AYSO provides training for all referee levels. No prior experience is required. Training is designed to support new referees while providing a clear path for those who want to advance.

All referees must complete the required AYSO Volunteer Requirements before beginning referee-specific training.

👉 See AYSO Volunteer Training page for details

AYSO offers multiple levels of referee certification. Most volunteers will begin either the 8U or Regional Referee certification.

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

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

Intermediate Referee (typically supports 12U and 14U)

Advanced Referee (supports 14U and older)

National Referee (highest level of certification)

8U Referee

• Required to officiate 07U and 08U matches
• Focuses on basic game management and player safety
  
• Online training "8U Official - Full Online Course" (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours)
• 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
• Online training “Regional Referee Online + In-Person Companion Course” (approximately 2 - 3 hours) 
• One in-person field session (~2 hours)
• Minimum age: 12 for Youth Referees

8U Referee certification is not required before taking the Regional Referee course.

Advanced Certification Levels

Referees who wish to continue can progress through additional certification levels:

• Intermediate Referee (typically supports 12U and 14U)
• Advanced Referee (supports 14U and older)
• National Referee (highest level of certification)

Advancement requires additional training, experience, and match evaluations.

How to Register for Training:

1. Log into AYSOU through your Sports Connect account
2. Go to Referees → View Courses
3. Select the appropriate referee course

Most courses are offered as an Online + In-Person Companion Course rather than a Full In-Person Course. Full In-Person Courses are typically only offered at EXPOs or larger training events.

Choose a Companion Course. This allows you to complete the classroom portion online and attend a separate in-person field session.

Important:

• Complete the online portion first
• Then schedule your In-Person Companion Event by clicking “Enroll via Event”

Finding a Training Near You:

• 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
• Nearby regions such as 5 Cities, Nipomo, and Santa Barbara also offer trainings

Select an available event from the calendar and click Enroll.

Training Schedule Updates

Courses for summer and early fall are typically posted closer to the season.

Registered referees will receive email updates as new trainings are scheduled.

Follow us on Instagram for updates on newly posted trainings:
@ayso_region_599

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]