Welcome Back Returning Referees! Thank you for working another season.
All returning referees must go through the following three steps in order to referee matches in our region.
Step 1: Re-register as a volunteer in the AYSO177.org website (Blue Sombrero) either in the season program (e.g. Fall Core, Extra, or Spring Academy) or under the MY2026 Board Member and Referee volunteer program. Please note it is required for all of us to re-register each year.
Step 2: Check if you need additional training and register for the class(es) you plan to attend.
All returning referees should have previously completed the regional referee course. Some returning referees who will be refereeing at a higher level may need additional training. Review the schedule of classes on the referee training calendar, then signup on AYSOU.org following these instructions. Review the Referee Courses page for more information.
- If you have reached 25 games as a center referee, we strongly recommend taking the Intermediate Referee certification class. You will not be pressured to only ref higher-level games such as U12, but you may find it more exciting to referee as the kids are more skilled. We will certainly encourage you, but everyone’s referee journey is different. Feel free to contact the RRA to express interest or ask any questions. We can ensure you get the five games of U12 experience needed before the course and can help find you a course.
- U12/U14: If you have completed only the "Regional Referee" training, please consider taking the "Intermediate Referee" class this season. It is not a strict requirement but it is highly recommended, especially to be assigned as center referee on boys games in the U14 and older divisions. Please visit the AYSOU Training Calendar for details on upcoming Intermediate Referee classes or check with your Referee Administrator.
- Referees transferring from another AYSO region: As long as your existing certification was recorded on your AYSOU account you do not need to take the same training again, just check if you need to upgrade.
- USSF referees: if you have a current USSF certification no additional AYSO training is necessary. Please fill out a cross-certification form and return it to the referee admin with a copy of your USSF card for the current year. You still need to do Step 2 and 3!
Step 3: Update your background check.
Please login to Sports Connect and renew your background check. Instructions on how to renew and update your background check can be found here.
Step 4: Attend your Upgrade classes or the Referee Refresher meeting.
For all other returning referees, AYSO National requires one continuing education class each year. Region 177 provides a "referee refresher" meeting to meet this requirement where we cover changes in our local policies and procedures, IFAB and AYSO rules, etc. Please visit the referee calendar for the date and location of this class.