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American Youth Soccer Organization Providing world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.

Mt. Pleasant/Valhalla, NY AYSO (Region 221)

To Be a Ref

To be an AYSO referee, you must be a volunteer for the membership year (Step #1; August 1 through July 31) and properly trained/certified (Steps #2-5) and authorized by the Region Board (Step #6).  Please take care of these items! No exceptions.

Step 1 - Apply to volunteer online on this website (15 minutes)

  • Adult Volunteers
  • Apply to volunteer for a program on www.ayso221.org
  • Only select one program when volunteering, even if you will have multiple roles or multiple children. Once you have volunteered for one program, your volunteerism can be applied to any program in the system very easily. Select the program that corresponds to the one your child is participating in. Just like we register the kids every year, we need you to re-register yourself to coach. This triggers a background check to make sure all is OK, and is why the system needs SSN and references. The process is a little longer than in previous years as it is more robust than the previous system.
  • DETAILED STEPS:
    • This website is to be used - www.ayso221.org
    • It can be annoying, but it works. Just remember to only select one volunteer role the first time, otherwise you will hate yourself.
    • Click on "Volunteer", and fill in any remaining information it needs from you (likely your employer)
    • Select the "Core" Program (that is the most common/popular program) and click on view roles
    • Select ONE program and ONE role (even if you have multiple kids or multiple roles) and select "Head Coach" regardless of your coaching status on your team (assistant coach, co-coach, head coach, etc).
    • Click "Continue"
    • Fill out all the information including drivers license and two references. The references are annoying, but it is what it is. You can use me for one of them if you don't have two good references or are lazy (or frustrated by this point like I am!).Marc Rosa; 3 St Marys Pl. White Plains, NY 10603; 347-731-0824.
    • "Click Here to eSign Form" (You are familiar with this from signing up your child)
    • Check the box Agree to use the electronic signature, type your name, scroll down, click "Continue to Review", scroll down, Click "submit the signed signature application"
    • Whew, you are done!
AYSOU features an online learning catalog filled with courses needed to become AYSO certified in disciplines ranging from coach education to referee training to management instruction. Here you will be able to access your online learning materials at your own pace, instantly obtain certification and revisit course content at any time. Some courses also include a supplemental eBook for which there is a nominal fee.

Step #2 - Complete AYSO's Safe Haven Training on AYSOU , the AYSO online education portal (1 hour)
Login, Click Red Menu Bar "Online Courses", Click "Open" next to folder "Safe Haven Courses", Click "Open" next to "AYSO's Safe Haven" course, and take each of the course modules, complete the final exam, download the certificate, and save any relevant materials to your computer for future use. One-time, not each year.

Step #3 - Complete CDC: HEADS UP Concussion Training on AYSOU  (30 minutes)
Login, Click Red Menu Bar "Online Courses", Click "Open" next to folder "Safe Haven Courses", Click "Open" next to "CDC: HEADS UP Concussion Training" course, and take each of the course modules, complete the final exam, download the certificate, and save any relevant materials to your computer for future use. One-time, not each year.

Step #4 - Complete Regional Referee Training on AYSOU  (120 minutes)
Login, Click Red Menu Bar "Online Courses", Click "Open" next to folder "Referee Courses", Click "Open" next to "Regional Referee Training" course, and take each of the course modules, complete the final exam, download the certificate, and save any relevant materials to your computer for future use. One-time, not each year.

OPTIONAL - Complete Optional Training on AYSOU  (120 minutes)
You can find AYSO's Summary of the Laws of the Game, Annual Referee Updates, and other optional training on the website.

Register/Take for LIVE LOCAL Regional Referee Training on AYSOU  (15 minutes)
Login and register for a live referee course locally to supplement your online learning.
  • 8U Official - Allows officiating of games through U8 Most skip this and start with Basic Referee. If your child is 10 or 11 years old, however, this is the training for you!
  • Regional Referee Course - This is the standard referee course. This is the whole day classroom course
  • Regional Referee Online Companion Course - Most take a 1/2 day online course and a 1/2 day live training course, though occasionally a full day live course is available 
  • Basic Referee - This is the full day training course and requires no referee pre-work.
  • Basic Referee Online Companion Course - This is the 1/2 day training course and requires previous completion of the Basic Referee course prior to attending the course.  Thus, you are basically doing 1/2 day of training at home at your own pace.
  • To obtain referee credit you must have the following completed:
  • Must be a currently registered AYSO volunteer
  • Show proof of completion of Safe Haven course (online)
  • Show proof of completion of Concussion Certification (online)
  • Show proof of completion of Basic Referee course (online; if taking the 1/2 day Companion course)
  • Candidates must attend classroom portion and pass a written exam
  • Candidates under 12 years old will be eligible for 8U Referee certification only
Step #6 - Get authorized/assigned
We manage a lot of volunteers. Don't be shy. Reach out to us via email or phone if you are confused. 

Nonetheless, an application to referee may be rejected for any reason by the Regional Board, and is subject to renewal or rejection each season. You are not a referee each year until you are authorized by the Regional Board, even if you have applied and taken the requisite training. Your prior actions as a parent and/or coach may be taken into account as part of the authorization or renewal process at the sole discretion of the Regional Board. 

Other referee responsibilities

  1. Attend the referee kick-off meeting.
  2. Prepare for each game and do your best to help keep the game safe, fun, and fair!
  3. Submit your game reports each week

National Partners

Local Partners / Sponsors

Contact Us

Mt. Pleasant/Valhalla NY AYSO (Region 221)

1 Town Hall Plaza, Rec Dept Office
Valhalla, New York 10595

Email Us: [email protected]
Phone : 347-205-1763
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