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.

The referee is responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game in such a way as to keep the game safe, fair and fun for everyone: the players, the coaches, the spectators and themselves. He interferes with the game as little as possible, avoiding making calls for doubtful and trifling offenses. Referees only make calls for offenses they are sure occurred.

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.

If you are ready to become a referee you can follow the guide here or contact us with any questions.

Congratulations on taking the first step in your referee journey!  Whether you have no experience with soccer or a lot, we are here to help you.

After registering as a referee (volunteer role) by following the guide at this link, here are some of the next steps:

• Registering as a volunteer will start the background check process
• You will receive an email from [email protected] at your email address used when registering as a volunteer
• This email will ask you to create an account with Sterling Volunteers and authorize the background check.
• Important Note: If this step is not completed, it will hold up your registration.  If you don't receive the email, please check your spam folder.
• LiveScan (fingerprinting) can be completed at a local store such as a UPS store or at an AYSO event that offers this service.
• You can start this process and make an appointment using this link: LiveScan Link 
• LiveScan is specific to each organization, so it must be performed again for AYSO if you have already had one performed for another organization
• There is a fee (e.g. $25) that is reimbursable by Region 85
• Next, log-in to your AYSO account on this website
• Go to your account, click Volunteer on the left side menu, then at the top of the page click the dropdown titled "Important Information from AYSO"
• Click the link to access the free SafeSport training, the complete the online SafeSport Trained Course (usually about 90 minutes)
• Download the completion certificate from SafeSport
• After completing SafeSport, log-in to your AYSO account on this website
• Go to your account, click Volunteer, click View to the right of your name, then click the AYSOU button to the right of your name
• This will take you to the AYSOU training vault
• Click on the Training Library menu item on the left side of the screen
• Then, find the course category Safe Haven on the screen and click the "View Courses" button in that category
• You will find links for courses titled "AYSO's Safe Haven", "CDC Concussion Awareness", and "Sudden Cardiac Arrest Online" training
• Click on "Enroll" for each of these in sequence and complete these three online courses, which typically take 30-90 minutes each
• For a list of dates when referee training is currently scheduled in Region 85, you can either click the link here or check AYSOU below.
• Next, click on the Training Library menu item again on the left side of the screen
• Then, find the course category "Referees" "Referees" (yes, the one that lists it twice) and click the "View Courses" button in that category
• You will find a link for a course titled "Regional Referee Online + In-Person Companion Course"
• Click on the "Enroll" button and complete the online course which typically takes 3-4 hours
• Next, click on the Training Event menu item on the left side of the screen
• Search the calendar for a "Regional Referee Companion Course" (which may be labeled Part 2) at a date and time that works for your schedule
• By default, the Region 85 filter is applied at the top of the calendar - for courses outside of Region 85, click the X next to the filter
• Find a course date and time that works for your schedule, click on it and the click Enroll
• During the in-person course, the online course is reviewed for any questions, offside is reviewed, and field work is performed
• Also discussed during the in-person course are signing up to referee on Matchtrak, getting referee uniforms and gear, getting a mentor to help you and more

Welcome to refereeing! The referee staff in Region 85 is here to help make refereeing a great experience for you.  Please let us know if you have any questions or need assistance.  You can email us at [email protected].