Announcement
Referee Training Sessions are coming up on July 18 and August 15. Click here for more information.
Is your child 12 years or older??? Did you know that they can take the AYSO Referee class and become a certified Youth Referee? This is a great way to explore a different avenue of soccer. Youth referees cover the U8 games on Saturday mornings.
Contact Mike Hodes with any questions at mhodes@hkp-customs.com.
Referee FAQ
Q: Who are the referees?
A: All volunteers, they are us. Many referees start when their children are young and move up with them. Referee training is provided for all age groups and levels. In the younger age groups, referees are mostly parents who are new at it. Remember that this is a game for kids. The kids learn what good sportsmanship looks like from how the adults act as much as what they say. Referees, coaches, all other volunteer parents and friends are out there to see that the game is safe, fair, and fun for the kids.
Q: What training is provided for referees?
A: There are several kinds of clinics: the introductory course for U7/U8/U9 referees; the basic Regional Referee certification course; upgrade clinics; refresher clinics; and Safe Haven clinics. Safe Haven training, which covers safety and child and volunteer protection, is an essential part of the training for AYSO referees. The referee clinics page describes the different clinics in more detail.
Q: What is Safe Haven ?
A: AYSO has made a commitment to their participants to provide a safe place for children to play and compete. The referee has a responsibility to help make our environment safe, as well as fun. We have developed materials that will instruct the referees in Palo Alto on what we mean by a safe haven and how we can all participate in making the AYSO experience a positive one for our kids. Safe Haven certification is mandatory for all AYSO coaches and referees on a nation-wide basis, and can be obtained by attending a clinic where Safe Haven training is offered. A referee who has been Safe Haven certified will be entitled to legal indemnity for work as a referee under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.
Q: When are the referee clinics?
A: Clinics will be given in Spring and Summer. As soon as it becomes available every year, the full clinic schedule is posted in the referee pages.
Q: Do I have to buy my own uniform?
A: No. Once you complete your training, you will be provided with a free uniform (including jersey, shorts, and socks), hat, badge, whistle, flags, and a copy of the most current edition of the Laws of the Game.
Q: Can I referee my own child's games?
A: Absolutely. You can be the center referee in your own child's games up through games in the U10 division. In U12 through U19, you can be one of the assistant referees for your child's games.
Q: When are the games?
A: All games are played on Saturday and Sunday.
Q: How are referees assigned to games in U19?
A: Because of the high level of play in U19, and because U19 games are played against teams from other regions, the referee coordinator usually picks the highest level of referees to work these games.
Q: What if I have a problem at a game with a coach or a spectator?
A: Report to the Referee Coordinator for the appropriate age group all incidents in which a coach or a spectator behaves in a way that makes a game something other than a safe, positive, enjoyable, growth experience for the children.
Q: Do I really want to do this?
A: Yes!
Q: Who will answer my other questions?
A: The best person to start with is the Referee Coordinator for your division, but all members of the regional referee staff are happy to answer your questions.