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.
Rules Questions
Can goalkeepers use their hands anywhere in the penalty area?
Yes. The goalkeeper may use their hands anywhere within the penalty area. The position of the ball determines legality, not the position of the goalkeeper’s feet. Exceptions: the keeper cannot handle a ball deliberately kicked to them by a teammate, thrown directly from a throw-in, or a ball they have already released.
How strictly should I enforce the 6-second rule?
Apply judgment rather than strict counting. Warn the goalkeeper about delays before calling an infraction.
When can attackers cross the buildout line at 10U?
Attackers may cross once the ball is clearly kicked on a goal kick, or when the goalkeeper releases the ball from their hands.
Are toe cleats allowed?
Toe cleats are not blanket-prohibited. Referees should inspect all cleats for dangerous burrs or sharp edges. Soccer-specific cleats are preferred.
Can players wear medical alert bracelets?
Yes, if taped down with only the alert portion visible to prevent finger entanglement. This exception applies only to medical alert bracelets.
What is the difference between throw-ins and kick-ins?
6U uses kick-ins. 7U and 8U require throw-ins.
When are yellow and red cards used?
Cards are typically introduced at 12U. Younger age groups handle misconduct through verbal communication with coaches.
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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]
- Phone: 626-316-6900
Related Pages
- Refereeing Overview — Getting started
- Referee Training — Certification
- Laws of the Game — Official rules
- Referee Scheduling — Game assignments
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