Referee Badge Levels and Upgrades
Refereeing is a journey. Everyone starts out as a new volunteer, without an AYSO certification. Some folks played or refereed soccer as youth, some have never touched a soccer ball. Either way, Region 13 is here to help you on your journey and to enjoy being on the pitch with players.
Referee Badges (Levels)
| Badge Level | Minimum Age | Abilities |
| 8U Official | 10 | 6U, 7U, 8U |
| Regional Referee | 12 |
Referee up to 12U Assistant up to 14U |
| Intermediate Referee | 14 |
Referee up to 14U Assistant up to 16U |
| Advanced Referee | 16 |
Referee up to 16U Assistant up to 19U |
| National Referee | 18 | All games |
8U Official
Trained in the fundamental skills needed to officiate short-sided games for players 8 and under of age
8U Requirements:
| Number of Games | None |
| Training | 8U Official Course |
| Testing | 8U Official Exam |
| Assessment or Observation | Not required |
| Fitness Test | Not required |
Regional Referee
Trained in the basic skills needed to referee AYSO matches under the AYSO Edition of the IFAB Laws of the Game and AYSO National Rules & Regulations.
| Number of Games | None |
| Training | Regional Referee Course |
| Testing | 75% or higher on Regional Referee Exam |
| Assessment or Observation | Not required |
| Fitness Test | Not required |
Intermediate Referee
Intermediate Referee: Trained in the skills needed beyond the basic level to referee soccer matches that are more physically demanding and challenging under the AYSO Edition of the IFAB Laws of the Game.
| Number of Games | 25 as referee, with at least 5 in 12U matches |
| Training | Intermediate Referee Course |
| Testing | 90% or higher on the Intermediate Referee Exam |
| Assessment or Observation | One observation as a Center Referee in a B12U match by a qualified Referee Assessor |
| Fitness Test | Not required |
Advanced Referee
Trained in the advanced skills needed to referee most upper-level AYSO soccer matches under the AYSO Edition of the IFAB Laws of the Game and AYSO National Rules & Regulations.
| Number of Games |
50 as Referee (10 in 14U) & 5 as Assistant Referee (14U) |
| Training | Advanced Referee Course |
| Testing | 90% or higher on the Advanced Referee Exam |
| Assessment or Observation | One Assessment each as Referee and Assistant Referee in a B14U match |
| Fitness Test | AYSO Physical Fitness Test |
National Referee
Trained in the professional aspects of refereeing needed to manage more challenging upper-level matches under the AYSO Edition of the IFAB Laws of the Game and AYSO National Rules & Regulations.
| Number of Games |
100 as Referee
25 as Assistant Referee
|
| Training | National Referee Course |
| Testing | 90% or higher on the National Referee Exam |
| Assessment or Observation | Two assessments as Referee in U-16 or U-19 with at least one in U-19, if available, and one as Assistant Referee in a U-19 match, if available. |
| Fitness Test | AYSO Physical Fitness Test |