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

Gilbert and East Valley surrounding areas

                    

Become a Referee

Why should you become an AYSO Referee?  We need you.  We can't have games without referees.  More importantly, it's rewarding and working with kids is great fun! 

Referees are critical to soccer - the game can't be played without them. The referee's job is to be the official in charge of the game. He is the independent arbiter and manager of the game. Her authority extends to everyone at the field, including players, substitutes, team officials, spectators, and even assistant referees. 

The referee's No. 1 one concern is to keep the game as safe as possible for the players. While there is risk in all sports, the referee is responsible for minimizing such risks from field conditions, equipment, spectators, and the players. 

We want our kids to continue to play, and they keep playing as long as it is fun. Referees learn that fun soccer varies from age group to age group of players.

Content

REQUIREMENTS TO REFEREE

1.  Volunteer Application and Background Check

Every volunteer (coach, referee, board member, team manager, etc.) must submit a Volunteer Application and Background Check each membership year. A background check screens volunteers’ suitability to work with our participants.


2.  Complete Safe Haven online training

AYSO is proud to present its Safe Haven Program– the first of its kind in youth sports, most notably in soccer. It creates a safe environment for players, volunteers and families to enjoy the beautiful game of soccer.

The #1 priority is player safety. Precautions and guidelines are provided to minimize the occurrence of injuries and to prevent the opportunities for abuses to occur. AYSO’s Safe Haven program has been put in place to protect AYSO players and the volunteers who serve them. The training.

Certification is valid for 3 Years from the certification date. 

 
3.  Complete CDC Concussion online training 

AYSO has partnered with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to use the “Heads Up” Concussion training tools in support of the following guidelines in order to ensure the safety of all our participants.  The AYSO/CDC Coach/Referee Action Plan provides coaches/referees with the signs and symptoms of concussion and the recommended steps to take whenever a player exhibits any sign or symptom.   

Certification is valid for 3 Years from the certification date. 

4.  Complete Referee training  

AYSO 688 periodically offers referee training courses that are FREE to volunteer parents and those 12 y/o or older that want to learn how to referee. This Fall season we will be offering opportunities to take the basic referee class. 

Once games start, before you take to the field, stop by our referee tent and receive a full uniform consisting of referee jersey, shorts and socks - other accessories are available.

TO DO LIST

REFEREE GAME SIGNUP

This is a self assignment program.
Remember the players are counting on you to SIGN UP and SHOW UP!


Forms

Misconduct Referee Report  
(Forward to the Regional Referee Administrator same day)

AYSO USSF cross certification agreement

Upcoming Clinics

AYSO is built on volunteers and without people willing to step up and help out we would not be able to offer our kids a chance to play this great game the AYSO way!

Referees are as critical to soccer as players and coaches. In AYSO, the game can’t be played if there aren’t enough referees. It’s most common for a volunteer to begin their AYSO referee career by refereeing their own child’s game. However, as they learn the Laws of the Game, develop their own techniques for managing players, coaches and fans, and gain an appreciation for how important the role of the referee is to a fun, fair and safe soccer experience, they often find it very rewarding to expand their knowledge and experience through AYSO’s advanced training and certification process.

AYSO’s referee training is considered some of the best in the U.S. and includes both in-person courses in your community and online opportunities. Soccer knowledge is a plus but is certainly not required. The AYSO referee training will give you all you need to know to have a terrific experience on the field.

Referee Training
SIGN UP HERE 
Must attend one session if you have not been trained by AYSO 688/1079 last year.
August 16th - Red Mountain Multigenerational Center, 8am to 2pm
August 23rd - Red Mountain Multigenerational Center, 8am to 2pm

Regional (Basic) Referee Classes

It is important that you go to AYSOU.org to register for live classes in your area or to take the training online. The online training will cost $7 per course while the live training will be provided by the region at no cost. We prefer that you take the training in person. 

Concussion Training Course

All volunteers will be required to complete the Concussion Training Course.

This is a state law. Please take the course offered by AYSO / CDC. The course takes about 30 minutes to complete, and it could make a big difference to a child. We can help athletes stay active and healthy by knowing the facts about concussion and when it is safe for athletes to return to play.
Here is the link to the training:





Information

Who needs training?

Anyone who is going to referee a 10U or older game this season. This includes the U6/U8 coaches/refs, the U10 and U12 center refs, and anyone who will be assisting (line refs or AR's).

Who is responsible for providing referees for each game?

This depends, again, on the age division.

a) 6U division: Both coaches will jointly referee the game.

b) 8U division: Each team is responsible for providing a referee when they are the home team.

c) 10U division: The home team will be responsible for providing a center referee for their own game. Each team is responsible for providing an assistant referee for their own game.

d) 12U through 19U divisions: We will attempt to schedule a center and 2 assistant referees for each game. However, if there are no assistant referees, each team shall provide an assistant for the game.

Please note that ALL referees can do assistant referee duties in the upper divisions.

REFEREE CODE

Always remember that the game is for the players.
Player safety and fair play come first.

Study and learn the laws of the Game and understand the "spirit" of the Laws. Help fellow referees do the same.

Encourage and enforce the AYSO Philosophies of "Everyone Plays," "Positive Coaching" and "Good Sportsmanship."

Respect other referees' decisions and do not publicly criticize another official.

Wear the proper uniform and keep it in good condition.

Maintain good physical condition so you can keep up with the action.

Stay calm when confronted with emotional reactions from players, coaches and parents.

Honor accepted game assignments. In an emergency, find a replacement.

Support good sportsmanship with a kind word to players, coaches and parents of both teams when deserved.

Always be fair and impartial, avoiding conflicts of interest. Decisions based on personal bias are dishonest and unacceptable.

Contacts

Any other questions, please contact us at:

  [email protected]

Terry Welsh - Referee Administrator
Joshua Worley - Referee Instructor

National Partners

Contact Us

AYSO Region 688

 
Gilbert, Arizona  

Email Us: [email protected]
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