Training & Testing

Complete the full intermediate course with a score of 85% or better on the exam.

Mastering the 12U Match:

The AYSO Intermediate Referee Journey

CHARACTERISTICS OF 12U PLAYERS

The 10U vs 12U Paradigm Shift

10U: Referee the Ball

Tactical Awareness

Physicality

Emotional State

Kick and Chase

Clumsy and Uncoordinated

Please the adults

Tactical Awareness

Physicality

Emotional State

Deliberate objectives, overlaps, and chip shots

Stronger, faster, deliberate tackles, and sliding challenges

Driven by peer recognition, self-critical, challenges authority

12U: Referee the Players

You can no longer referee just the ball. You MUST referee the players, their objectives, and their emotions.

Physical: Gross Motor Development

Refining soccer skills, balancing physical and mental abilities, but still prone to uncoordinated moments.

Social: Peer Recognition

Transitioning into adolescence; their highest priority is how teammates perceive them. Strong tendency for horseplay and inappropriate humor.

Emotional: Self-Critical

Cognitive: Pressure Sensitivity

Hard on themselves. Referees must use a positive and encouraging approach.

Difficulty controlling emotions under adverse conditions. They have a decreasing regard for adult values or authority.

12U Player Profiling Radar

Touch Line

Goal Line

Halfway Line

Penalty Area

Parts of the field

The Field of Play

Touch Line

IFAB Permitted Modifications:

• Size of the field of play
• Size, weight and material of the ball
• Width between the goalposts and the height of the crossbar from the ground
• Duration of the periods of play
• Substitutions

This is probably a test question or something.

Additional Modifications

​

• Nine players per team on the field (9v9).
• One of which is the goalkeeper.
• Two 30-minute halves.
• Substitutions at approximately 15 minutes into the 1st half
• Substitutions at approximately 15 minutes into the 2nd half
• Halftime break is 5-10 minutes.

​

Objectives of the game +

Reading the Game

Attacking Principles: How to do it.

Defending Principles: How to do it.

Transition Phase: Real-time soccer scenario.

AR

R

G

12U Match: Penetrating the attacking 3^rd.

What is this attacker’s objective?

What is this defender’s objective?

What is the defending teams NEW objective?

Where does the referee want to move?

The attacker has lost the ball. NOW what is the attackers objective?

AR

R

G

12U Match: Moving through the middle 3^rd.

What is this attacker’s objective?

What is this defender’s objective?

What should the referee anticipate?

AR

AR

R

G

12U Match: Progressing out of the defensive 3rd.

What is this attacker’s objective?

What is this defender’s objective?

What should the referee anticipate?

AR

Reading 12U Combinations

Understand the Tactics.

Anticipate the play.

1. Know the Objectives

(What the players want to do in their play)

2. See the Principles

(How the players are trying do it)

3. Predict the Friction

(Where the desperation and fouls will occur)

When you read the game, you don’t just react to the match – you manage it.

Checking for Learning

​

IFAB permits certain modifications to the Laws of the Game. How many general modifications do they allow?

​

Five

​

What are they?

​

• Size of the field of play
• Size, weight and material of the ball
• Width between the goalposts and the height of the crossbar
• Duration of the periods of play
• Substitutions

Checking for Learning

What is the maximum and minimum length of the touchline?

​

Maximum: 130 yards

Minimum: 100 yards

​

Name three of the five Attacking Principles.

​

Penetration – Advancing the ball

Support – Supporting teammates

Mobility – Creating attacking opportunities

Width – Attacking on a broad front

Creativity – Individual flair

​

Checking for Learning

Name three of the five Defending Principles.

​

Pressure/Delay – Slowing down the attack

Cover – Supporting teammates

Balance – Reading the attack; adjusting position

Compactness – Compressing the attack

Control/Restraint (Composure) – Patience

​

25

Fouls/Offenses

A foul(offense) is an unsafe or unfair act:

A foul is:

1. Committed while the ball is in play
2. Generally while on the field of play
3. Generally against an opponent

Direct Free Kick offenses

​

There are 13

​

The first 7 must be committed against an opponent in a matter considered by the referee to be:

​

• Carelessly
• Recklessly

or with

• Excessive Force

​

CREf

• There are 5 “un-conditional” offenses.
• If they happened….restart with a DFK

The “Conditions”

Careless

The player has not used “due caution” in making a play.

​

Reckless

The player acts with disregard to the dangers to or consequences for an opponent.

​

Excessive Force

The player has exceeded the use of force necessary to make a fair play for the ball and has endangered the safety of an opponent.

Seven “conditional” Offenses

If the referee deems the action to be an offense

​

AND

​

It involves contact with an opponent,

it is a Direct Free Kick or Penalty Kick

Direct Free Kick Offenses

1. Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent

Even the attempt to commit any of these three actions is an offense.

3. Trips or attempts to trip an opponent

2. Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent

CREf

Direct Free Kick Offenses (“Conditional”)

31

5. Charges an opponent

4. Jumps at an opponent

6. Pushes an opponent

7. Tackles or Challenges

an opponent (Shoulder to Shoulder)

CREf

Direct Free Kick Offenses

Direct Free Kick offenses

8. Holds an opponent

​

• Handball Offense

​

• Impedes an opponent with contact

The next five “unconditional”. They are an offense if they occur, restart with a DFK.

Direct Free Kick offenses

11. Bites or Spits at someone on the team list or match official

​

• Throws an object at the ball, opponent or match official, or makes contact with the ball with a held object

These are both VERY rare.

The next five are an offense if they just happen (cont’d)

# 13 Goalkeeper – 8 Seconds offense

1. A goalkeeper who controls the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s) for more than eight seconds will be penalized, with a corner kick being awarded to the other team.
2. A goalkeeper cannot be challenged by an opponent when in control of the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s)

2025/2026 Update – NEW, NEW, NEW!!!!! Law 12 Update

It is a handball offense if a player:

• Touches the ball with their hand/arm when it has made their �body unnaturally bigger. �
• A player is considered to have made their body unnaturally bigger when the position of their hand/arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the player’s body movement for that specific situation. �
• By having their hand/arm in such a position, the player takes a risk of their hand/arm being hit by the ball and being penalized.

Handball Offense

It is a handball offense if a player:

​

• Deliberately touches the ball with their hand/arm, including moving the hand/arm towards the ball

Handball Offenses

• Scores in the opponents’ goal:
• Directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental including by the goalkeeper.�
• Immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm even if accidental.

​

IFAB has guidance for when it’s kicked by a team mate and some other considerations. Time for some videos.

Handball Offenses

Three that are committed

solely by the goalkeeper

The IDFK offenses fall into two groups:

Six that can be

committed by anyone

Indirect Free Kick Offenses

Indirect Free Kick offenses | There are 9

Three apply to goalkeepers in their own penalty area.

1. Touches the ball again with their hands after it has been released from their possession and has not touched any other player.
2. Touches the ball with their hands after it has been deliberately kicked by a team-mate.
3. Touches the ball with their hands after they have received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate.

​

​

​

1. Plays in a dangerous manner

​

• Impedes the progress of an opponent without contact

​

• Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from their hands or kicks or… attempts to kick the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it

The Remaining Six Pertain to All Players

Indirect Free Kick Offenses

Indirect Free Kick Offenses

4. Initiates a deliberate trick for the ball to be passed (including from a free kick or goal kick) to the goalkeeper with the head, chest, knee etc. to circumvent the Law, whether or not the goalkeeper touches the ball with the hands…�
• Note: The goalkeeper is penalized if responsible for initiating the deliberate trick

Note: In reference to a back pass to the Goalkeeper

Indirect Free Kick Offenses

5. Is guilty of dissent, using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or actions or other verbal offenses

​

6. Commits any other offense, not mentioned in the Laws, for which play is stopped to caution or send off a player

​

Philosophy of Refereeing

The Laws of the Game are intended to provide that games should be played with as little interference as possible, and in this view, it is the duty of the referee to penalize only deliberate breaches of the Law.

​

Constant whistling for trifling and doubtful breaches produces bad feelings and loss of temper on the part of the players and spoils the pleasure of spectators.

​

Decisions made by match officials must always be respected.

The referee allows play to continue when the team that was fouled has an advantage to gain from it.

If the advantage situation does not benefit the offended team within 2-3 seconds, �the referee should stop the match and penalize the original offense

Law 5.3: Advantage

• The ability to thwart the offender’s unfair actions by allowing play to continue is unique to soccer.

​

• If the offense is also a misconduct, once the referee has negated the offense’s influence on play by applying Advantage, the referee can and should, discipline the player at the next stoppage.

​

• The Law specifies that if no benefit arises for the team against which the offense was committed, the referee MAY use its absence to cancel his decision, even if he has signaled “Advantage … Play On.”

​

• Advantage should not be applied in situations involving Serious Foul Play, Violent Conduct or second cautionable offense unless there’s a clear opportunity to score a goal. Discipline occurs at the next stoppage.

Law 12.3: Advantage

Playing Advantage

Playing Advantage

Playing Advantage

Proper not advantage call – mid 3^rd

Where To Give Advantage

The closer to goal, the more likely you are to give advantage.

Do not apply Advantage in situations that involve Serious Foul Play or Violent Conduct. �Player safety is more important!

​

If the referee plays the advantage for an offence for which a caution/sending-off would have been issued had play been stopped, this caution/sending-off must be issued when the ball is next out of play.

Advantage FYIs

Advantage FYIs

However…

• If the offence was denying the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity in the penalty area, then the player is cautioned for unsporting behavior (instead of a send-off) �
• If the offence was interfering with or stopping a promising attack, the player is not cautioned.

​

• If Advantage has been given but the player to be sanctioned then becomes further involved, stop play, administer the misconduct and restart with an IFK where the interference occurred.

53

Misconduct

8

Cautions

How many?

MISCONDUCT

There are eight caution-able offenses:

1. Fails to respect the required distance on a corner kick, free kick or throw-in
2. Enters/re-enters/ leaves the field of play without permission
3. Dissent by word or action
4. Delays the restart of play
5. Unsporting behavior
6. Persistent offenses
7. Entering the Referee Review Area (RRA)
8. Excessively using the “review” (TV screen) signal

​

F.E.D.D.U.P – E.E.

8

Send Offs

How many?

MISCONDUCT

There are eight send-off offenses:

1. Serious foul play
2. Abusive, offensive, or insulting language and/or actions
3. Violent conduct
4. Spitting at or biting someone
5. Receives a second caution in the same match
6. Denies a goal or obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball
7. Denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by an offense punishable by a Free Kick or Penalty Kick
8. Entering the video operation room (VOR)

​

Serious foul play

Abusive, offensive, insulting language and/or action(s)

Violent conduct

Spitting at or biting someone

Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by a handball offense

Denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity (a) outside the penalty area by an offense punishable by a free kick or (b) inside the penalty area by a free kick offense while not attempting to play the ball

Second caution in the same match

S

A

V

S

DOGSO

DOGSO

2

DOGSO Criteria

• Distance from the goal
• Direction of the player - toward the goal
• Defenders able to defend – one or none
• Distance from the ball
• Control – ability to control the ball

THE FOUR “Ds + a C”

DOGSO EXCEPTION

If a player denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by an offense which was an attempt to play the ball, and the referee awards a penalty kick:

The Player is CAUTIONED

• If it involves holding, pulling or pushing; OR
• If there is no attempt to play the ball or no possibility to play the ball; OR
• If it is deemed to be Serious Foul Play or Violent Conduct

​

The Player is SENT OFF

MISCONDUCT Informational

If the referee applies advantage for an offense for which a caution/send off would have been issued had play been stopped, this caution/send off must be issued when the ball is next out of play.

​

However, if the offence was denying the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity the player is cautioned for unsporting behavior;

​

if the offence was interfering with or stopping a promising attack, the player is not cautioned.

This is not on the test; however, a good referee should be aware of these finer points of the law.

If the referee stops play for an offense deserving of a caution or send off, but the non-offending team takes a quick free kick and creates a clear goal-scoring opportunity, then the referee may delay issuing the Yellow or Red Card until the next stoppage.

​

If the offense was denying the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, the player is cautioned. If the offense “interfered with or stopped a promising attack” the caution is not issued.

MISCONDUCT Informational

This is not on the test; however, a good referee should be aware of these finer points of the law.

If, when the ball is in play:

​

a player leaves the field as part of the momentum of play and then commits an offense, a free kick is awarded on the boundary line nearest to where the offense occurred; and, in the case of a DFK foul, if it is on the goal line in the offender’s penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded.

MISCONDUCT Informational

This is not on the test; however, a good referee should be aware of these finer points of the law.

If, when the ball is in play:

​

a player commits an offense against a match official, an opposing player, substitute, substituted or sent off player or team official outside the field of play,

or

a substitute, substituted or sent-off player, or team official commits an offence against, or interferes with, an opposing player or a match official outside the field of play,

​

play is restarted with a DFK or PK on the boundary line closest to where the offense occurred.

MISCONDUCT Informational

This is not on the test; however, a good referee should be aware of these finer points of the law.

If, when the ball is in play:

​

If an offence is committed outside the field of play by a player against a player, substitute, substituted player or team official of their own team, play is restarted with an indirect free kick on the boundary line closest to where the offence occurred.

MISCONDUCT Informational

This is not on the test; however, a good referee should be aware of these finer points of the law.

Misconduct

Coaches may be warned, cautioned (shown yellow card) or sent-off (shown red card).

Spectators may be warned, cautioned, or sent-off. Do not show yellow or red cards to spectators.

• Cards are shown to players, substitutes, substituted players and team officials while they are on the field or in the technical area. Misconduct that occurs at other times (say in the parking lot after the match) should be noted and reported to the appropriate authority (the Region, Area or Section).

​

• When a team official/coach is to be warned or dismissed from the field, the procedure will be the same. If the offender cannot be identified, the senior coach present in the technical area will receive the sanction.

​

• A report must be submitted to the proper authority in all situations of misconduct

​

• Warnings and cautions issued during the match are not carried forward into kicks from the penalty mark (new for 2020-2021).

​

COACH MISCONDUCT

The following offenses should usually result in a warning:

• failing to cooperate with a match official e.g. ignoring an instruction/request
• minor/low-level disagreement (by word or action) with a decision
• occasionally leaving the confines of the technical area without committing another offense

​

Cautionable offenses include (but are not limited to):

• dissent by word or action
• gesturing or acting in a provocative or inflammatory manner
• persistent unacceptable behavior (including repeated warning offenses)

​

Sending-off offenses include (but are not limited to):

• entering the field of play to confront a match official
• receiving a second caution in the same match
• using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or actions

​

A “look”

Suspend

Send Off

Caution

Whistle

Warn

Talk

Terminate

The steps of control:

Checking for Learning

What is the offense when a player commits a reckless tackle against an opponent?

​

DFK or PK and Misconduct (Unsporting Behavior)

​

What is the offense if a player forcefully strikes an opponent while they are competing for the ball?

​

DFK or PK and Misconduct (Serious Foul Play)

Checking for Learning

What is the offense if a player strikes another player while waiting for a corner kick to be taken?

​

Violent Conduct

​

What are the three DFK offenses for which even the attempt matters?

​

Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent

Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent

Striking or attempting to strike an opponent

​

Checking for Learning

What are the seven “conditional” DFK offenses?

1. Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
2. Trips or attempts to trip an opponent
3. Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
4. Jumps at an opponent
5. Charges an opponent
6. Pushes an opponent
7. Tackles/challenges an opponent

Offside

74

Offside

​

There are 3 elements of an offside offense

​

1. Offside Position

​

• Time of Judgement

​

• Active Involvement

​

All three elements MUST be present or there cannot ben an offside.

Element #1 Offside Position

​

Offside position defined

Players are in an offside position if they are:

​

1. In the opponents’ half of the field*, AND
2. Closer to the opponents’ goal line than the ball, AND
3. Closer to the opponents’ goal line than the second-to-last opponent.

​

All three parts MUST be present for a player to be in an

offside position.

The hands and arms of all players, including the goalkeepers, are not considered. For the purposes of determining offside, the upper boundary of the arm is in line with the bottom of the armpit.

Offside Position

2021/22 Update

77

Effect of being in offside position

It is not an offense to be in an offside position. It just means that player is momentarily off their team.

• The player cannot interfere with play or any of the opposing players.
• The player cannot have any involvement in the match.
• The player is “off” their “side.”

​

​

Offside Position

​

78

Element #2 Time of Judgment

(Very Important!)

​

Offside Position is judged at the MOMENT that the ball is played or is touched by a teammate.

79

Attackers in onside vs offside position

• If attackers are in an onside position when their teammate plays or is touched by the ball, they are free to move and play the ball.
• If they are in an offside position when their teammate plays or is touched by the ball, they may NOT become involved in active play.

​

Element #2 Time of Judgment

​

Playing the ball or being touched by it (Interfering with play)

Interfering with an opponent

Gaining an advantage*

​

*Gaining an advantage is doing P or I after the ball rebounds or is deflected by an opponent or the goal frame, or after an opponent makes a save.

Element #3 – what is Active involvement?

​

OFFSIDE – the 3 elements together

Offside offense defined

Once all three of these conditions have been met:

1) Offside position

2) Time of judgment

3) Active involvement

An offside offense has occurred.

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the place the offense occurred.

​

OFFSIDE

Exceptions

​

There is no offense if a player

receives the ball directly from a:

​

Goal Kick

Corner Kick

Throw-In

​

Let’s look at some examples:

OFFSIDE

D1

A1

D2

AR

DECISION

Offside offense, gaining an advantage

Direction of attack

A2

2022 LAW UPDATE

GK

A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent who deliberately plays the ball, including by deliberate handball, is not considered to have gained an advantage, unless it was a deliberate save by any opponent.

A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

DECISION

Offside offense, interfering with an opponent

Direction of attack

A3

D1

AR

DECISION

NO offside offense

Direction of attack

A3

A3

A2

A2

A1

D2

D1

DECISION

Offside offense, interfering with play

Direction of attack

A1

A2

A1

D2

AR

D3

Corner kick

A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

DECISION

No offside offense

Direction of attack

A3

Throw-in

Deflection

A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

DECISION

Offside offense, interfering with play

Direction of attack

Deflection

A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

DECISION

Offside offense, interfering with an opponent

Direction of attack

GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!

No Goal….Whomp whomp ☹

A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

DECISION

No offside offense

Direction of attack

Offside?????

GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!

A2

A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

Direction of attack

DECISION

NO offside offense. Restart with goal kick.

Offside: Key Takeaways

​

​

• It is not an offense to be in an Offside Position.
• Time of Judgment is when the ball touches or is played by a teammate.
• Wait for Active Involvement before penalizing for offside.

​

94

Interactions with Coaches

and spectators.

Interaction with Coaches and Spectators

Have you ever had a situation where your behavior as a referee either hurt or helped your ability to officiate a match?

​

What was special about that behavior?

“The integrity of the Laws, and the referees who apply them, must always be protected and respected. All those in authority, especially coaches and team captains, have a clear responsibility to the game to respect the match officials and their decisions.”

Interaction with Coaches and Spectators

​

Referees are the guardians of the game and need to do so by:

​

Modeling Appropriate Behavior

​

Setting the Tone for the Match

​

Dealing with Inappropriate Behavior

Interaction with Coaches and Spectators

​

• Begin positive communication with the coaches prior to the match
• Set clear expectations with coaches and players
• Be approachable and SMILE
• Be consistent throughout the match
• Project confidence (not arrogance) throughout the match
• Report any instances of abuse to your RRA

Referee Responsibilities

• As a best practice, do not engage with spectators

​

• If verbal abuse occurs, raise flag at next stoppage of play, call the referee over, and ask the referee to address the behavior utilizing the team(s) coach(es).

​

• If the abuse continues, repeat as needed

​

• Referees: Support your assistant referees. Accept their information and deal with the problem.

Assistant Referee Responsibilities

How to Address Abuse

Recalibrate Expectations

​

• All abuse must be reported to Regional Referee Staff (RC, RRA and RCA should keep track of reported abuse).
• ANY dissent or abuse directed towards ANY referee will not be tolerated, and must be dealt with.
• During a match, the ideal method is to have a parent from the opposing sideline get support from the tent while you continue to focus on the kids and the match.

Recalibrate Expectations

• ANY dissent or abuse directed towards a youth referee will not be tolerated (refer to Safe Haven) under any circumstances

​

• Repercussions for dissent or abuse to a youth referee may result in greater penalties and must be dealt with immediately

How to Address Abuse

Techniques to be successful

• Remain Calm — Walk SLOWLY to the coach, do not rush
• Remain Respectful — Keep the tone of the conversation respectful and productive
• Be Courteous — Always say “thank you” at the end
• Be Firm
• Be Professional

Don’t add more emotion to the situation!

Addressing Dissent or Abuse

What to say (overview)

• Explain the problem
• Outline the repercussions
• Make it clear, make it their decision
• Always check for understanding — “Do you understand?”
• Always say “thank you”

Addressing Dissent or Abuse

Don’t add more emotion to the situation!

Sample Dialogue to use with Coaches

​

1. Walk slowly to the coach (do not rush)

​

• “Coach your behavior right now is irresponsible, please stop. Do you understand?” (Wait for a response) “Thank you.”

​

• “Coach, your behavior right now is irresponsible, and you are being cautioned for _______. If it continues you will be sent off from the match, do you understand?” (Wait for a response) “Thank you.” (Show yellow card)

Sample Dialogue to use with Coaches

​

4. “Coach your behavior right now is irresponsible. You are sent off from the match.” (Show red card)

​

​

​

Note: When issuing a caution or a send off to a coach, provide a brief explanation for the discipline. This is not a conversation, and an affirmative response is all we need from the coach.

​

Interaction with Coaches and Spectators

You are the referee in a 12U match. �The coaches of the Red team are constantly making negative remarks to, and putting down, their own players. ��You can tell that these are very inexperienced coaches.

​

What can you do to help these

coaches and the kids?

​

When? Where? Who should be present?

Scenario #1

Interaction with Coaches and Spectators

You are the referee in a 12U match.

Early in the first half of a 12U match, the coach of the Blue team begins complaining about the referee’s calls every time one goes against them. ��The referee notices parents from the Blue team are now beginning to complain.

​

What can you do in this situation?

​

When and how? Who will you involve?

Scenario #2

Interaction with Coaches and Spectators

You are the referee in a 10U match and tensions are high. �The coach of the Blue team has been complaining about the calls of a youth AR even after you have had a friendly chat with and warned the coach. The coach complains louder as the game continues. ��You see the youth AR looking hesitant and freeze when this coach yells about any call made.

​

How can you deal with this situation?

​

Scenario #3

Key Takeaways

​

• Referees are role models and set the tone for the match.
• Referees must interact appropriately with players, coaches and spectators.
• Referees are guardians of the game and must remember the concept of the AYSO Team.
• Referees must manage problems outside the touch lines.

Interaction with Coaches and Spectators

Interactions with Coaches and spectators: Key Takeaways

​

• Referees are role models and set the tone for the match.
• Referees must interact appropriately with players, coaches and spectators.
• Referees are guardians of the game and must remember the concept of the AYSO Team.
• Referees must manage problems outside the touch lines.

The Referee Diagonal System of Control

The Referee Team and the Diagonal System of Control

What are the duties of the referee?

What are the duties of the asst. referees?

Diagonal System of Control

AR

AR

R

Channels of Running

R

One channel to the left of play.

Good angle of vision out of the passing lane and not interfering inside the penalty area.

Channels of Running

R

One channel to the left of play.

Good angle of vision out of the passing lane and not interfering inside the penalty area.

Channels of Running

R

Ball in the wide channel but referee stays in rectangle with good line of sight to play.

Channels of Running

R

Ball in the wide channel but referee stays in rectangle with good line of sight to play.

Pass Through Zones

R

The red areas indicate areas where the referee should move through quickly if s/he needs to pass through them at all. These are prime passing, shooting, and clearance zones!

Positioning and Movement

Angle and Proximity – be close enough to play to see the fouls and far enough away to be out of the players way.

​

Always be asking yourself:

• What is a good angle?
• Can I see daylight between the players making the challenge
• What is more important, angle or proximity?
• Good angle first!

Referee

Positioning

A

D

AR

AR

Kick-Off

R

Where would you position yourself as the Referee?

A

D

AR

AR

Dynamic Play

R

Where would you position yourself as the Referee?

AR

AR

Dynamic Play

R

Where would you position yourself as the Referee?

Where would you position yourself as the Referee?

Throw-in

AR

R

Where would you position yourself as the Referee?

Corner Kick

G

R

AR

Where would you position yourself as the Referee?

Corner Kick

G

AR

R

AR

Goal Kick

R

G

AR

Where would you position yourself as the Referee?

Where would you position yourself as the Referee?

Penalty Kick

G

AR

R

#4 is encroaching what should we do?

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The keeper is encroaching, what should we do?

Positioning:

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Free kicks for the attacking team in the attacking third of the field

QUESTIONS:

1. What areas or lines of responsibility need to be covered? (There are more than two…but only two people to cover them)
2. Who covers what? Why?
3. What are the advantages and risks of your decision?
4. Is your plan flexible?

Cover this in your pregame!

Where would you position yourself as the Referee?

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Why? What are you covering?

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Where do you want your AR?

Why? What is he/she covering?

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What areas of concern are you leaving uncovered? Why?

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What are the risks and benefits of your choices?

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Is your plan flexible? How?

Scenario #1

G

AR

R

Scenario #2

G

AR

R

Where would you position yourself as the Referee?

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Why? What are you covering?

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Where do you want your AR?

Why? What is he/she covering?

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What areas of concern are you leaving uncovered? Why?

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What are the risks and benefits of your choices?

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Is your plan flexible? How?

Where would you position yourself as the Referee?

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Why? What are you covering?

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Where do you want your AR?

Why? What is he/she covering?

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What areas of concern are you leaving uncovered? Why?

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What are the risks and benefits of your choices?

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Is your plan flexible? How?

Scenario #3

G

AR

R

Refereeing Solo - Implications

• Ideal: Referee goes deeper and wider than in DSC;
• Reality: coverage will be shallower and narrower
• Judging ball on goal line is next to impossible
• Judging close offside requires being ahead of the ball at both ends, which is extremely hard or impossible
• For older players, tight control is essential
• Limit use of advantage

Refereeing Solo - Implications

• Ideal: Referee goes deeper and wider than in DSC;
• Reality: coverage will be shallower and narrower
• Judging ball on goal line is next to impossible
• Judging close offside requires being ahead of the ball at both ends, which is extremely hard or impossible
• For older players, tight control is essential
• Limit use of advantage

One Referee – Realistic Coverage

CL

CL

R

Manage Expectations Early

Meet with both coaches prior to kick off

• Describe how you are handling lack of qualified AR(s)
• Ask them to recruit club linespersons
• Remind them that certain calls may be missed
• Offside
• Ball in/out of play
• Some fouls

Inform team captains/players during equipment check or coin toss (more effective with older players)

Recruit Club Linespersons

Why recruit club linespersons?

• Today’s club linesperson is tomorrow’s referee (club linespersons are good source of recruits for referee training).
• AYSO is a volunteer organization; volunteers are needed (spectators might need reminding that they are needed!)
• With assistance, the referee makes fewer compromises.

Instructions for Club Linespersons

• Where they move (along half of touchline)
• What they signal (ball in and out of play ONLY)
• How they signal (flag straight up)
• What’s “in” and what’s “out”?
• How to handle club linesperson who “knows offside”?
• What about the goal line?

Acknowledge Club Linepersons’ Efforts

• Thank them for volunteering prior to starting the match
• Make them a part of the team
• Include them, if possible, in any half time referee team discussions
• Thank them at the end of the match

Restart Positions without ARs

Corner Kick

Near Side

G

R

DSC with one Referee

Corner Kick

Far Side

G

R

DSC with one Referee

Referee moves with the players. Stay out of their way.

DFK in the attacking 3rd

G

R

DSC with one Referee

Watch the offside line then move on the kick.

Watching the offside line is your priority on a FK

Penalty Kick

G

R

DSC with one Referee

Throw-in

R

Moves closer to far touch line; prepares to move with play or towards goal line with play as needed

DSC with One Referee

• Recommendation: Avoid doing games solo: get two club linespersons!
• The Dual System is not approved by FIFA, US Soccer, and AYSO – NEVER USE IT!

Referee and Assistant Referee Communication

Assistant Referee

• Flag always in the hand closest to the referee
• When signaling, stop and face the field.
• The flag is always in the appropriate hand when making signals such that the arm never crosses the body.
• Movement is most commonly side-stepping, but the AR must run when necessary.

Referee and AR Communication

• “Ready to start” before each kick-off

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• Ball still in play

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• Offense seen by lead assistant referee

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• Offense seen by trail assistant referee

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• Offense inside the penalty area, indicated by the referee

Referee and AR Communication

• Direct free kick offense signaled by the assistant referee

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• Offense meriting a penalty kick detected by assistant referee

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• Indirect free kick offense signaled by the assistant referee

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• No offense

Referee and AR Communication

• No offside (assistant referee is indicating to referee)

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• No offside (referee decides not to penalize and overrules assistant referee)

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• No goal; ball failed to enter goal

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• No goal; ball entered goal and the player scoring the goal was offside

Referee and AR Communication

• No goal; an attacker fouled or an attacker other than the scorer was in an offside position and was involved in the active play

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• Time remaining

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• Time expired

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• I don’t know

Pre-Game, Post-Game and Halftime Activities

ion

What do YOU include in YOUR pre-game?

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• Which diagonal will be used

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• Duties, communication and responsibilities for:
• Offside
• Set Plays
• Special communication
• Fouls called by the assistant referees

Pre Game with AR’s

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• Duties, communication and responsibilities for:

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• Timekeeping and scorekeeping responsibilities
• TLC for goal recording: Trail AR 1^st, Lead AR 2^nd, Referee (Center) 3^rd
• Substitution control
• Handling misconduct
• Special instructions

Pre Game with AR’s

Halftime

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What do YOU consider important to do during halftime in YOUR games?

Halftime with AR’s

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• Enter and leave the field together as a team

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• Update game cards with correct scores, cautions, send-offs, etc.

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• Water and stretching

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Halftime with AR’s

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• Compare notes on how the game is going:
• Any adjustment to pre-game instructions?
• Tighten up? Loosen up? Keep the same?
• Any problem players to watch?
• Exchange information between ARs
• What should be expected in the second half?

Post-Game

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What do YOU do as part of YOUR post-game?

Post-Game with AR’s

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• Complete game cards

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• Monitor handshake

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• Enter and leave the field together as a team

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Post-Game with AR’s

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• Complete misconduct report (if applicable)

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• Analyze the game with ARs
• Is there anything you should have done differently?
• Is there anything you did that worked particularly well?

Monitoring the Handshake

Do not stay in the center.

Move with the breadth of player contact.

You suck!

(I’m a dingus)

Bad

Reffing (and I’m ugly)

Best Ref ever!

Great calls ref!

OMG I <3 this Ref!

GG

GG

GG

GG

GG

GG

GG

GG

GG

GG

GG

GG

GG

Thank you refs!

Good job Ref!

This ref squad is legit.

The AYSO

National Referee Program

• AYSO Structure
• The AYSO National Referee Program
• The Intermediate Referee Observation

The National Referee Program

13 Sections make up AYSO

The AYSO Structure

The National Referee Program

• Provide uniformity for AYSO referees nationwide
• Components
• Administration
• Instruction
• Assessment

National Rules and Regulations

• Knee braces – OK if safe
• Casts and splints – NO
• Earrings and other visible piercings – NO
• Shoes – OK if safe, cleats not required
• Toe cleats – OK if safe
• Medical Alert bracelets – OK if taped
• Religious headwear – OK if safe

The Intermediate Referee Observation

So what is next as an Intermediate Candidate?

Steps to your Upgrade 

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• Complete the Intermediate Referee Course
• Score 85% or better on the Intermediate Referee Exam
• Officiate at least 25 matches as the Referee in your career, with at least 5 in 12U
• Be recommended for observation by your RRA
• Be observed in a 12U regulation length match (as the Referee)

Observation Formalities

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• Ask your Region or Area to arrange the observation
• They will arrange for a Referee Assessor or National Assessor (or a Referee Mentor if an assessor is not available)
• Have the observer sign your upgrade application

Observation Formalities

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• Sign and date the bottom of the form as the “applicant” for upgrade
• Contact your Area Referee Administrator or Area Director of Assessment for final signature on your upgrade
• Send the completed form to your Section Referee Administrator for processing

THE INTERMEDIATE OBSERVATION�Purposes

• Ensure officiating competency at the level required to officiate a typical 12U regular season AYSO match
• Provide helpful and constructive feedback
• Measure the progress of officiating skills
• Publicly recognize officiating progress

THE INTERMEDIATE OBSERVATION�Expectations Leading Up to the Match

• Dress Professionally
• Conduct an organized Pre Game
• Inspect field and players
• Give instructions to your AR’s
• Utilize the AYSO Team approach and be friendly to coaches, players, and AR’s

THE INTERMEDIATE OBSERVATION�Expectations During the Match

• Work with the AR’s and make eye contact throughout the match
• Display fitness, sprint, & anticipate play
• Show courage, character, & consistency
• Show knowledgeable use of the DSC
• Be well positioned at restarts

THE INTERMEDIATE OBSERVATION�Expectations During the Match

• Use approved signals and communicate clearly with a variety of whistle sounds
• Correctly identify offenses and their restarts
• Demonstrate control of the game including time, subs, and injuries

THE INTERMEDIATE OBSERVATION�Your Assessor or Referee Mentor

• Wants you to succeed
• Is giving their time to you
• Provides input and advice based on their observations and experience
• Wants this to be a positive learning experience

Last words of Advice

• Keep up with play!!! RUN! Always strive to be in the best position to see the play clearly, get good angles!
• Don’t be trifling.
• Be decisive in your calls, make them quick and confident.
• Don’t be afraid to consult with your AR’s.
• Clearly explain your calls to players and coaches using concise language and signals if necessary.
• Talk to the players, don’t just use the whistle.
• Be consistent. It takes the sting out of “You sure called that one-way” comments.
• Continue to learn, youtube, tiktok, refsneedlovetoo, ifab, etc.
• Be human.

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