All referees must complete the required AYSO Volunteer Requirements (SafeSport, Concussion awareness, etc.) in addition to the referee-specific training. Almost all of these requirements are completed online via "AYSOU" at your own pace when it is convenient for you. The final step is a 2-3 hour in-person referee training held in the late summer or early fall. 

AYSO offers multiple levels of referee certification. New referees must begin at either the 8U or Regional Referee certification.

8U Referee (Required to officiate 07U and 08U matches)

• Required to officiate 07U and 08U matches
• Focuses on basic game management and player safety
• Online training "8U Official - Full Online Course" (approximately 1 hour)
• Minimum age: 10 for Youth Referees
• Ideal for new referees, parents, and youth referees who want to get started.

Regional Referee (Required to officiate 09U and 10U matches)

• Required to officiate 09U and 10U matches either as a referee or assistant referee
• Online training “Regional Referee Online + In-Person Companion Course” (0.5-1.5 hours)
• One in-person field session (2-3 hours)
• Minimum age: 12 for Youth Referees
• 8U Referee certification is not required before taking the Regional Referee course.

Intermediate Referee

• Prerequisite: Experience as a Regional Referee and pass the intermediate referee course. 

Advanced Referee

• Prerequisite: Experience as an Intermediate Referee and pass the advanced referee course, fitness test, and assessments. 

How to Become a Referee Volunteer:

1. Log into AYSOU through your Sports Connect account (Click Volunteer→ AYSOU)

2. Complete safety trainings, fingerprinting, and background check. Go to the AYSO Volunteer Training page for details on completing these. All Safety Trainings (other than fingerprinting and background check) are completed via AYSOU. 

3. Complete the online referee trainings on AYSOU. On AYSOU, go to Referees → View Courses.

• The 8U course is entirely online.
• For the Regional Referee course, select the Online + In-Person Companion Course and complete the online portion.

4. Register for and complete the in-person class (Regional Referee only)

• Important:You MUST complete the online portion before the in-person training. 
• Register for the In-Person Companion Event by clicking “Enroll via Event” in AYSOU.

Finding a Training Near You:

We will host at least two in-person trainings on weekday nights in August and September in San Luis Obispo (dates TBD). If you cannot attend one of these trainings, then you may attend another region's class. Nearby regions such as 5 Cities, Nipomo, and Santa Barbara also offer trainings. To see all the in-person trainings:

• do not limit your search to Region 599
• Use the Location filter and enter your zip code
• Adjust the distance based on how far you are willing to travel

Select an available event from the calendar and click Enroll.

Game Readiness

After completing certification:

• You may begin signing up for games that match your certification level and comfort 
• New referees are supported and often paired with experienced referees
• You can choose your level of participation and availability

Equipment & Uniform

AYSO Region 599 provides a referee uniform and basic referee equipment to newly certified referees.

Questions?

Contact our Regional Referee Administrator:
Aaron Hope
[email protected]