AYSO Soccer | San Clemente, CA

The Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How do I sign up to take a class ?

Upcoming Referee Training classes offered locally and by Area are listed on the CALENDAR page. Go to the TRAINING SIGNUP page for details on registering for a class at eAYSO.org.

Why are there different levels of certification ?

Being a good referee requires both book knowledge and field experience, and they build on each other. Certification starts with a classroom session, and then you get to work some younger age division games to see the principles in action. Then you come back to the classroom, put your field experience in perspective, and learn some more details on the Laws. Then you go back out and apply the knowledge on the field. And so it goes. This has proven to be the best way to create great referees.

What should I do to prepare before a class ?

For the U8 Official and Basic Referee classes, reviewing the RULES & REGS page, the TERMINOLOGY page, and the AYSO MISSION will get you started. For the higher level classes, you should know the Laws of the Game.

What should I bring to class ?

2 copies of your signed AYSO Volunteer form from eAYSO.org
Pen/pencil and notepaper
Enthusiasm

How hard is the test ?

The tests at the end of the U8 Official and Basic Referee classes are EASY, and we will hand you the answers during class. We'll even work one-on-one with you to make sure you are comfortable with the material. The tests for Intermediate and Advanced Referee certification are more rigorous, where you need to really know and memorize the Laws of the Game.

What is observation ?

Part of the upgrade to Intermediate Referee certification is an observation session of you working a game by a senior referee or referee assessor. This is to confirm that you are qualified to run the faster-paced games.

What is assessment ?

To received an Advanced Referee certification, you must be assessed as a Referee and Assistant Referee in U14 games by an AYSO Referee Assessor. It is a formal procedure with detailed debrief.

How do I request a mentor for my first games ?

Contact the Regional Referee Administrator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How do I get my uniform and equipment ?

After you take your first training class and sign up to work your first game, we will coordinate a time to meet you at the referee equipment shed and get you your gear.

Where is the referee equipment shed ?

At the Forster 4/5 fields, in the snack bar / restroom building next to Pirate Park. The REFEREE EQUIPMENT page shows it on the map.

What other equipment will I need ?

Check out the REFEREE EQUIPMENT page for details.

How do I sign up to referee or assistant referee games ?

Check out the REFEREE SCHEDULING page for details.

How do I get a username and password for the scheduling system ?

Check out the REFEREE SCHEDULING LOGIN page for details.

What should I bring when I referee a game ?

Check out the REFEREE EQUIPMENT page for details.

How early before a game should I get to the field ?

At least 30 minutes.

What is a good pre-game field safety check ?

Walk the perimeter of the field looking for safety hazards (glass, sticks, pencils, holes)
Verify that the goals are properly centered, lined up with the back edge of the goal line, and secured to the ground; ask a coach to fix any problems
Walk the field looking for safety issues; ask the coach to place low cones on any hazards (mud spots, sprinkler sites)
Confirm that the corner flags are properly placed and secure; ask a coach to get them if they are missing, or place cones if flags are unavailable

What should I do if there are no corner flags on the field ?

Ask a coach to get them, or place cones if flags are unavailable

What should I do if the goals are not properly secured ?

Ask a coach to fix any problems. If the goals cannot be properly secured, do not let the game proceed.

What is a good pre-game player check-in process ?

For younger players, where you are trying to establish their mental check list:

Shirts tucked in; socks pulled up; let's look like soccer players
Show me a toe to confirm legal soccer cleats
Everyone has shinguards on underneath their socks; no "roll-overs"
Follow along with me: check for no finger rings, no earrings, no nose rings, no belly button rings, no necklaces, no bracelets, not watches, no metal clips in the hair
Safety item: protect the keepers; if they have even one pinky on the ball, back off and let them make the play; if they are on the ground grabbing for the ball, back off; keepers do not want to eat your cleats or the ball today

For older players:

Have you done your safety check; confirmed your uniform is legal and your jewelry is off
Protect the keepers
Play the ball not the player
A fair charge is fair; fouls and misconduct are problems
Play the whistle
Explain substitution procedures as appropriate

Who supplies the game balls ?

The home team is responsible for providing game balls.

What should I do if there is a dog at the field ?

Dogs are not allowed on any San Clemente soccer fields. It is a violation of city rules and is a safety hazard. At soon as is practical, ask the coach on whose sideline the dog is located to ask the owner to remove the animal.

When do I file an Incident/Match Report ?

If the referee issues any cautions or send-offs, or if a coach or spectator is required to leave the field, or if there is an injury that requires medical attention, the referee must file a Match Report to Area within 24 hours.

How do I file an Incident/Match Report ?

Check out the MISCONDUCT page for details.

Who do I notify if there is a problem with a field ?

Send an email to the Regional Fields Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it describing the situation.