Please see the following resources for the current IFAB Laws, AYSO publications, and local aids:

• Intro to Soccer - from our local Parent's Guide
• 10U Player Development Initiatives - one-page summary of PDIs covering Build-Out-Lines, keeper release, goal kicks and offside
• Offside Explained in 2 Mins - remember: offside is judged at the moment the ball is last kicked by a teammate, not by when it is received
• Top Misunderstood Calls
• Soccer Glossary of Terms
• Referee FAQs
• How to become an AYSO Referee

The Laws of the Game

• Laws of the Game - this is the official source for the Laws and the site contains numerous ways to view Law material
• Laws of the Game AYSO Addendum - this is a full set of the 2020 laws; the AYSO Addendum starts on pg 214
• NEW 2021-2022 Law Changes & Guidance
• 2020-2021 Law Changes & Guidance
  
• The Laws of the Game explained - this is a video series with a brief summary and examples of each law

Referee Guides

• Registration instructions for Returning Referees
• NEW AYSO Referee Guidelines - practical review of hand signals, managing the game, restarts, etc.; see summary pg 47-49
• Match Information (coming soon)
  
• Dealing with Referee Abuse - a two-page guide for dealing with sideline behavior issues early and effectively
• Youth Referee Protection Policy - verbal abuse of youth referees is unacceptable and will not be tolerated
• 6U/8U Referee Guide - training has been moved to AYSO-U (Online Courses > Refereeing Courses > 8U Official Course)

Additional Resources

• AYSO Referee Library
• Ask a Referee - well versed answers to Laws of the Game and Practical Referring Questions
• Pro Referee - good play-of-the week and scenario discussions

• AYSO Area 8J
• AYSO Section 8
• AYSO Publications Library

Other

• Misconduct Report - Please fill out a misconduct report if you are the Center Referee for a game that has any misconducts (cautions and send-offs), coach or spectator ejections, serious injuries (e.g. suspected concussion or injury that you think might result in a hospital visit), or other incidents involving players, coaches, spectators, or referees. Please submit within 24 hours of the game. E-mail the completed form to the Referee Administrator.

Training and continuing education are cornerstones of the AYSO program, and Ada/Cascade AYSO offers plenty of referee training and education opportunities for all referees, beginning to advanced. We provide Safe Haven, 6U-8U Parent Referee, Regional Referee, and Intermediate Referee courses; plus seasonal topical refereeing updates. For referee training or upgrade opportunities, please contact the Referee Administrator for course requirements and upcoming classes.

There are the six certification levels for AYSO referees. Here is a brief description of each level and it's requirements:

• 8U Official - Trained in the fundamental skills needed to officiate short-sided games for our youngest players. Complete the online 8U Official Course and pass the 8U Official Exam. *This is 100% online and a great resource for new youth coaches!*
• Assistant Referee - Trained in the basic skills needed to be an AYSO Assistant Referee. Complete the Assistant Referee Course and pass the Assistant Referee Exam.
• Regional Referee - Trained in the basic skills needed to referee AYSO matches. Complete the Basic Referee Course and pass the Regional Referee Exam. *This is the level where most referees participate*
• Intermediate Referee - Trained in skills needed beyond the basic level to referee matches that are more competitive, challenging, and physically demanding. Complete 25 games as referee with at least five in 12U games, complete the Intermediate Referee Course, pass the Intermediate Referee Exam and be observed during a 12U game.
• Advanced Referee - Trained in advanced skills needed to referee most upper-level AYSO matches. Complete 50 games as referee with at least ten in 14U games, complete the Advanced Referee Course, pass the Advanced Referee Exam, be observed during two 14U games, and complete a physical fitness test.
• National Referee - Trained in the professional aspects of refereeing for the most challenging upper-level matches. Complete 100 games as referee with at least 30 in 16/19U games, complete the National Referee Course, pass the National Referee Exam, be observed during three 16U games, and complete a physical fitness test.

Cross-certification with USSF is available to AYSO Referees at the Intermediate level and higher: Michigan State Referee Program

If you're just getting started with us, you can find more information on becoming a new referee here!