Confused on soccer rules and referee calls? Want to learn how the "beautiful game" of soccer is played? Or are you interested in volunteering to referee? Follow the links at bottom of page for easy understanding of soccer rules. Interested in becoming a volunteer referee, more information coming soon.
Interested in becoming a referee:
Set up a volunteer profile and pick "referee" as the volunteer role. Follow the links to AYSOU and complete the online training for "regional referee". All volunteers are required to take additional training for safety protocols and pass a background check. AYSO Region 1096 Soccer will pay the background check processing fee.
We also offer in-person regional referee training, and have our own certified referee trainer, but start with the on-line training. Be on the lookout via email and Facebook for future in-person training classes.
New referees will receive their first referee kit (game cards, whistle, yellow/red cards and card wallet) upon completion of the certifcation course. Returning referee volunteers will earn upgrades to their equipment for each year they return.
We highly encourage our older players to become Youth Volunteer referees. Not only do they gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rules of the game, but they gain confidence and necessary leadership and management skills needed as they grow to young adults! Youth Volunteers will begin as referees for local, Region 1096, 8U games and will progress to older age groups through assessment by our Referee Instructor and Referee Administrator. Youth Volunteers are limited to the number of games they may referee each week to a maximum of two so as not to affect their own performance on the pitch as players.
Even if you are not interested in refereeing, it is highly encouraged that parents familiarize themselves with the rules so they may better understand how and why certain calls are made on the field. Remember, our referees are volunteers, they do not get paid, and they are human! Mistakes may happen on the field, and there will be disagreements about calls, or lack of calls. Before contacting the Regional Coordinator or Referee Administrator, take the time to understand the rules. You might be surprised what you learn!