All AYSO games require certified volunteers. All 10U and older games require a certified referee to proceed. To have sufficient referees for games all teams must have at least one certified referee and ideally two referees. Referees must be certified at the level of matches that they officiate but there is no requirement to referee the level at which your child plays. We also encourage youths to get certified and referee but they should be in addition to adult referees and not instead of. See the "AYSO Certification and Training Requirements" information for details (on Referee Training and Certification tab).
AYSO Referee Game Requirements
6U and younger - Referees are not required at 6U and games can be officiated by coaches or any certified referee
8U - Referees are recommended but not required at 8U. The 8U game has simplified rules and is an easy place to start refereeing for both adullts and youths. Ideally each team shouild have at least one 8U (or higher) certified referee. Games can be officiated by coaches or a certified referee.
10U - Referees are required for all games and assistant referees are recommended. Referees need to be certified as Regional referees for 10U games. Each team is required to have one or two certified referees and regions may impose restrictions on teams that do not meet these requirements.
12U-19U - Referees are required for all games and assistant referees are recommended. Referees need to be certified at minimum as Regional referees but ideally for 12U and above games referees should pursue higher level certifications. Each team is required to have one or two certified referees and regions may impose restrictions on teams that do not meet these requirements.