Youth Referee Program

Start Young. Lead the Game

Become a certified youth soccer referee right here in San Elijo Hills — with completely free training, mentorship, and referee gear provided by Region 1505.

No experience is required. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, support you through your first games, and provide the equipment you need to get started.

Youth referees can begin as early as age 10 and earn community service hours while building leadership skills, confidence, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of the game — all with a flexible schedule where you choose which games you want to referee.

What We Provide

Region 1505 provides youth referees with:

• Free referee certification and training
• Mentorship from experienced referees
• Referee jersey, shorts, and socks
• Flags, whistle, referee bag, and game cards
• Age-appropriate game assignments
• Ongoing support throughout the season

You do not need prior referee experience or expensive equipment to get started.

Why Become a Youth Referee?

Youth referees in our region:

• Earn volunteer and community service hours
• Build confidence and leadership skills
• Improve soccer knowledge and game awareness
• Stay active and outdoors
• Learn communication and responsibility
• Support younger players and the local community
• Gain experience that looks great on resumes and college applications

For students interested in continuing beyond AYSO, the training also creates a pathway toward advanced referee certifications and paid officiating opportunities outside recreational soccer.

A Program Built to Support Young Referees

Starting something new can feel intimidating — especially stepping onto a field with a whistle for the first time. That’s why our region focuses heavily on mentorship and support.

New youth referees are guided by experienced referee volunteers who help them learn positioning, game management, confidence, and communication in a positive environment.

You will never be expected to figure things out alone.

Who Can Join?

This program is a great fit for students who are:

• Ages 10–18
• Interested in soccer, leadership, or sports
• Looking for volunteer or service hours
• Responsible and dependable
• Comfortable being active outdoors
• Interested in helping younger players have a great experience

Flexible Scheduling

Youth referees can access the referee schedule and choose which games they want to work based on their availability.

Some referees volunteer every weekend. Others pick up only a few games each month. The program is designed to work around school, sports, and other activities.

Games are local here in San Elijo Hills and nearby communities, making participation easy for students and families.

Training and Certification

AYSO referee training is considered some of the best volunteer referee training in the country — and it’s completely free.

Training includes:

• Online learning modules
• In-person field training
• Mentorship and on-field support

Most entry-level certification training can be completed in just a few hours.

Required Online Training

• Safe Haven
• Concussion Awareness
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training
• Referee Training Modules

In-Person Training

• Approximately one half-day session
• Field positioning and mechanics
• Practical on-field learning

Referee Certification Path

U8 Official Certification

Minimum age: 10

After completing training, referees can officiate:

• U6
• U7
• U8 matches

Regional Referee Certification

Minimum age: 12

Regional Referees can officiate older age groups and more advanced matches involving:

• Goalkeepers
• Offside law
• Assistant Referees
• Larger-sided games

Youth referees can continue advancing through higher certification levels over time if they choose.

Youth referees referee players at least two years younger than themselves when serving as the center referee.

Community Service Hours

Youth referees earn community service hours for:

• Games officiated
• Training courses completed

It’s a great option for high school students looking for flexible volunteer opportunities that are active, meaningful, and locally based.

How to Register

1. Visit San Elijo AYSO
2. Log in or create an account
3. Navigate to the Volunteer section
4. Select “+ Volunteer”
5. Choose the Youth Referee role
6. A parent or guardian completes the registration process
7. The youth referee accepts the email invitation to activate their account

Interested in Becoming a Youth Referee?

Whether you want volunteer hours, love soccer, or just want to try something new, we’d love to have you join the program.

Our youth referees are an important part of what makes game days possible — and some of the best leaders in our region started with a whistle and their very first game.

Questions? 

Reach out to [email protected]