The Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers by Coaches

Training

• How do I sign up to take a class ?
• Why are there different levels of certification ?
• What should I do to prepare before a class ?
• What should I bring to class ?
• How hard is the test ?
• What is observation ?
• What is assessment ?
• How do I request a mentor for my first games ?

Equipment

• How do I get my uniform and equipment ?
• What other equipment will I need ?

Signing Up for Games

• How do I sign up to referee or assistant referee games ?
• How do I get a username and password for the scheduling system ?

Game Time

• What should I bring when I referee a game ?
• How early before a game should I get to the field ?>
• What is a good pre-game field safety check ?
• What should I do if there are no corner flags on the field ?
• What should I do if the goals are not properly secured ?
• What is a good pre-game player check-in process ?
• Who supplies the game balls ?
• What should I do if there is a dog at the field ?

Post-Game

• When do I file an Incident/Match Report ?
• How do I file an Incident/Match Report ?
• Who do I notify if there is a problem with a field ?

Upcoming Referee Training classes offered locally and by Area are listed on the CALENDAR page. Go to the TRAINING SIGNUP page for details on registering for a class at eAYSO.org.

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Why are there different levels of certification?

Being a good referee requires both book knowledge and field experience, and they build on each other. Certification starts with a classroom session, and then you get to work some younger age division games to see the principles in action. Then you come back to the classroom, put your field experience in perspective, and learn some more details on the Laws. Then you go back out and apply the knowledge on the field. And so it goes. This has proven to be the best way to create great referees.

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For the U8 Official and Basic Referee classes, reviewing the RULES & REGS page, the TERMINOLOGY page, and the AYSO MISSION will get you started. For the higher level classes, you should know the Laws of the Game.

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• 2 copies of your signed AYSO Volunteer form from eAYSO.org
• Pen/pencil and notepaper
• Enthusiasm

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The tests at the end of the U8 Official and Basic Referee classes are EASY, and we will hand you the answers during class. We'll even work one-on-one with you to make sure you are comfortable with the material. The tests for Intermediate and Advanced Referee certification are more rigorous, where you need to really know and memorize the Laws of the Game.

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Part of the upgrade to Intermediate Referee certification is an observation session of you working a game by a senior referee or referee assessor. This is to confirm that you are qualified to run the faster-paced games.

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To received an Advanced Referee certification, you must be assessed as a Referee and Assistant Referee in U14 games by an AYSO Referee Assessor. It is a formal procedure with detailed debrief.

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Contact the Regional Referee Administrator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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After you take your first training class and sign up to work your first game, we will coordinate a time to meet you at the referee equipment shed and get you your gear.

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Check out the REFEREE EQUIPMENT page for details.

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Check out the REFEREE SCHEDULING page for details.

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Check out the REFEREE SCHEDULING LOGIN page for details.

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Check out the REFEREE EQUIPMENT page for details.

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How early before a game should I get to the field?

At least 30 minutes.

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• Walk the perimeter of the field looking for safety hazards (glass, sticks, pencils, holes)
• Verify that the goals are properly centered, lined up with the back edge of the goal line, and secured to the ground; ask a coach to fix any problems
• Walk the field looking for safety issues; ask the coach to place low cones on any hazards (mud spots, sprinkler sites)
• Confirm that the corner flags are properly placed and secure; ask a coach to get them if they are missing, or place cones if flags are unavailable

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Ask a coach to get them, or place cones if flags are unavailable.

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Ask a coach to fix any problems. If the goals cannot be properly secured, do not let the game proceed.

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For younger players, where you are trying to establish their mental check list:

• Shirts tucked in; socks pulled up; let's look like soccer players
• Show me a toe to confirm legal soccer cleats
• Everyone has shinguards on underneath their socks; no "roll-overs"
• Follow along with me: check for no finger rings, no earrings, no nose rings, no belly button rings, no necklaces, no bracelets, not watches, no metal clips in the hair
• Safety item: protect the keepers; if they have even one pinky on the ball, back off and let them make the play; if they are on the ground grabbing for the ball, back off; keepers do not want to eat your cleats or the ball today

For older players:

• Have you done your safety check; confirmed your uniform is legal and your jewelry is off
• Protect the keepers
• Play the ball not the player
• A fair charge is fair; fouls and misconduct are problems
• Play the whistle
• Explain substitution procedures as appropriate

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The home team is responsible for providing game balls.

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Dogs are allowed on Aliso Viejo soccer fields.

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If the referee issues any cautions or send-offs, or if a coach or spectator is required to leave the field, or if there is an injury that requires medical attention, the referee must file a Match Report to Area within 24 hours.

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Check out the MISCONDUCT page for details.

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Send an email to the Regional Fields Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it describing the situation.

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