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.

Referee In-Person CLASSES available for 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U!
Email Referee Administrator for in-person training
Location is at Lightfoot Fields

You must have a completed volunteer form and complete the Safe Haven and Concussion Awareness courses (online) before taking referee sessions. To view and register for courses, navigate to 'My Account' and click on 'Volunteer' then click on 'AYSOU'. This will re-direct you to the AYSO Learning Library. From there click on 'Training Library'.

Once the required courses are complete please contact the Referee Administrator at [email protected] to schedule your in-person training.

Referee Requirements
1. Current AYSO Volunteer Form must be completed (each year)
2. Safe Haven
3. CDC Concussion
4. Referee Certification: In-person session -Online course (only if in-person not avail)

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?

Ron Komraus, 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. Navigate to 'My Account'
2. Log in using your AYSO Volunteer ID and password
3. Click on 'Volunteer'
4. Click on 'AYSOU' (this will re-direct you to the AYSO Learning Library
5. Click on 'Training Library'
6. Locate the category you wish to receive training in and click 'View Courses'
7. Now you can 'Enroll' in the training you wish to receive.

For in-person Referee Training, contact the Referee Administrator at [email protected].

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

Safe Haven
All AYSO Referees must complete the Safe Haven certification (online). 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.