Palo Alto AYSO
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Q: Who are the referees?Who are the referees? Why can't I yell at the referee? What training is provided for referees? What is Safe Haven ? When are the referee clinics? Do I have to buy my own uniform? Can I referee my own child's games? When are the games? How are referees assigned to games in U6? How are referees assigned to games in U7, U8, and U9? How are referees assigned to games in U10? How are referees assigned to games in U12 and U14? How are referees assigned to games in U16 and U19? How do I volunteer for assignments? How do I find out what my assignments are? What if I have a problem at a game with a coach or a spectator? Do I really want to do this? Who will answer my other questions? The Referee section has many resources for 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-7 through Under-10 age groups must have one and preferably two certified referees. Under-11 and 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 U7/U8/U9 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.
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 Palo Alto 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. In addition, there is an online class. 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 and September. As soon as it becomes available every year, the full clinic schedule is posted in the referee pages.
Q: Do I have to buy my own uniform?
A: No. Once you complete your training, you will be provided with a free uniform (including jersey, shorts, and socks), hat, badge, whistle, flags, and a copy of the most current edition of the Laws of the Game .
Q: Can I referee my own child's games?
A: Absolutely. You can be the center referee in your own child's games up through games in the U10 division. In U12 through U19, you can be one of the assistant referees for your child's games.
A: All games are played on Saturdays, except for U16 and U19 games, which are played on Sundays.
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 U7, U8, and U9?
A: Games in U7, U8, and U9 are self-assigned . For U7, U8, and U9 games, there is only one referee. Every Saturday in U7, U8, and U9, each team splits into two mini-teams . Each U7 and U8 mini-team then plays a short 4 v. 4 game (5 v. 5 for U9) against each of the other team's mini-teams. Each U7, U8, and U9 team must provide a referee for two of the four games every Saturday. One referee can handle this, or the job can be shared.
Q: How are referees assigned to games in U10?
A: Games in U10 are also self-assigned. For U10 games, there are 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 each game for which they are the home team (listed first in the schedule). If they do not, they will be considered to have forfeited the game. The referees at the field work out who will be the assistant referees. Since most parent referees will occasionally be unavailable for a home game (e.g. for travel, illness, etc.), it is therefore recommended that each team obtain (i.e. train) two referees, so they have a backup. These two officials can then run line on away games. In U10 games, you can act as either the referee in the center or as an assistant referee for your own child's games.
Q: How are referees assigned to games in U12 and U14?
A: The U12 and U14 Referee Commissioners assign referees to games in U12 and U14, using the WebYouthSoccer assigning system (see How do I volunteer for assignment?.) At this level, you are only allowed to act as an assistant referee for your own child's games, but you are strongly encouraged to help out with other games as a center referee. The Referee Commissioners will not assign you to games for which you are unavailable or which you have no desire to do. All U12 teams should have at least one parent who is trained and certified as a Regional Referee, and who volunteers to be assigned to U12 games.
Q: How are referees assigned to games in U16 and U19?
A: Because of the high level of play in these divisions, and because games are played against teams from other regions, the Area 2A staff makes all referee assignments for these games using WebYouthSoccer.
Q: How do I volunteer for assignments?
A: At the bottom of the www.ayso26.org home page, you login to WebYouthSoccer, using the username and password you chose when registering as a volunteer. If you cannot login, send email to the Regional Referee Administrator
You should see a Referee tab on the left. Click it. Then click "Referee Preferences". You may enter here the dates, times, and age groups in which you want to referee, whether you want to be a referee or assistant referee, and any other request you want to make to the scheduler.
Q: How do I find out what my assignments are?
A: Login to WYS. On the main referee page you'll find your schedule for the current week. These are usually posted mid-week. Please check the web site, preferably on Wednesday, and confirm or decline your assigned games. It's a good idea to check again later in the week.
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.