What Does it Take to Become a Referee?
Interest and enthusiasm! We will provide everything else:

1. Training on the rules (the “Laws”), the mechanics of the job and how to manage players, coaches and spectators
2. A uniform and all of the basic gear
3. Access to the online scheduling system where you sign up as a Referee or Assistant Referee for the games that fit your schedule
4. On-field mentoring by experienced referees until you feel comfortable working by yourself
5. Total protection from any sort of verbal abuse (this is absolutely not Little League; no one is allowed to yell at the Ref)

Are Referee's Paid by AYSO?
The wonderful things about AYSO, and the thing that it is often criticized for, is the fact that we are all volunteers. While Referees do not get paid, they can earn Incentives.

Why are there different levels of certification?
Being a good referee requires both book knowledge and field experience, and they build on each other. Certification starts with a classroom session, and then you get to work some younger age division games to see the principles in action. Then you come back to the classroom, put your field experience in perspective, and learn some more details on the Laws. Then you go back out and apply the knowledge on the field. And so it goes. This has proven to be the best way to create great referees.

What should I do to prepare before a class?
For the U8 Official and Basic Referee classes, reviewing the RULES & REGS page, the TERMINOLOGY page, and the AYSO MISSION will get you started. For the higher level classes, you should know the Laws of the Game.

What should I bring to class?

• Completed Certificates from the online Safe Haven, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, & CDC Concussion Awareness courses
• Pen/pencil and notebook paper
• Enthusiasm

How hard is the test?
The tests at the end of the U8 Official and Basic Referee classes are easy, and we will hand you the answers during class. We’ll even work one-on-one with you to make sure you are comfortable with the material. The tests for Intermediate and Advanced Referee certification are more rigorous, where you need to really know and memorize the Laws of the Game.

What is an observation?
Part of the upgrade to Intermediate Referee certification is an observation session of you working a game by a senior referee or referee assessor. This is to confirm that you are qualified to run the faster-paced games.

What is an assessment (Advanced)?
To receive an Advanced Referee certification, you must be assessed as a Referee and Assistant Referee in U14 games by an AYSO Referee Assessor. It is a formal procedure with detailed debrief.

How do I get my uniform and equipment?
After you take your first training class, you will be contacted by our uniform coordinator for your sizes. Once all your paperwork has been cleared you will be given your uniform and gear.

What equipment will I need?
After you complete Regional Referee Training (plus Safe Haven & Concussion Training), you are ready for mentoring and covering your first game. We’ll provide you with a standard uniform and equipment…

• Jersey
• Shorts
• Socks
• Whistle w/lanyard
• Match Report Wallet
• Flags

Team Volunteer Point System
AYSO 111 San Clemente. We rely 100% on volunteers. It is important that everyone continue to help keep our region great!