Referees - AYSO Region 83

Keep games running smoothly and ensure fair play for all players. No experience needed — we provide full training and mentoring.

New Referee

Ready to referee? Here's what you need to do to get started. For detailed step-by-step information, see the volunteer process guide.

Regional referees must be at least 12 years old. All referees receive comprehensive training and ongoing mentoring from our referee coordinators.

Follow the requirements checklist below, then register through your 5 Cities AYSO account. Your Referee Coordinator will guide you through the training process.

Returning Referee

Welcome back! We're glad you're refereeing again this season.

Complete the annual requirements below. You do not need to take any new online courses to continue refereeing at your current level.

Want to move up to the next level? If you're a Regional Referee looking to become Intermediate, or an Intermediate Referee looking to become Advanced, you'll need to complete the online course for that level and attend in-person training. Contact your Referee Coordinator for details.

Complete your annual requirements, then register again through your 5 Cities AYSO account. Your Referee Coordinator or Referee Administrator can help with any questions.

Requirements Checklist

Every Year Annual Requirements

Sterling Background Check (Risk Status) — Complete through your volunteer registration. AYSO covers this cost. Check your email (including spam) for next steps from Sterling Volunteers.

SafeSport Training — Full course (90 minutes) required in your first year. After that, renew every 4 years with annual 30-minute updates in between years. If you completed SafeSport for another youth sports league, email your certificate to your Referee Coordinator.

One-Time One-Time Requirements

Fingerprinting — AYSO-specific requirement (does not transfer from other organizations). Completed through LiveScan. Cost: $25. Register for fingerprinting.

Concussion Awareness (AYSOU) — One-time requirement, as required by California state law.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (AYSOU) — One-time requirement, as required by California state law.

AYSO Safe Haven (AYSOU) — Required for new referees. Returning referees only need to renew if their certification was completed before 2011.

Referee Training (by Division) — See the training section below for division-specific requirements. Referees who have completed training do not need to retake the online course.

Referee Training by Division

Badge Progression: You must complete each badge level to move up. For example, you must be a Regional Referee before training as an Intermediate Referee, and an Intermediate Referee before training as Advanced.

Training Dates: Specific dates and times will be announced closer to the season.

No referees. 6U divisions do not use referees.

7U & 8U

8U Referee required.

Complete online 8U Referee course on AYSOU, then attend in-person training.

Returning: Recommended to attend Welcome Back meeting.

10U

Regional Referee required. Referees must be at least 12 years old.

Complete online Regional Referee course on AYSOU, then attend in-person training.

Returning: Recommended to attend Welcome Back meeting.

12U

Intermediate Referee required. You must be a Regional Referee to train at this level.

Complete online Intermediate Referee course on AYSOU, then attend in-person training.

Returning: Recommended to attend Welcome Back meeting.

14U

Advanced Referee required. You must be an Intermediate Referee to train at this level.

Complete online Advanced Referee course on AYSOU, then attend in-person training.

Returning: Recommended to attend Welcome Back meeting.

16U & 19U

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Become a Referee

Keep games running smoothly and ensure fair play for all players. No experience needed — we provide full training and mentoring.

New Referee

Returning Referee

Requirements Checklist

Referee Training by Division

Youth Referees

Youth Referees Needed!

National Sponsors

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