Referees
^ click to access referee scheduling system
(after the game schedules are published at the end of August / beginning of September)
Watch this Referee Assignment Instructions video for how to setup your referee profile (to be done EVERY YEAR if you want to give a team credit for your ref points) and to sign up for games.
Click Here to view AYSO Referee Guidelines
Click Here to view AYSO Summary of Changes to the Laws of the Game 2022-2023
Click here for 12 Rules for Region 58 Referees
Click here for Game Card Instructions
Click here for the IFAB Laws of the Game
Click here for the IFAB Laws of the Game Mobile App for iPhone or Android
Welcome from: AYSO REGION 58 REFEREE STAFF
Welcome to the Region 58 Referee webpage! In order for our program to succeed, volunteers such as yourself are the cornerstone of the AYSO program and are the keys in promoting a FUN, FAIR and SAFE soccer experience for our children. All of us on the Referee staff look forward to an exciting season and would be happy for you to join us on the field and volunteer as a referee this year.
If you would like to contribute to this page or have questions, feel free to contact our Region 58 Referee Staff:
Training
AYSO offers unrivaled comprehensive training for referees. Because the training is focused on the kids, referee training is more than learning the rules of soccer - it's a multi-dimensional experience.
The Regional Referee courses, which are required elements for all those individuals new to refereeing, emphasize the fundamental elements of the Laws of the Game, namely getting the match started, stopping and restarting play.
For those interested in joining the referee ranks, the required training consists of a full-day course or 2 half-day (evening) classes that are designed for individuals refereeing in the 10U division or higher. No advance preparation is required and all course materials will be provided on the day of the class. Refreshments will be provided, along with lunch at the all-day classes.
Completion of the Basic Referee course certifies that you may referee an AYSO soccer match; however, all of our new volunteers begin refereeing games at either the 6U/8U or 10U level. Every volunteer who acts as a center or assistant referee takes the same course, providing Region 58 with well trained referee corps. Specialized instruction for assistant referees is included in the full-day course. In addition to our on-the-field mentoring program for new referees, we hold workshops during the regular season for those who wish to hone their skills and referee at a higher level later on.
For those experienced referees seeking to upgrade their badge to either the Intermediate or Advanced level, we encourage you to take one of the Intermediate or Advanced Referee courses that are typically offered within Area 10V. Check the AYSOU Referee Instructor Led Courses website or contact the Regional Director of Referee Instruction for details of these course offerings or ask anyone on the Referee Staff for information about attending one of these advanced classes.
We coordinate our training program with other local AYSO regions. If our training dates are not convenient for you, many of the other regions in the surrounding Van Nuys- Sherman Oaks area offer similar courses that may better fit your schedule. We anticipate that there will be a number of classes from mid-July to mid-September that will be available to you as alternative choices. Check the AYSOU website for class dates, locations and registration information.
Costs
In AYSO there is no out-of-pocket cost in becoming a referee. We only ask that you invest your time to help promote a FUN, FAIR and SAFE environment for our kids. Once you have completed the Regional Referee class, you will be provided a complete uniform and accessory kit needed in order to get you off to the right start in your first match.
Once again, thank you to all who volunteer to be a referee. We appreciate your commitment to our kids and the AYSO program and we will do whatever we can to make this experience as enjoyable and as rewarding as possible. See you on the field! Referees are encouraged to check the web site frequently for updates, announcements and other information.
Referee Equipment
Referee uniforms and supplies are kept in the north equipment storage container near Café 58. We are “open” Saturday mornings between 7 am and 10 am, with longer hours as needed. Ask at the Ref Tent after hours if you absolutely must have something right away; we can often help you. Please allow enough time to pick up equipment well before your games. The best ways to order referee equipment: drop by the container Saturday morning or email.
Yes, we have a referee dress code: “Look like a professional referee.” The Ref Staff requests that you wear the correct uniform while officiating. Our appearance and attitude reflect our commitment and responsibilities. Untucked jerseys, drooping socks, and random articles of clothing earn less respect. We provide positive examples for our kids, their families, and their coaches.
New referees: after the Regional Referee classes, pick up your Regional Referee badge and uniform when you participate in the on-the-field Practical. We provide a canary yellow USSF Soccer Referee style jersey, black shorts, white-striped black socks, and a black cap. You provide primarily black referee or tennis shoes and a chronograph wristwatch. You'll receive an accessory kit (referee whistle, match coin, card wallet) when you center your first match; center refs for 10U or higher matches qualify for a set of flags.
Experienced refs: you should also have a canary yellow USSF style jersey. A women’s cut is available. Our Youth Referees receive a green jersey in addition to the yellow one. Recycle gold jerseys with “thick and thin” stripes or older patterns at the ref equipment container; we provide them to groups that receive donations of players' uniforms. Region 58's “Sunday refs” officiate 16U and 19U games all weekend and receive a larger selection of jersey colors. To further motivate our experienced refs to enhance their skills and advance to the next badge level, Intermediate refs qualify for various upgrades, and Advanced and National refs receive incentives including special jerseys, flags, and gear bags.
Jerseys may last forever, but do you need new socks? Is your cap no longer black? We appreciate all of you; please ask and we'll try to fix you up. Our clothing sizes range from Adult XS to XXL and you may try on items to ensure you get the correct size. We track inventory closely to be able to give you what you need quickly, and we ask that you don’t help yourself. Thank you.
Misconduct
Unfortunately it may occasionally be required to file a Misconduct Report Form in the upper divisions (14U to 19U) or for coaches in the lower divisions. This form is currently available as a PDF file that can be downloaded and then filed with the Regional Ref Administrator at the Ref Tent. Click Here to download the PDF Form. In addition, the misconduct should be documented on the game cards.
AYSO & USSF Documents - English
Important Links