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American Youth Soccer Organization Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

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BECOME A REFEREE

KEEPING THE GAME SAFE, FAIR, AND FUN

Why become an AYSO Referee? Being out on the field working with kids is great exercise and a lot of fun. For junior high and high school students who need to earn community service hours, refereeing is a rewarding way to give back while helping younger players learn and enjoy the game.

Referees are critical to soccer—the game cannot be played without them. The referee is the official in charge of the match and serves as an independent arbiter and manager of the game. A referee’s authority extends to everyone at the field, including players, substitutes, team officials, spectators, and assistant referees.

The referee’s number one responsibility is player safety. While there is inherent risk in all sports, referees work to minimize those risks related to field conditions, equipment, spectators, and player behavior. Referees enforce the Laws of the Game in a way that keeps soccer safe, fair, and fun for everyone involved—players, coaches, spectators, and referees alike.

Referees are trained to interfere with the game as little as possible, avoiding calls for doubtful or trifling offenses. Calls are made only when the referee is confident an infraction has occurred.

We want our players to continue playing soccer, and they will do so as long as the game remains fun. Referees learn that what makes soccer enjoyable varies by age group, and they adapt their approach accordingly.

If you are interested in becoming a referee, please contact:

REFEREE ADMINISTRATOR / ASSISTANT REGIONAL COMMISSIONER

Logan Langbelle
Email: [email protected]

REFEREE SCHEDULER
Laurie Clayton
Email: [email protected]

REGISTER TO REFEREE AT: inleague.playsoccer.org


HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER/ REFEREE/ YOUTH REFEREE

THIS IS FOR BOTH ADULT AND YOUTH REFEREES

Each volunteer must take the following step to become certified. (New AND Returning)
1) Register as a volunteer
  VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

Each New (but NOT if Returning) volunteer must ALSO take the following steps...
2) Begin online training at: http://aysou.org
     (a) Login using your Blue Sombrero/Sports Connect user name and password
     (b) Click the "My Courses" tab on the left side of top bar
     (c) There are three courses to complete, totaling about 40-60 minutes each. (Once you complete them, most of the Basic Online Training is done. Additional training is optional, but required for older age groups.)
          (i) AYSO's Safe Haven
          (ii) CDC: Concussion Course
          (iii) Regional Referee Training

REFEREE CERTIFICATION COURSES ARE HELD IN OUT REGION AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY SEASON. PLEASE WATCH THIS SPACE FOR NEXT BASIC/ REFRESHER/ INTERMEDIATE COURSE AVAILABILITY. 

Online certifications are also available on AYSOU.

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AYSO REGION 425

PO BOX 575 
Winnetka, Illinois 60093

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