AYSO Region 359 – Liberty Park Referee Policy

Mission Statement

AYSO Region 359 is committed to providing a safe, fun, fair, and positive soccer experience for all participants. Referees are critical to our mission, ensuring games are conducted fairly, safely, and in accordance with the Laws of the Game. All players, coaches, spectators, and referees deserve respect and support on and off the field.

General Referee Guidelines

Authority and Responsibility

• Referees are the official representatives of AYSO and U.S. Soccer on the field.
• Their authority begins from the moment they arrive at the game site until they leave.
• The referee’s decisions regarding facts connected to play are final.

Referee Assignments

• Referee assignments will be made by the Regional Referee Administrator (RRA) or designee using an approved scheduling system.
• Priority will be given to qualified referees, with efforts made to balance experience levels and ensure proper mentorship of newer officials.

Referee Training and Certification

• All referees must be properly trained, Safe Haven certified, and age-appropriately credentialed in accordance with AYSO and U.S. Soccer guidelines.
• Region 359 encourages continued education and advancement of referee certification.

Game Conduct Expectations

• All referees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, calm, and impartial manner.
• Referees are encouraged to use AYSO’s 'Let Them Play' philosophy while maintaining player safety and enforcing the Laws of the Game.

Referee Dress Code

• AYSO or U.S. Soccer-approved referee jersey (typically yellow, black, red, green, or blue).
• Solid black referee shorts or pants (weather-appropriate).
• Black socks with three white stripes or solid black socks.
• Proper footwear (cleats or athletic shoes).
• Required equipment: whistle, stopwatch/watch, red and yellow cards, coin, pen/pencil, and game card.
• Referees must appear neat and professional at all times. No team-affiliated apparel may be worn while officiating.

Conflict of Interest / Neutrality

• Referees must avoid officiating games where a conflict of interest exists, such as matches involving:
• Their own child or relative.
• Their own team (if they are also a player or coach).
• A close personal relationship that may affect impartiality.
• Exception: A referee with a potential conflict may officiate if both coaches agree in advance, and the RRA is notified of the agreement. The match must still be conducted with professionalism and impartiality.

Zero Tolerance Policy for Youth Referees

• AYSO Region 359 strictly enforces a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding the treatment of Youth Referees.
• No coach, player, parent, or spectator may criticize, confront, intimidate, or otherwise harass a youth referee before, during, or after a match — in person or electronically.
• All participants must recognize that youth referees are volunteers and are learning the game just like the players.
• Constructive feedback must only be delivered through official channels to the Regional Referee Administrator (RRA).
• Violations Will Result In:
• Immediate removal from the field and/or venue.
• Possible suspension from future matches.
• Disciplinary review by the Region’s Disciplinary Committee.
• Possible expulsion from AYSO Region 359 activities.

Mentorship Program

• New or youth referees may be paired with experienced referees to officiate games together.
• Mentor referees are expected to provide in-game guidance, encouragement, and post-game feedback to help mentees improve.
• Mentorship assignments will be coordinated by the RRA and may be prioritized for higher-stakes or more challenging matches.
• The goal is to build referee confidence, skill, and enjoyment.

Sideline Behavior

• Spectators, coaches, and players must respect all referee decisions.
• Dissent, arguing, or confrontational behavior is not tolerated.
• Only the team’s head coach may communicate with the referee during a game — and must do so in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their spectators.

Reporting and Support

• Referees are encouraged to report any misconduct or abusive behavior to the RRA.
• Region 359 will support and protect its volunteers — especially youth referees — from any form of abuse.
• Reports may be submitted through our referee support system or directly to the RRA or Regional Commissioner.