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Volunteer to Manage Great Game Experiences

What  Does It Mean to Referee in AYSO?

AYSO has a very clear philosophy -- its games are to be played so that they are a safe, positive, enjoyable, growth experience for the children. However, this is not achieved by adopting idiosyncratic or peculiar rules. AYSO games follow standard, international soccer FIFA Laws of the Game very closely, with only a very few changes to implement AYSO's philosophy (e.g., controlled substitutions to ensure that "Everyone Plays") and, at the youngest age levels, to adapt the game to the physical and mental maturity of the players.


The AYSO season in Palo Alto starts just after Labor Day and continues until some time in November or early December, depending on the age group. The clinics that prepare (or refresh) referees for the season are held during the summer or the first couple of weeks of the Fall (see Clinic Schedule). We hope to see you at one of them!

Why  Should I Referee?

The best reason for being an AYSO Referee is for the kids. Referees play a vital role in keeping the games Safe, Fair and Fun -- what AYSO is all about and why kids enjoy AYSO so much.

But why should YOU do it?  While everyone is welcome, refereeing is especially likely to appeal to you if:

• you like being involved
  
• you enjoy sports, even strange ones (you wish you were playing, instead of just your kids)
• you enjoy (or need!) physical activity (refereeing is a great, light, regular workout)
• you enjoy a challenge (where you pick the level of difficulty)
• you don't have enough time during the week to be a coach
• you want to participate in a sports tradition that is practiced worldwide
  

If any of these describe you, give refereeing a try.

When you do, you'll find out that it's fun! Especially at the younger age levels, AYSO refereeing is not particularly stressful. Your role is to help the kids structure their game as soccer, teach them a bit about the game and the role of the Referee, and, occasionally, to intervene to keep everything fair. Best of all, you get to be out on the field with the kids, enjoying the game from "up close", while everyone else has to watch from the touch lines.

How  Do I Become a Palo Alto AYSO Referee?

To become an AYSO referee, you attend an AYSO referee certification clinic.  They are designed to be quick, easy, and fun to take -- even for those with no prior soccer experience.  The introductory clinics cover the Laws of the Game, the way AYSO soccer games are structured and conducted, and the spirit and philosophy of AYSO.  At these clinics, you can also pick up some things you will need: a copy of the Laws of the Game, the Palo Alto Regional Referee's Handbook, and a referee uniform, a whistle, etc.  Uniforms and equipment are provided.