Never reffed before? No problem! AYSO's national training program is outstanding and will prepare you well to referee. Just follow the steps below.
1. Complete an AYSO volunteer application.
All new and returning volunteers need to create a volunteer application. (We're no longer taking applications via eayso.org.) Click the "REGISTER NOW" button above to create a volunteer account. Retain your AYSO member number and password.
2. Sign up for referee training.
You can get trained in Burlingame or, if it fits your schedule better, any nearby region where the appropriate course is offered. More info on dates and times to come.
Basic Referee Training is our recommended course. It prepares you to referee regulation soccer matches at U8 and above. New "basic" referees usually begin as assistant referees (on the touchline) working with an experienced referee (in the center of the field) in the 10U division (8- and 9-year-olds). With experience, basic referees can also officiate 12U division games.
There are two formats for the Basic Referee Training: a classroom/field session and an online/field session. Each format takes about a total of 6 hours to complete.
Complete the online training. For the classroom option, the same information is provided in the classroom. For field sessions, wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can run in. A written test follows the field session and is part of the learning process.
Field session course schedule (a companion to the online course): TBC
Classroom/Field session course schedule: TBC
3. Complete Safe Haven online training.
Complete Safe Haven online training. Safe Haven certification is required for all AYSO volunteers, including youth. It's a one-time requirement, good until the next major curriculum update.
4. Complete Concussion Awareness Training.
AYSO has partnered with the Center for Disease Control to offer online concussion training.