Information for Referees

Becoming a youth soccer referee is a rewarding way to stay involved in the sport and help ensure a safe, fair, and fun environment for young players. As an AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) referee, you'll be a key part of the game, making decisions and helping to enforce the Laws of the Game. This role is open to adults of all genders and experienced players aged 12 and up and you can find instructions on becoming a volunteer here.

Becoming a Referee

A referee's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of all players on the field. This means being vigilant about dangerous play and making calls that prioritize the well-being of the children above all else. The motto is "Safe, fair and fun!" The following are key points for aspiring referees to keep in mind:

  • Training and Certification: To get started, you must attend a mandatory four-hour Referee class and pass a simple test on the Laws of the Game. AYSO provides this training, so no prior experience is needed.

  • Embrace the Role: Players and coaches spend a lot of time preparing for games, so they expect a competent referee. Take the role seriously by regularly reviewing the Laws of the Game and discussing calls with fellow referees.

  • Know the Laws and Explain Them: Especially with younger age groups, referees are encouraged to teach the Laws to the players. A brief explanation of a call can help everyone understand the rules better. While it's okay for players to ask questions before the game, avoid coaching them; your role is to explain the Law, not to teach soccer strategy.

  • Manage Game Atmosphere: Be prepared to handle situations where coaches or spectators might become antagonistic. Referees have the authority to suspend or even terminate a game if an unruly individual refuses to leave the field area.

  • Report Incidents: Any significant discipline issues, such as yellow cards, red cards, or harassment from coaches or spectators, should be immediately reported to the Regional Referee Administrator. This ensures proper follow-up and maintains the integrity of the league.

The Assistant Referee

While many games use a single referee, having trained assistant referees (ARs) provides an extra set of eyes and greatly improves the accuracy of calls, especially for things like offside offenses. ARs work in conjunction with the main referee and have specific duties and mechanics to follow.

Key Responsibilities

  • Calling the Ball In and Out: Indicate when the ball has gone out of play over the touch lines (for a throw-in) or goal lines (for a corner kick or goal kick).

  • Signaling Offside: Maintain a position even with the second-to-last defender to correctly spot and signal an offside offense.

  • Verifying Goals: Turn and run towards the center line when a goal is scored to confirm it was valid.

  • Indicating Fouls: Alert the referee to fouls or misconduct they may not have seen, using a quick flag shake and making eye contact.

  • Handling Substitutions: Manage player substitutions on your side of the field.

Essential Mechanics & Tips

  • Flag Position: Hold your flag straight down at your side, typically in your left hand, so you can easily switch it below your waist to signal with the other hand without crossing your body.

  • Signaling: Before making any signal, stop and face the field. Your flag is an extension of your arm, so hold your wrist straight.

  • Communication: Make frequent eye contact with the referee, especially when you signal. Remember, your role is to "assist, don't insist." The referee's decision is final, so if they don't agree with your signal, simply lower your flag and resume your position.

  • Movement: Use a side-stepping motion along the touch line to get the best view of the game. Turn and run only when you need to cover a lot of ground quickly.

Referee Scheduling

How do I sign up for games?

You can use the Referee Self-Scheduler on the inLeague website. Follow these steps:

  1. Log in at https://inleague.brooklynayso.org/app/welcome.

  2. Click Referees on the menu bar, then Referee Schedule Signup.

  3. Find the game(s) you want to officiate and click SIGN UP under the CR column. Your name will appear with a PENDING status.

What if I don't see the Referees menu?

This means you are not designated as a referee volunteer. To fix this:

  1. On the home page, click My Volunteer Preferences

  2. Check the box next to Volunteer Prefs: Referee.

  3. Select the division(s) you prefer to work in.

  4. Click Update Volunteer Preferences to save your changes.

How far in advance can I schedule myself?

You can schedule yourself for the entire season as soon as the games become available, which is typically just before opening day.

Who gets first choice of a game?

The first referee to sign up for an open slot gets the game.

What if a game I want is already taken?

Please try to select another game. If you feel strongly about working a specific game, especially if it's your child's, you can email the Referee Administrator to see if they can accommodate you.

What if I accidentally sign up for the wrong game?

While your request is in the PENDING state (before Friday at 9 p.m. for the upcoming weekend's games), you can remove your name by clicking the REMOVE button next to the game.

If the game has already been approved and the status is ASSIGNED, you must email the Referee Administrator to request that your assignment be removed.

What if I have to cancel an assignment?

It's no problem—we know schedules can be unpredictable. Simply follow the instructions above to remove your assignment request.

Do I need permission to referee a game in an older division?

No, you can sign up for games in any division. The Referee Administrator will review the assignments before approval to ensure each referee is qualified for the games they've selected.

My child wants to be a Youth Referee. How can they sign up for games?
Follow the steps here to register your child as a new youth referee volunteer, then sign up for a game as described above.