Click on ( Calendar Of Events button ) To see information on Dates for Referee training!!!!!!

FIFA Laws of the Game 2006

AYSO Referee Law Changes

http://www.aysohelp.org/referee/lawchanges2006.pdf

AYSO HELP Web Site Link - For Referee and Coaches

http://www.aysohelp.org/

The National Referee Commission felt the AYSO referee designations and referee badges should better reflect the training and experience of referees, and voted that effective April 15, 2003 that the designations would be:

U8 Official (formerly Referee)

Assistant Referee (unchanged from Assistant Referee)

Regional Referee (Stayed the Same)

Intermediate Referee (formerly Area Referee)

Advanced Referee (formerly Section Referee)

National Referee (National 2 and National 1)

New Badges

The new badges will be black and gold in color. Look for an announcement soon on when they will be available. Existing referee badges may be worn during the transition to the new badges

Referee Course Information

Two Basic Referee Courses will be offered: (3 days are required for certification, there will be two sets of nights you may attend.)

2004 - 05 Referee Course Information will be available soon, please check back.

Returning Referee Information

Returning Referee please check back for key information. 

Referee FAQ

Q:  Who are the referees?

A: All volunteers, they are us. 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. Each team in the Under-10, Under-12 teams must have one certified referee.

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: There are several kinds of clinics: the introductory course for U8 referees; the basic Regional Referee certification course; upgrade clinics; refresher clinics; and Safe Haven clinics. Safe Haven training, which covers safety and child and volunteer protection, is an essential part of the training for AYSO referees. The referee clinics page describes the different clinics in more detail.

Q:  What is  Safe Haven ?

A: AYSO has made a commitment to their participants to provide a safe place for children to play and compete. The referee has a responsibility to help make our environment safe, as well as fun. We have developed materials that will instruct the referees in Visalia Region 129 on what we mean by a safe haven and how we can all participate in making the AYSO experience a positive one for our kids. Safe Haven certification is mandatory for all AYSO coaches and referees on a nation-wide basis, and can be obtained by attending a clinic where Safe Haven training is offered. A referee who has been Safe Haven  certified  will be entitled to legal indemnity for work as a referee under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.

Q:  When are the referee clinics?

A: Clinics will be given in August. As soon as it becomes available every year, the full clinic schedule is posted in the referee or Calendar of Events Pages.

Q:  Do I have to buy my own uniform?

A: No. Once you complete your training, you will be provided with a free Referee shirt (T-Shirt), whistle, and a copy of the most current edition of the  Laws of the Game . ( Once you have completed the required number of games, usually 10 games) you will receive your Official uniform (including jersey, shorts, and socks), hat and badge.  You will also be given a copy of Region 129's  Referee Handbook  which gives complete details of all refereeing procedure in Visalia Region 129 AYSO, and which is a gold mine of useful information on refereeing youth soccer in general.

Q:  Can I referee my own child's games?

A: Yes But, Your team will not get credit for your game. In order to get credit you must referee other teams. You can be the center referee in your own child's games ( for example if your games referee does not shows up) , but our policy is that your team does not get credit.  Ask your referee administrator about this if you still have questions.

Q:  When are the games?

A: All games are played on Saturdays.

Q:  How are referees assigned to games in U6?

A: There are no referees in U6 (Kinder League); instead, the coaches facilitate U6 games.

Q:  How are referees assigned to games in U8?

A: Games in  U8 are assigned referee's just like all the others.  The Referee stand has a schedule where volunteer referee's sign up for games..

Q:  How are referees assigned to games in U10?

A: Games in U10 are also self-assigned. For U10 games, there are hopefully three referees, one in the center and two assistant referees on the touch lines. Each U10 team is required to provide a certified Regional referee for their team. The referees at the field work out who will be the assistant referees.  Parents or other volunteers end up helping a lot.  That's because we never seem to have enough referee's available.

Q:  How are referees assigned to games in U12?

A: Same as U10.  3 Hopefully

Q:  How are referees assigned to games in U14 and U16?

A: Same as U10.  3 Hopefully

Q:  How are referees assigned to games in U19?

A: Because of the high level of play in U19, we try real hard to provide 3 experienced referee's for these games. 

Q:  What if I have a problem at a game with a coach or a spectator?

A: Report to the Referee Coordinator for the appropriate age group all incidents in which a coach or a spectator behaves in a way that makes a game something other than a safe, positive, enjoyable, growth experience for the children.

Q:  Do I really want to do this?

A: Yes!

Q:  Who will answer my other questions?

A: The best person to start with is the Referee Coordinator for your division, but all members of the regional referee staff are happy to answer your questions.