Keeping The Game Safe, Fair, And Fun
Thank you volunteering and being a referee, or for thinking about being a referee. Whether you actively volunteered or were recruited (many of us started this way), refereeing is a great way to get involved in AYSO soccer. And it is FUN… really.
2024 League Playoff Rules
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Region 19 Referee Schedules
Guidelines By Age Group
7U/8U
10U
- 7v7
- No headers
- No punts by keeper
- Build Out Line (see video on this page)
- All players must play 3 quarters before anyone plays the entire game
- 25-minute halves
- Size 4 ball
12U
- 9v9
- No headers
- All players must play 3 quarters before anyone plays the entire game
- 30-minute halves
- Size 4 ball
14U
- 11v11
- All players must play 3 quarters before anyone plays the entire game
- 35-minute halves
- Size 5 ball
To help everyone develop confidently and keep assignments aligned with AYSO guidance, here’s our current pathway for Regional badge referees:
Brand-new Regional referees
• Start at U10 as Assistant Referee (AR).
• Exceptions require RRA approval and if not explicitly provided may be removed from nonconforming assignments without notice.
Refereeing U10 games
• It is suggested that Regional referees have at least 5 AR games at U10 before centering a U10 match.
Moving up to U12
• Have a minimum of 3 U10 games at the same position (Referee or AR).
• 5 games is recommended before stepping up.
Working at U14
• Regional referees with at least 7 games at U12 may AR at U14 if proficient.
• Refereeing (center) at U14 requires RRA approval.
EXTRA Program opportunities
• Regional referees with at least 7 total games may apply to do EXTRA games by contacting the RRA.
• Typical assignments: AR for U12 and below, Referee or AR for U10/U9.
Mentoring is available and encouraged.
Why these guidelines?
These expectations are in line with AYSO National referee development guidance and common practice across other Regions. AYSO emphasizes gaining confidence and demonstrating competence before moving up in game level. Our approach helps referees progress steadily, with mentoring available at each stage, while ensuring games are managed by officials with appropriate experience.
Thank you again for everything you do—your professionalism sets the tone for players, coaches, and families across the region. If you have questions or want to discuss your pathway, reply here and I’ll help you plan the next steps.