Most volunteers begin by taking the Regional Referee Course which provides the basic aspects of refereeing needed to officiate youth AYSO matches (10U and below) under IFAB Laws of the Game and AYSO National Rules & Regulations. Following on an initial rewarding volunteer experience, many referees pursue upgrades to Intermediate Referee (12U and below), Advanced Referee (14U and below) and National Referee (19U and below).

That said, AYSO's 8U Official in-person course trains volunteers as young as 10 years old to officiate in 8U matches.

To provide an upgrade path for our Youth and Adult volunteer officials, AYSO Referee Instructors work with AYSO Referee Assessors to train and mentor you as you enhance your skills as Referees.

Why do this? It’s fun and easy. Jump in today. Better yet, bring a friend.

AYSO Referees certified Intermediate Referee and above can cross-certify to USSF to be eligible to officiate US Soccer club games.

Questions? Want to know where to get help for your program? Contact the National Referee Council at [email protected] or contact your Section Referee Adminstrator for guidance and support.

Old Orchard Junior High School
9310 Kenton Ave
Skokie, Ill 60076

Note:  PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS ** REQUIRED **
1. ALL COURSE ATTENDEES MUST BE REGISTERED AS A VOLUNTEER.
2. REGISTER AT AYSOU (ETRAINU) FOR THE COURSE(S) YOU ARE ATTENDING.
3. TO SEARCH FOR COURSES, PLEASE LOGIN - AND SEARCH FOR "SPRING TRAINING"  OR "SKOKIE".   
4. PLEASE BE SURE TO SEARCH OUTSIDE OF YOUR REGION (TURN-OFF CHECK FOR MY REGION)

- Prerequisites - 12U Coach Certification Required
- Checklist to be done by Thursday March 13.
- [  ] 12U Coach Certification
- [  ] 14U Intermediate PreCourse Online Part 1 and Part 2 (4 hours)
- [  ] AYSO Summary Laws of the Game Online (1.5-2 hours)
- [  ] 14U Training Plan to be done by March 15 and email instructors your homework
In class you will use your 14U Training Plan with 14U players to demonstrate your plan to be certified.

16U-19U Advanced Coach Course (requires 14U Certification and 12U Certiication)
- Prerequisites - 12U and 14U Coach Certification Required
- Checklist to be done by Thursday March 13.
- [  ] 12U Coach Certification
- [  ] 14U Coach Certification
- [  ] 16U-19U Advamced PreCourse Online Part 1 and Part 2 (4 hours)
- [  ] AYSO Summary Laws of the Game Online (1.5-2 hours)




Referee Training
Contact: Referee Admin at [email protected]

Regional Referee Training - 12U, 10U
Choose 1 of the following:
1) Regional Referee Companion In-Person Course - Saturday March 15 at 12:30pm-4:00pm
2) Regional Referee Companion In-Person Course - Sunday March 16 8:30am - 12:30pm

Advanced Referee Course (2 day course)
- March 15 at 8:30am-4:00pm
- March 16 at 8:30am-12:30pm Exam / Fitness Test Afternoon (weather permitting)
- Prerequisites:  Intermediate Referee Certification (Min Age 16)

Management Training