Welcome Current & Future Referees!
Welcome to another SAFE, Fair, and Fun AYSO Season in Santa Paula, Region 82. Our Regional Board of volunteers are dedicated to bringing you the best officiating possible. We work hard to train and improve the skill levels of our referees. That being said, we need your help! AYSO Region 82 is a 100% volunteer-run organization including our referees. Come join us and enjoy the best seat in the house officiating the matches from on the field of play! We will teach you everything you need to know even if you have no soccer experience. Click on "Referee Program Information" in the Referees Section of the website for more information about our upcoming training classes.
FAQs for your review:
WHY BE A REFEREE?
AYSO is an all-volunteer organization and without everyone’s help the kids would not be able to play and have fun. Additionally, your child's team in U10 and above is required to provide team referees. Get involved with your kids and have some FUN on the field every Saturday!
Why would I want to become a referee?
Referees, as well as coaches, are an integral part of the organization. The kids need us and it’s fun.
I’ve never played soccer before.
You don’t need to be experienced in the game. We have classes to teach you all of the tools you need.
I can’t imagine being out there in the middle all alone.
We start you off with the basics… the Regional/Basic Clinic.
You learn all of the laws of the game, but start out as an Assistant Referee (AR) or what some parents refer to as a Linesman.
What happens if I forget the “Laws” and make mistakes?
We’ve all make mistakes, on the field, and in life. We learn by those mistakes and it helps us grow as we move on. There is support all around you… your fellow referees on your match, as well as other experienced referees who are out at the fields all day long for you to talk to and get support from.
What about those screaming parents and coaches?
As you become more experienced and utilize the tools we give you, it gets easier to deal with the very few who disrupt the kids’ fun. In addition, we do not tolerate those who get out of hand. We constantly remind everyone that they are in a “Kids Zone” and that we all work together as a team. There is a lot of support for the referees.
What’s in it for me?
Volunteering is very rewarding, especially when you see the hundreds of kids out there each Saturday having so much fun and you realize you are contributing to that. The referee keeps the game safe, fair and fun for the kids; and you become a part of that. Additionally, Youth Referees ages 12-17 learn the Laws of the Game and use their knowledge to become better players on the field.
How can I possibly be good at it?
The most experienced referees have had to start somewhere… the beginning is at the regional level. As you progress, we have courses to help you advance to the older divisions and a higher level of play. There are Intermediate, Advanced and National Levels that are all taught in the many courses that are offered.
Feel free to contact us at any time, should you have any comments, questions or concerns.
See you on the field!
Everyone Plays®, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, Player Development