Welcome to the Region 13 Referee webpage! We have one of the largest and best-supported referee programs in the nation consisting of over 500 highly motivated and dedicated volunteers. Each year, many men, women and youths join the referee ranks in Region 13 and begin to share in one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences they will have in AYSO. With over 200 teams making up the 8 age divisions in Region 13, volunteers at all levels including coaches, assistant coaches, team managers and referees are needed 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.
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 U8 Official and Basic 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 either a basic, half-day course for those wishing to referee in the U6/U8 division, or a full-day course that is designed for individuals refereeing in the U10 division or higher. Both of these course offerings are held at many convenient opportunities during the year. 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 U8 Official course certifies that you may officiate any match at the U6/U8 level. Completion of the Basic Referee course certifies that you may referee at any AYSO soccer match; however, nearly all of our new volunteers begin refereeing games at either the U6/U8 or U10 level. Every volunteer who acts as a center or assistant referee takes the same course, providing Region 13 with one of the best trained referee corps anywhere! 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 and clinics during the regular season for those who wish to hone their skills and referee at a higher level later on.
The Referee Instruction Staff has prepared a training schedule of update classes for returning referees. All returning referees who will be serving at the U10 or higher level need to take one of the Laws Update workshops that are offered. There is a refresher course for returning U6/U8 refs, as well as a “U10 Transition” course designed for those U6/U8 referees who are moving on up and will now be officiating matches at the U10 level for the first time. See the Upcoming Referee Events page for further information.
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 AdvancedReferee courses that are typically offered within Area 1C. Periodically check the Region 13 website for details of these course offerings or ask anyone on the Referee Staff for information about attending one of these advanced classes.
Once again, we also hold regular monthly referee meetings beginning in September which incorporate a workshop element focusing on special topics of interest to all referees ranging from game management techniques, effective habits, fouls and offside situations. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend one of these informal, yet informative sessions.
Training Dates
A complete list of referee training dates is available via the Referee Event Calendar. You can register on-line for any of the courses that we offer. While pre-registration is not required for all classes or events, we ask that you take advantage of our on-line registration feature. Advance registration affords us the ability to properly plan for class size, materials, refreshments and the ability to readily notify class participants of any updates to previously posted course information.
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 Pasadena 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 Area 1C website for class dates, locations and registration information.
Cost
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 U8 Official or the Basic 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.
Laws of the Game
- Laws of the Game
- AYSO Basic Soccer Rules
- Region 13 Modifications for U6, U7 & U8
- Region 13 Guidance and Interpretations for U10
- Region 13 Kicks from the Penalty Mark Guidance
- FIFA’s Interactive Guide to Offside Law 11
Helpful Links
- Referee Staff
- Online Referee Game Misconduct Form
- Referee Event Registration
- Referee Team Information Form
- Referee Assignment Guidelines
- Sportsmanship and Ratings Guidelines
- Player Referee Organization (PRO)
- Region 13′s Ask the Ref
Links to Other Soccer Sites for Referees
Reference Materials
- Advice to Referees (from ‘books’ section on this page)
- Guide to Procedures for Referees (from ‘books’ section on this page)
- Guidance for Referees and Coaches 2011
Calpress Events 
