Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

AYSO Region 161 - Port Huron MI

Referee Training and Certification

ALL mandated TRAINING for AYSO 161 volunteers is FREE! If your course has a fee attached, contact the RC or Referee Administrator to receive a voucher or reimbursement to cover the fee.

You must have a completed volunteer form and complete the Safe Haven and concussion awareness courses (online or in-person) before taking referee sessions.

For the on-field portion, please wear appropriate attire and bring a soccer ball. If outdoors, bring a hat, plenty of water and sunblock.

Referee Requirements
1. Current AYSO Volunteer Form must be completed (each year)
2. Safe Haven (Online @ AYSOU or in-person) - prerequisites: none
3. CDC Concussion (Online @ AYSOU) - prerequisites: none - refresher course must be taken at least every 3 yrs
4. Referee Certification: In-person course (preferred) -Online course (only if in-person not avail) - prerequisites: none

Referee Safe Haven In-Person CLASSES available - PICK ONE:
N/A - (please take class at AYSOU)

Referee In-Person CLASSES available - PICK ONE:
8U Referee
Mon, Aug 19 6:00-9:00pm @ Lightfoot Fields (please register at AYSOU)

Regional Referee (Part 1 and Part 2 - In Person Training)
Sat, Aug 10 - AYSO Area C Super Camp - Memphis (please register at AYSOU) - Time and Location TBA

Regional Referee - Part 2 - Online Companion Course* (Part 1 Online & Part 2 In-Person Training)
Wed, Aug 21 6:00-9:00pm @ Lightfoot Fields (*please take Regional Referee Course online at AYSOU and register for Pt 2 at AYSOU)

Certification Levels for Referees

There are the six certification levels for AYSO referees. Here is a brief description of the requirements for each:

8U Official
(minimum age 10)
Complete the 8U Official Course and pass the 8U Official Exam.

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

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 12U games, complete the Intermediate Referee Course, pass the Intermediate Referee Exam and be (observed) mentored in a 12U game.

Advanced Referee
(minimum age 16)
Complete 50 games as referee with at least 10 in 14U and five as an assistant referee (in 14U), complete the Advanced Referee Course, pass the Advanced Referee Exam, pass one assessment as referee and one as assistant referee in a 14U match, pass the AYSO Physical Fitness Test.

National Referee
(minimum age 18)
Complete 100 games as referee with at least 30 in 16U/19U games and 25 as Assistant Referee with at least 10 in 19U, complete the National Referee Course, pass the National Referee Exam, pass two assessments as referee in 16U or 16U matches and one as assistant referee in a 19U match, complete the AYSO Physical Fitness Test.

Region 161 Referee Administrator

Referee Questions or Concerns?

Jean Chapdelaine, Referee Administrator
[email protected]

HOW TO REGISTER for A COURSE
Note: Use your PC/laptop/tablet - not your phone
It is important that you register for your chosen course ahead of time so we can be sure we have the needed materials for you. To find available classes and register online:

1. Click on the AYSOU button on the home page of this website, or go to http://aysou.org.
2. Log in using your AYSO Volunteer ID and password
3. Click on 'My Courses'
4. Locate the 'Instructor Led Courses' folder and click the Open button to it's right
5. Locate the 'Referee Instructor Led Courses' folder and click the Open button to it's right.
6. Locate the class you wish to attend (for example: Basic Regional Referee). Click on the Sessions button to it's right.
7. You will be presented with a list of available classes, sorted in date order. Usually you will be looking for a local class in 8/C/0161 Port Huron area but you can register for any class you choose. Near or far.
8. Click on the class title to expand the details section and expose some more specific information about the class. For example the address, the prerequisites and what equipment to bring.
9. Click the Register button to the right of the session you wish to attend. The Register button will disappear and be replaced with a label indicating that you are registered for the class.

If you need to un-register for a class, click the white space to the left of where it says Registered. That will expand the class details and expose an Unregister button.

All you need to do now is show up for the class and learn something cool and new. When the class is over, your instructor will ensure that you receive credit for your attendance and the certificate will appear on your volunteer record.

Any questions or problems, contact the Referee Administrator at [email protected]

Safe Haven
All AYSO Referees must complete the Safe Haven certification (online or in-person). This ensures that the well-being of the child is placed first, the philosophies of AYSO are understood and teaches the coaches risk management to avoid putting themselves in positions hazardous to themselves and the children. It is also part of the requirements to be covered under the Volunteer Protection Act.