Team requirements for the 2011 season

Who can become a referee?

What will I learn at the referee clinic?

When are the 2011 clinics?

I've looked at the referee class schedule and I can't make every night, what do I do?

What are the physical requirements?

I don't know how to even play soccer...how can I possibly referee?

How many games will I be expected to do?

What if I try one game and decide I am not cut out to be a referee?

What about equipment?

I worry about being yelled at, or making a mistake.

Can I coach and referee?

What other requirements are there to become a referee?

What is the referee point system for this year?

I dont remember my password to the Referee Signup System...What do I do?

I have more questions, not addressed in the FAQ. Who should I talk to?

Team requirements for the 2011 season - In order for the Region to have a successful season, the referee program is introducing a Sportsmanship/Referee Standing System. [back to FAQ's]

Who can become a referee? - There are no prerequisites. Any adult or youth, who is 12 years or older when the season begins, may become a referee [back to FAQ's]

What will I learn at the referee clinic? - The Regional Referee Course teaches new referees how to start, manage and end a soccer game and to keep the game fair, fun and safe. You'll learn the laws of the game, the signals, and the basic skills of refereeing. Each referee is given a Law Book and a work book, plus all the equipment needed to referee a game.
[back to FAQ's]

When are the 2011 clinics? -

To find out when there are referee classes scheduled in our Area, please contact George Anthony.

How do I sign up? - If you are interested, send an email with your name, phone number and what clinic dates you want to attend. [back to FAQ's]

I've looked at the referee class schedule and I can't make every night, what do I do? - The course is taught in modules, so if an individual cannot complete the entire set of modules they can continue in a later session without having to retake the entire course. [back to FAQ's]

What are the physical requirements? - There are no physical requirements needed to earn a Regional Referee Badge; however there is physical activity required in order to referee. New referees are placed in games for youths that are under 10 year old. New referee do not start out in the center, they are placed on the sideline with the task of judging when the ball goes out of play and signaling offside. About 50% of the time, the line referee will be walking, 25% of the time the referee will need to jog and from time-to-time, the line referee will need to run fast enough to keep up with a seven to nine year old. U10 games are 50 minutes long. Every 12-1/2 minutes there is a two to five minute break while the teams substitute players onto the field.
[back to FAQ's]

Since I don't know much about soccer...how could I possibly referee? - The majority of new adult who join the referee program have no experience at all. That's why AYSO provides a comprehensive, interesting and complete training program. Virtually all of the senior referees you see on the field knew nothing about soccer when they took their Regional Referee Course. [back to FAQ's]

How many games will I be expected to do? - Once you get past that first game, we'd like you to try and do a total of 7 games in our ten week season or nine games in a 12 week season. All we ask is for you to try it. The majority of referees actually find it exciting and exhilarating--plus its great exercise[back to FAQ's]

What if I try one game and decide I am not cut out to be a referee? - Frankly, that rarely happens, but if it does, we will respect your decision. Part of our mission is to help you get past the initial confusion and concern that you might have in trying something new. We provide on the field mentors and we will have an onsite monitor who is there to help you.
[back to FAQ's]

What about equipment? - Region 15 provides the jersey, shorts, socks, whistle and flags. You'll need to provide your own black shoes and watch with a timer. Three or four times during the season, we'll even buy your dinner. [back to FAQ's]

I worry about being yelled at, or making a mistake. - Relax. As a new assistant referee, you'll be teamed up with an experienced center and for your first several games, a mentor will run the line with you. There will also be an onsite monitor at the field. [back to FAQ's]

Can I coach and referee? - Yes. About 40% of our referees are or have been coaches. [back to FAQ's]

What other requirements are there to become a referee? - All volunteers that are in contact with the youth players (referees, coaches, assistant coaches, administrators, etc) must take a one time Safe Haven Clinic and are required to submit a yearly volunteer form. [back to FAQ's]

What is the referee point system for this year? - This year Center Referees earn 1 point and Assistant Referees earn .5 point for each game worked for a maximum of three (3) points a weekend. [back to FAQ's]

I dont remember my password to the Referee Signup System...What do I do? - Go to the signin page and click on the forgot password link under the password box. Enter your user name and a new password will be sent to you via email. [back to FAQ's]

I have more questions, not addressed in the FAQ. Who should I talk to? - Go straight to the Referee Administrator, George Anthony. You can send an email to ra@ayso-region15.org
[back to FAQ's]