General Information: Referees in AYSA, like the coaches, administrators and everyone else who makes AYSA "go" are volunteers. Most are parents of players who begin when their children are playing in the youngest age groups and move "up" with them. Some (especially those with significant playing or prior referee experience) start directly with the older kids. All are welcome. Referee Assignor:, Joe Ganim Contact Phone#: 1-(419)-755-2410 E-mail Address:_________________
Why Become a Referee? The best reason for being an AYSA referee is for the kids. Referees play a vital role in keeping the games Safe, Fair and Fun - which is what AYSA is all about, and which is why kids enjoy AYSA so much.
But Why Should You Do It? While everyone is welcome, refereeing is especially likely to appeal to you if you like being involved (you tend to get fidgetty on the side lines) enjoy sports, even strange ones (you wish you were playing, instead of just your kids) enjoy (or need!) physical activity (reff'ing is a great, light, regular workout) don't have quite enough time, patience or soccer skills to be a coach. If any of these describe you, you should give it a try. When you do, you'll find out that it's fun! Especially at the younger age levels, AYSA refereeing is not particularly stressful. Your role is to help the kids structure their game as soccer and, occasionally, to intervene to keep it fair. Best of all, you get to be out on the field with the kids enjoying the game from "up-close", while everyone else has to watch from the touch-lines.