Referee FAQs
Common questions from Region 13 referees.
Getting Started
Do I need experience to referee?
No. AYSO provides training for all new referees. The courses teach you the rules and techniques you need.
What certification do I need?
- For 6U-8U games: 8U Official certification
- For 10U and above: Regional Referee certification
How long is the training?
- 8U Official: 4-hour in-person class
- Regional Referee: Full day (approximately 8 hours)
What age can youth start refereeing?
Players can become certified referees at age 10. Youth referees work games for age groups below their own.
Game Day
What if I cannot make my assigned game?
- Coordinate with your team’s volunteers first
- Contact the opposing team
- If still unresolved, contact your Division Referee Administrator
What equipment do I need?
- Referee uniform (jersey, shorts, socks)
- Whistle
- Watch or timer
- Referee cards (yellow and red)
- Coin for toss
- Game card
Uniforms are available through the region. Contact ref-uniforms@ayso13.org for uniform issues.
Who do I contact on game day?
- Game-day emergencies: 626-702-AYSO
- Field issues: Rolf at 818-636-5395
Certification and Advancement
How do I advance to a higher certification level?
Each level requires game experience, higher exam scores, and field assessments. See Referee Training for the full pathway.
Are refresher courses required?
No. Refresher courses are offered but not mandatory.
Contact
- Email: referee@ayso13.org
- Phone: 626-316-6900
Related Pages
- Ask the Referee — Submit rules questions, browse past answers
- Refereeing Overview — Getting started
- Referee Training — Certification
- Laws of the Game — Official rules
- Referee Scheduling — Game assignments
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