Each U10 and older game requires an AYSO-certified three-person referee crew on the field. The crew consisting of a referee and two assistant referees. In the event that one or both assistant referees are not available, the home-team coach should provide club linesmen, whose job is to call when the ball crosses the touchline. 

All referees need to register as volunteers every year. Most certifications only need to be taken once, but a few may need bi-annual or yearly reviews.

To become a referee, follow the steps on the Referee Registration page; in short: register, complete the online courses, and attend an in-person field session. We will have several sessions at Sea Cloud Park and neighboring cities will have others at complementary times ran by their AYSO chapters; find all field session schedules in AYSOU.

For questions, issues, or comments please contact us at [email protected]. 

AYSO Foster City follows the Player Development Initiatives outlined by USSF and AYSO National, for better enjoyment of youth soccer: We reduce the size of the ball, the goals, the duration of the halves, and the field of play.

During the first two game dates, we ask referees of U10 games to blow the whistle, briefly instruct proper procedure, and not penalize the following offenses:

1. Inappropriate throw-in procedure. Restart: retake.
2. Double touch of a kick-off, goal kick, corner kick, and free kick. Restart: retake
3. IFK goalkeeper offenses and goalkeeper exiting the penalty area while handling. Restart: dropped ball to goalkeeper in the penalty area.

The modifications are summarized in the Rules of Competition page (in spreadsheet format)

10U, 12U, and 14U referees use mysoccerleague.com to schedule games. The minimum badge level for 10U and 12U matches is Regional; for 14U is Intermediate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I be the Assistant Referee for my child’s match?
   • Yes!  You can be Assistant Referee of your child, sibling, niece/nephew, grandchild, we encourage you to!  Please do share your affiliation with the referee at the pre-game so that they are aware.
2. Can I be the referee for my child's match?
   • Yes, when there are no other referees available.  If you're planning ahead, sign up for a match before or after your child’s match so you can watch them play.
     
3. Can Referees or Assistant Referees provide coaching advice when officiating the match?
   • No. The referee may relieve an AR from their duties if they are coaching while refereeing.
4. Are jewelry, taped earrings, or hard casts allowed?
   • No player may wear jewelry, earrings (taped or not), or hard casts during the match. These are considered dangerous for all players.
5. Are Med‐Alert bracelets allowed?
   • Yes, provided they are secured with tape or covered with cloth. Refer to the AYSO Guidance for Referees, Coaches, Other Volunteers, and Parents.
6. Where should the coaches be during the match?
   • In their respective technical area, at least 1 yard away from the touchline, between 1 yard and 10 yards from the halfway line.
   • Coaches are not to follow the play from goal line to goal line.
7. Where should the spectators be during the match?
   • Spectators should remain on their side of the field and not to be behind the goal line or goals.
   • Coaches are responsible of addressing misbehavior by the audience.
8. What are the specific rules for each category?
   • Use the Rules of Competition per Age group cheatsheet.