Referee Information

Referees Needed – Join Our AYSO Referee Team

Thank you for considering becoming an AYSO referee. Our games depend on volunteers like you.

Thank You for Your Interest

AYSO is a 100% volunteer-run organization, and referees are a vital part of making games possible. Without referees, games simply cannot happen.

Whether you are a parent, player, family member, or someone who just wants to give back to the community, we would love to have you join our referee team. No experience is required. We provide training, mentoring, and support along the way.

Why Become a Referee?

Be part of your child’s soccer experience
Help create a positive, fair, and safe environment for players
Give back to the community
Earn community service hours, especially helpful for students
Build confidence, leadership, and knowledge of the game
Get started on a path that can later lead to paid refereeing opportunities

Who Can Referee?

Adults, parents, and youth referees are all welcome.

Youth referees are generally allowed to help with games below their own age division. For example, a 12-year-old may help on 10U games. Many new referees begin as Assistant Referees on the sideline before working their way up to center refereeing.

How to Become a Referee

Step 1: Register as a Volunteer

Go to https://www.ayso922.org
Click Register Now, or log in if you already have an account
Select Volunteer
Click Find Volunteer Roles
Choose a division (for example, 10U or higher)
Select Referee and complete the registration process

Step 2: Access AYSOU Training

After you register, your volunteer page will display your certifications and status. From there, click the AYSOU button to access AYSO’s training platform.

Please complete these free courses:

AYSO’s Safe Haven
AYSO’s Summary of the Laws of the Game – Online
CDC Concussion Awareness – Online
Sudden Cardiac Arrest – Online
Regional Referee Online + In-Person Companion Course

Step 3: Complete the In-Person Companion Course

After passing the online course, you will need to attend an in-person field session to complete your certification. These sessions are typically about 4 hours long. We hold or coordinate companion courses periodically in and around the Tucson area, and we are happy to help you find one.

In many cases, new referees can also begin getting mentored on the field as an Assistant Referee while finishing the final certification steps.

What to Expect as a New Referee

Most new referees are not ready to center a game right away — and that is completely okay. Many start on the sideline as Assistant Referees and build confidence with support from experienced mentors.

There is no pressure to move faster than you are ready for. We will help you learn the role and grow into it.

Equipment, Support, and Benefits

AYSO provides referee uniform and needed equipment
You will receive mentorship and support from experienced referees
Referee scorebooks can be used to document community service hours
If you decide you enjoy refereeing, there are options for advancing!

Season Information

AYSO Region 922 typically has two seasons each year:

Spring Season: February through April
Fall Season: Late August through December

Most games are played on Saturday mornings, with some weeknight games (usually Wednesday or Friday). When it gets hot out, we try to hold more evening games when possible.