Welcome to the AYSO Region 660 Referee Program
Welcome to the Region 660 Referee webpage! In order for our program to succeed, volunteers like you are the cornerstone of the AYSO program and are the keys in promoting a FUN, FAIR and SAFE soccer experience for our children. All of us on the Referee staff look forward to an exciting season and would be happy for you to join us on the field and volunteer as a referee this year.
If you would like to contribute to this page or have questions, feel free to contact our Region 660 Referee Staff:
Karl Markowski
Regional Referee Administrator
[email protected]
Volunteering
Region 660 always needs people to volunteer as referees. Your time commitment can be as little as one hour per week. We will provide the training and the equipment. If you are interested in learning more, click here.
• Special note, Youth Referees: We are always interested in having kids 14 years and older volunteer as youth referees. All youth referees go through the same training as adults. Who knows: maybe you’ll end up refereeing at the World Cup, like Mark Geiger, the only American referee http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/from_us_youth_soccer_to_the_2014_fifa_world_cup_referee_mark_geiger/
Training
AYSO offers unrivaled comprehensive training for referees. Because the training is focused on the kids, referee training is more than learning the rules of soccer - it's a multi-dimensional experience.
The Basic Referee courses, which are required elements for all those individuals new to refereeing, emphasize the fundamental elements of the Laws of the Game, namely getting the match started, stopping and restarting play. The required training consists of an online training course that do yourself, followed by a 3 hour classroom course. The class session is offered from time to time. The next session is coming up:
To Be Announced
IMPORTANT: All people attending this training class must have completed the Basic Referee Online Training course before attending the class. The course is available at www.aysotraining.org. To log in, you need your AYSO ID number (available from www.eayso.org). You can do the course at your own speed.
All of our new volunteers begin refereeing games at either the U10 level. Every volunteer who acts as a center or assistant referee takes the same course. We also provide mentoring sessions during the year for those who want to get together and hone their skills.
For those experienced referees seeking to upgrade their badge to either the Intermediate or Advanced level, we encourage you to take one of the Intermediate or Advanced Referee courses that are typically offered within Area 14J. Ask anyone on the Referee Staff for information about attending one of these advanced classes.
Costs
In AYSO there is no out-of-pocket cost in becoming a referee. We only ask that you invest your time to help promote a FUN, FAIR and SAFE environment for our kids. Once you have completed the Basic Referee class, you will be provided a complete uniform and accessory kit needed in order to get you off to the right start in your first match.
Referee Equipment
New referees: after the Basic Referee class, before your first match, pick up your Regional Referee badge and uniform. We provide a gold jersey with black stripes, black shorts, white-striped black socks, and a black hat. You provide black shoes and a chronograph wristwatch. You will also receive an accessory kit (referee whistle, match coin, card wallet) and a set of flags.
We want you to wear the correct uniform while officiating. Yes, we have a referee dress code: “Look like a professional referee.” Our appearance and attitude reflect our commitment and responsibilities. We provide positive examples for our kids, their families, and their coaches. Random clothing and untucked jerseys earn less respect.
Referees who commit to do at least 8 games in the year require a larger selection of jersey colors. We will reward you with at least one new referee shirt in a different color.
We appreciate all of you; tell us what you need. Send an email, describe the item/s you want; include size/s and color/s if applicable. Sizes range from Adult XS to XXL for most clothing. Ask about special orders.
You will be part of a Team
As a referee, every time you step on a field, you are part of a referee team with your other referees. You are also part of a team for the game, made up of the Players, Coaches, Parents and Refeees.
A great podcast on this subject from Tom Bobadilla, AYSO’s National Referee Administrator and a former FIFA referee from the United States: https://play-positive.libertymutual.com/media/podcasts-1?id=26
Referee Documents
AYSO & USSF Documents - English
Spanish
Important Links