Although all AYSO Referees are volunteers, they are highly trained. A Regional Referee must attend an all day course before they can be certified as an AYSO Referee. Although AYSO is a “coach driven” organization, without a certified AYSO referee, the game is not played.   Referees that upgrade their badge prove that they are the top rated AYSO referees and officiate higher level AYSO matches. Many professional referees started in AYSO, just like many professional players!

 

Regional Referee (minimum age 12)
Complete the Basic Referee Course and pass the Regional Referee Exam.

Intermediate Referee (minimum age 14)
Complete 25 games as referee with at least five in U-12 games, complete the Intermediate Referee Course, pass the Intermediate Referee Exam and be (observed) mentored in a U-12 game.

Advanced Referee (minimum age 16)
Complete 50 games as referee with at least 10 in U-14 and five as an assistant referee (in U-14), complete the Advanced Referee Course, pass the Advanced Referee Exam, pass one assessment as referee and one as assistant referee in a U-14 match, pass the AYSO Physical Fitness Test and do a minimum of five service units (contact your RRA for details).

National Referee (minimum age 18)
Complete 100 games as referee with at least 30 in U-16 and U-19 games and 25 as Assistant Referee with at least 10 in U-19, complete the National Referee Course, pass the National Referee Exam, pass two assessments as referee in U-16 or U-19 matches and one as assistant referee in a U-19 match, complete the AYSO Physical Fitness Test and do an additional five service units (contact your RRA for details).