven Certification
• Concussion Awareness

After completing these courses, you’ll be eligible to referee U6, U7, and U8 games. This certification is also a prerequisite for advancing to higher levels.

Regional Referee Certification

(Minimum age: 12)

After completing the U8 Official course, referees can take the next step with Regional Referee training. At this level, you’ll officiate older age groups (U9 and above), where the game becomes more advanced:

• Games include goalkeepers
• The offside law is enforced
• Matches use Assistant Referees

Access AYSOU Youth Referee Training (Online / In-Person Courses)

Register for all in-person and online courses by logging in to AYSOU, our training website: https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Access_to_AYSOU 
Note that service credits are earned both for refereeing as well as the hours spent in the training classes.