Referee Admin FAQ
Why does AYSO need a Referee Administrator?
The Regional Referee Administrator implements, monitors and maintains the AYSO National Referee Program including program delivery, staff development, communication, and coordination at the Region level. The game can’t be played without referees, so each Region needs someone to prepare schedules, offer and verify training, and keep the program moving.
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Why do I need to be trained?
Training and Certification ensures that volunteers understand the available resources and the responsibilities of their positions. It also offers the best hope that every family will receive the best possible AYSO experience.
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What are the responsibilities of a Referee Administrator?
The Region Referee Administrator supports the AYSO National Referee Program, makes sure all referees are trained, certified and properly registered, prepares an annual Region referee work plan and budget for submission to the Regional Commissioner, and schedules assignments for referees and assistant referees within the Region. In addition, she will need to ensure the consistent and accurate implementation of the AYSO National Referee Program within the Region and identify and train a successor.
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What training is offered to a Referee Administrator?
AYSO offers orientation by the Regional Commissioner, Safe Haven™ Certification, Referee Certification, Board and Staff Introductory Certification (BASIC), eAYSO training as well as additional training during Section meetings/conferences/events.
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What is the time commitment?
Speak to your Regional Commissioner about how much time your position requires.
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What is the Referee’s Code?
- Always remember that the game is for the players. Player safety and fair play come first.
- Study and learn the Laws of the Game and understand the “spirit” of the Laws. Help fellow referees do the same.
- Encourage and enforce the AYSO philosophies of Everyone Plays, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship and Player Development.
- Respect other referees’ decisions, and do not publicly criticize another official.
- Wear the proper uniform and keep it in good condition.
- Maintain good physical condition so you can keep up with the action.
- Stay calm when confronted with emotional reactions from players, coaches and parents.
- Honor accepted game assignments. In an emergency, find a replacement.
- Support good sportsmanship with a kind word to players, coaches and parents of both teams when deserved.
- Always be fair and impartial, avoiding conflicts of interest. Decisions based on personal bias are dishonest and unacceptable.
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How does AYSO protect its volunteers and athletes?
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Safe Haven™
Safe Haven™ is a program designed to address a growing need for child and volunteer protection. There are four elements in the Safe Haven™ intervention cycle: Create Policies, Screen Volunteers, Train Volunteers, and Promote Education and Awareness. These are intended to stop child abuse and its agents before they get into the program.
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The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997
This law grants immunity from certain types of prosecution for volunteers who meet its requirements. In order to receive full protection under the law, AYSO volunteers need must: 1. be properly trained and certified; 2. be performing duties as laid out in a position description; 3. act within the scope of AYSO’s Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines.
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AYSO Certification
AYSO’s goal is to provide training certification for all its volunteers. Certification offers the hope that every AYSO child will be treated with understanding, compassion, and respect.
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Kids Zone™
The national media has focused on the negative, even violent, behavior of players, coaches and parents involved in youth sports. Kids Zone™ is a dynamic program targeted to eliminate negative sideline behavior. Kids Zone™ buttons and signs are distributed throughout the Region and parents are asked to sign the Kids Zone™ Pledge promising to behave within the guidelines of the program.
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What are AYSO’s Supervision Protocols?
While performing duties related to an AYSO volunteer position, the volunteer is:
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Subject to the bylaws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines of AYSO;
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Under the overall authority of and directly supervised by the Regional Commissioner; and
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To maintain the recommended adult to child supervision ratio of 1:8 or less; that is one adult for every eight or fewer children and two adults (one of whom may be the coach and one of whom should be of the same gender as the group) present at all times. For the protection of both the children and the volunteer, no volunteer should permit himself or herself to be alone with any child or group of children (except his or her own) during AYSO-sponsored activities.
