Referee Guidelines & Rules - AYSO Region 84
AYSO Region 84 Referee Guidelines & Rules
Referees are essential to the spirit of AYSO. These guidelines are designed to help you, as a volunteer referee, succeed and ensure a fair, fun, and safe environment for all players. Always remember to prioritize Player Development over the final score.
Core Referee Requirements
- All referees must be AYSO Certified and have completed the required Safe Haven, Concussion, and SCA training.
- Referees must wear the official AYSO uniform (jersey, black shorts, black socks) and bring all necessary equipment (whistle, stopwatch, cards).
- The minimum age for refereeing is 12 years old for 8U games, and 14 years old for 10U/12U games.
Team Point System (10U & 12U)
In the 10U and 12U Core Program, teams earn points for providing certified referees who staff games. Points are awarded as follows:
Maximum Points: A single team can earn a maximum of 6 points per week (Sunday through Saturday). The point cutoff for post-season tournament eligibility will be announced mid-season.
Game Day Procedures
Before the Match
- Arrive at the field 15 minutes before the scheduled kickoff.
- Perform a mandatory Safety Check of the field, goals, and corner flags.
- Verify all players are wearing mandatory equipment (shin guards) and that no jewelry is present.
- Collect and review the Lineup Cards from both coaches. Verify that all players are wearing the correct numbered jersey.
- Conduct the Coin Toss with the two team captains.
During the Match
- All substitutions must be done at the quarter breaks or at halftime (10U/12U).
- The Equal Play rule (no player plays more than 3/4 of the game until every player has played 1/2) must be monitored via the Lineup Card.
- Coaches must remain within their technical areas.
The Build-Out Line (BOL) - 10U Only
The Build-Out Line is marked on the field to promote player development and playing the ball out of the back:
- When the goalkeeper has possession (from a save or goal kick), all opposing players must retreat behind the Build-Out Line.
- The goalkeeper must wait until opponents are behind the BOL before putting the ball back into play.
- The Offside rule is enforced only between the Build-Out Line and the opponent's goal line.
Disciplinary Action (Cards)
The use of caution (Yellow Card) and sending-off (Red Card) procedures are for serious fouls and misconduct, starting at the 10U level.
- Yellow Card (Caution): Issued for reckless challenges, unsporting behavior, or dissent. The player must be immediately substituted and can return at the next legal substitution opportunity (quarter break/halftime).
- Red Card (Sending Off): Issued for serious foul play, violent conduct, or offensive language. The player is ejected from the game and the team plays a player down for the remainder of the match.
All Red Card offenses require the Center Referee to complete a Game Misconduct Report immediately after the match and submit it to the Regional Referee Administrator ([email protected]).