Scheduled Games with No Referee = Coach-Led Scrimmages

When no certified and approved referee is present for a Region 359 hosted game, teams may play a friendly coach-led scrimmage instead of an official game.

AYSO National Rules and Regulations require a certified official to be present for any official game to be played.

When a Scrimmage May Be Played

For games hosted by AYSO Region 359 where no certified and approved referee is assigned or present, a friendly scrimmage may be played in place of the scheduled game.

Games scheduled within other regions are subject to the host region’s policies. Some nearby regions may cancel games if a referee has not signed up by the previous evening.

Scrimmages do not count toward referee points, sportsmanship points, or tournament results, if applicable.

Coach Responsibilities During a Scrimmage

• One coach from each team must be on the field with the players.
• Coaches are there to help maintain a safe and friendly environment.
• The role of the coaches is to guide the scrimmage, not referee it.
• Coaches may use the scrimmage as an opportunity to teach and provide instruction during play.

Player Safety and Conduct

Coaches must ensure the safety of all players during the scrimmage and should discourage overly aggressive or dangerous behavior.

Either coach may warn a player for unsafe behavior. If the behavior continues, that player may be removed from the scrimmage.

Either coach may terminate the scrimmage for any reason, including misconduct by players, coaches, or parents, adverse weather, unsafe field conditions, or other concerns.

Scrimmage Format

The scrimmage is not required to follow the normal game length or number of periods.

However, it must end within the assigned time slot so that other scheduled games are not delayed.

Communicating with Spectators

Coaches should clearly explain to spectators that:

• In the absence of a certified referee, the teams are playing a friendly coach-led scrimmage.
• No official score will be kept or recorded.
• The Laws of the Game will not be strictly enforced without a certified official present.

Who May Participate on the Field

Only approved AYSO volunteers who are registered for the current year and meet the minimum training requirements are allowed to participate on the field with players.

Non-approved individuals, including parents who volunteer at the last minute, may not officiate or manage a game or scrimmage.

To be recognized as an approved official, referees must sign up for the game through CGISports.com/ref/5071 or at the referee table before the game.

Coaches should verify that officials are signed in through CGISports before the game begins.

Parents, family members, and players are encouraged to become certified referees so there are enough referees available to cover all matches.

Referees Matter

Every team wants to play for standings, so certified referees are essential.