1. The game requires volunteer referees
And every AYSO parent is expected to volunteer for something. Why not volunteer for the most fun and learning experience?
2. Fresh air and exercise!
You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to be an AYSO Referee. A moderate level of fitness is all that is required. And unlike your local fitness center, you are outdoors, and it’s free!
3. No experience necessary!
You don’t need to be a former soccer player or be a student of the game; we will teach you everything you need to know. A few hours online and in a classroom, a couple of hours field training, and ongoing support and mentoring by experienced AYSO referees will get you started.
4. Your time is our time!
We all have busy lives: work, family, other community activities and responsibilities. The time committment to be an AYSO Referee is pretty manageable … and flexible. Before the season starts, new referees are asked to spend 7-10 hours over several days (with a choice of dates) one time to complete their training. Once the season starts, all we ask is that you spend an hour (or less, for younger age groups) as a referee. If you are a Team Referee for a U7 or U8 team, it’s easy … you get to referee your own child’s home games. For U10-U14 team referees, you will referee other matches (not your own child's) but you have more flexibility: you can schedule yourself for a game at a time and level which fits into your own schedule and experience.
5. We provide almost everything you need!
In addition to the free training, AYSO provides every referee with a complete uniform (jersey, shorts and socks) and basic equipment (whistle, flipping coin, signal flag). All you need are comfortable shoes, a watch … and your enthusiasm.
6. You’re never too old, too young, or the wrong gender!
AYSO Referees range in age from their early teens to their seventies and beyond. Moms and dads, siblings, and grandparents … all enjoy the AYSO Referee experience. Yes, we would love to have more lady referees … after all, almost half our players are girls who would love the role model of a lady referee.
7. It’s fun!
Sure, it’s a bit scary the first time or two you go out there, with a flag in your hand or a whistle in your mouth. But you will quickly find support and friendship among your new AYSO Referee “family”. Our Region 9 Referee Staff and the entire Region 9 Board are there for you … to answer your questions, to support you if you experience the occasional problem parent.
8. High School Players can get community service credit
Yes, as an all-volunteer not for profit organization, we can verify that hours are spent providing service to the community
9. Comradery
We have a vibrant community of referees that continuously learn and laugh together. Come join the family that can serve you for a lifetime.
10. Leadership training
Refereeing can start off as a referee for non-competitive games or as an assistant referee for the competitive levels. As you master that level, there are additional levels to master. Each new level can help you improve your management skills and give you more confidence in other parts of your life.
11. Zero-Tolerance Policy of Harassment and Abuse
Region 9 has a Zero-Tolerance Policy. You do not need to "suck it up" or take abuse of any kind while volunteering for your community. I mean, how long will you continue if it continues? Report any abuse or harassment. See: zero-tolerance policy