Referee Frequently Asked Questions
Contacts: Equipment Issues? | Referee Issues? | Coach Issues? | Player or Volunteer Registration Issues? | Player or Volunteer Injury? | Help a Youth Referee? | All Other Issues & Questions
Q: Who are the referees?
A: All the referees are AYSO volunteers. Many referees start when their children are young and move up with them. Referee training is provided for all age groups and levels. In the younger age groups, referees are mostly parents who are new at it. All referees must trained and certified AYSO volunteers.
- 3/4th, 5/6th, & 7/8th: Each team provides at least 2 referees. Referee volunteers can select their own games, even their own child's game. Each game requires 1 referee and possibly 2 assistant referees. When selecting positions in the schedule, volunteers are able to indicate the position, age group they are comfortable refereeing.
Q: Why can't I yell at the referee?
A: Ragging and questioning the referees is not part of AYSO soccer. Remember that this is a game for kids. The kids learn what good sportsmanship looks like from how the adults act as much as what they say. Referees, coaches, all other volunteer parents and friends are out there to see that the game is safe, fair, and fun for the kids.
Q: What training is provided for referees?
A: The Region Referee Course that is suitable for referee volunteers. There are also other courses periodically offered for intermediate and advanced referee certification.
In addition, the online (AYSO U) courses for SafeHaven and Concussion Awareness are offered through AYSO U and are required to taken every year in order to comply with Oregon Law. The Safe Haven training covers safety and child and volunteer protection while the concussion awareness course focuses on the how to recognize a concussion and what to do if one is suspected.
Q: When are the referee clinics?
A: Clinics will be given in September & April. As soon as it becomes available every year, the full clinic schedule is posted on the referee page (here).
Q: Do I have to buy my own uniform?
A: No. Once you complete your training, you will be provided with the necessary equipment for the level of play you will be refereeing.
Q: Can I referee my own child's games?
A: You can choose to referee any position for your child's game. You can feel free to select your games within an hour of your child's games, making it convenient to watch and enjoy your own child's game.
Q: What if I have a problem at a game with a coach or a spectator?
A: Report to the Referee Administrator(s) [look for the blue jerseys]. The referee is the ONLY authority in all matters on the field: a warning or request is often enough to address problem behavior, but you do have the authority to remove coaches and spectators from the game, and also have the option of terminating the game.
Q: Who will answer my other questions?
A: The best people to start with are the Referee Administrators. The Referee Administrators work closely with the Coach Administrator(s), Volunteer Advocate(s), and all members of the board to continually improve the AYSO training, programs, and experience. All members of the regional referee staff are happy to answer your questions. (See Contacts at the top of this page)
