AYSO Youth Referees can officiate games at different levels depending on their training. Youth referees must meet the age requirements listed below. They can serve as a Center Referee for games with players at least two years younger than they are, or be an Assistant Referee up to their own age level. Youth referees will need to take at least two games to get credit for classes. 

Note that service credits are earned both for refereeing as well as the hours spent in the training classes. 

8U Official Certification

(Minimum age: 10)

This is the first step to becoming an AYSO Youth Referee. 

Required courses include:

• U8 Official Training
• Safe Haven Certification
• Concussion Awareness

After completing these courses, you’ll be eligible to referee 7U & 8U games.

Regional Referee Certification

(Minimum age: 12)

After completing the U8 Official course, referees can take the next step with Regional Referee training. At this level, you’ll officiate older age groups (10U and above), where the game becomes more advanced:

• Games include goalkeepers
• The offside law is enforced
• Matches use Assistant Referees

Youth Referee Training (Online / In-Person Courses)

Contact [email protected] for more information.