Becoming a Referee - Training and Advancement
" Add More Water " - Upgrading from U8 to Regional

And you can move from U8 to U10 in just one day!

Have you ever wondered where Referees come from?  Where do they learn the Laws, the difference between an Indirect or Direct Free Kick, or even where to stand on the field?  Most importantly, where do they get those FABULOUS socks?  The San Carlos AYSO Referee Team can give you answers to those questions, and more!

Becoming a referee is as simple as learning to play a new game.  We'll teach you all the rules, provide you with a full uniform and even mentor you through as many games as you like until you're comfortable.  We're committed not just to getting you out there, but also making sure you have fun!  Classes are typically offered in June, August and September to help us get ready for the season.  Anyone can become a referee ... just let us know you're interested!






"Just Add Water " - the U8 Referee Class

And you can be a U8 referee!  Being out on the field with your kids (or your sibling) is not only a great way to gain experience as a referee, but it's also the best place to watch the action!  To help prepare you for this very special blend of fun and excitement, SCAYSO offers a 6-hour class.  Topics of the class include:

• Complete AYSO Safe Haven Referee Certification
• Understanding U8 players
• Pre-, during-, and post-game duties 
• Parts of the field and number of players
• Ball in-and-out of play and restarts
• Basic Fouls and Misconducts (and free kicks!)
• The role of the referee

Upon completion of this course, we provide you with a t-shirt, whistle, and the confidence to go out and have a great time with the kids.  Referees are not "scheduled" for U8 games - since these referees are generally either parents or siblings of the players, the U8 coaches ensure that coverage is provided.


For information on the U8 "Just Add Water Class", send an email to Darin Allen, the RRA or Linda Lipinski, the Regional Director of Instruction.  We'll get you on a list and registered for a class as soon as possible.

• Offside
• Basic Fouls and Misconducts (and free kicks!)
• AR signals and duties
  
• Match management and control

Upon completion of this course, we provide you a full referee uniform, including a badge!  We'll also mentor you through enough games to that you're comfortable at this age group.  Referees are formally scheduled at the U10 and higher age brackets, but we're flexible enough to ensure that you not only have time for a game, but also to see your son or daughter play.


For information on the U8 "Just Add Water Class", send an email to Darin Allen , the RRA or Linda Lipinski, the Regional Director of Instruction.  We'll get you on a list and registered for a class as soon as possible.

Regional (U10 and above) Referee Training

Many volunteers opt to take the full-on AYSO Basic Referee Certification class.  The information taught in this class is the baseline for managing U10 games, but provides a firm enough foundation to support you all the way up to U14 and beyond.  The class spans approximately 14 hours of training, usually spread over three sessions - two evenings and a Saturday.  During the class, we cover the following:

• Complete AYSO Safe Haven Referee Certification
• Understanding young players
• Pre-, during-, and post-game duties 
• Parts of the field and number of players
• Ball in-and-out of play and restarts
• Basic Fouls and Misconducts (and free kicks!)
• Basic Offside
• Signaling and the Diagonal System of Control (DSC)
  
• The role of the referee

At the end of the class, a short test is given that covers AYSO philosophies and the Laws of the Game.   Upon passing the exam (don't worry - it's easy!) we provide you with everything you need to be a referee:  shorts, shirt, socks, whistle, coin, and a referee "wallet" that includes red and yellow cards.

Referees for U10 - U14 are scheduled on a weekly basis based on individual referees' availability.  You decide how many games you do each week and we'll assign you accordingly.  We strive to have a full team of three referees (one Referee and two Assistant Referees) on each of these games.  We also provide mentoring to new referees to help them get comfortable and gain confidence on the field.


For information on the U10 - U14 Basic Referee Certification Class, send an email to Darin Allen, the RRA or Linda Lipinski, the Regional Director of Instruction.  We'll get you on the list and schedule a class as soon as we get enough interest.

Additional Training -  Intermediate, Advanced and National Referee

Some volunteers take to refereeing like a fish to water.  Beyond the experience gained through time of the field, there is additional training available to help you gain a deeper understanding of the Laws as well as provide you with the tools to assists other referees in sharpening their skills.  These classes are offered though our Area Referee Team.  If you have interest in upgrading your referee badge or attending one of the courses listed on the Area web site, send an email to the Regional Referee Administrator.

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