A GUIDE TO REFEREE BADGES
Refereeing is a journey. Most parent referees start out by refereeing younger divisions and continue refereeing as their children go into the 10U, 12U, and eventually 14U divisions. As the level of play advances, the referee skills required to keep the games safe, fair, and fun also advance… which is why AYSO has several levels of referee training and several “badges” worn by referees to let coaches, players, and parents know how experienced and qualified the referee managing their game is.
To referee 6u, 7u, and 8u games, referees must take the 8U Referee training class.
To referee 10u games, referees must take the Regional Referee training class and will receive a “Regional” referee badge.
Regional Referees can continue refereeing in 12U and serving as the Assistant Referee in 14U.
However, to referee in 14U games, AR in 16U games, or referee in 12U All-Star or Tournament games, referees must take the Intermediate Referee training class and (after passing an observation) will receive an “Intermediate” referee badge.
To referee in 16U games (or to referee 14U All-Star games or Tournament games), referees must take the Advanced Referee training class and (after passing assessments) will receive an “Advanced” referee badge.
There is also a National referee badge that signifies the highest level of experience and qualifications, required to referee 19U games.
Referee Badges (Levels)
| Badge Level | Minimum Age | Can Referee: |
| 8U Official | 10 | 6U, 7U, 8U games |
| 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 |