AYSO's referee abuse policy implements a zero-tolerance approach, enforced through the U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9, effective March 1, 2025. Under this policy, any form of abuse—verbal, physical, or social media-based—against referees is prohibited and will result in disciplinary actions, including suspensions or bans. Referees are authorized to eject abusive individuals, and all incidents must be reported for investigation and standardized penalties, with specific triple penalties applied to offenses against youth officials. 

Key Provisions
* Zero Tolerance: AYSO maintains a zero-tolerance stance against any form of abuse, assault, or gross misconduct directed at match officials.
* Mandatory Reporting: Referees are required to report abuse incidents immediately to league officials. Spectators and other participants are also encouraged to report violations. 
* Standardized Penalties: Disciplinary actions are consistent with U.S. Soccer's Policy 531-9, ranging from game suspensions to lifetime bans, depending on the severity of the offense.
* Youth Referee Protection: Offenses against youth officials carry significantly higher penalties, up to triple the standard penalty. 
* Community Accountability: Coaches, players, parents, and all other participants are responsible for modeling respectful behavior toward referees. 

Actions & Consequences
* Referee Authority: A referee can immediately dismiss an abuser without warning. 
* Disciplinary Action: Abuse, even after a game has ended, will be investigated and can lead to warnings, suspensions, or bans from all AYSO activities.
* Appeals: Individuals facing disciplinary action have the right to appeal the decision through AYSO's due process procedures. 

How to Comply & Get Involved
* Understand the Policy: Familiarize yourself with the U.S. Soccer Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9) and AYSO's regional guidelines.
* Report Incidents: Report any incidents of referee abuse promptly to your Regional Commissioner, Area Director, or Section Director.
* Model Good Behavior: Coaches, players, and spectators are expected to demonstrate respectful conduct and control their tempers.
* Contact Regional Leadership: For further information or to report an incident, contact your local AYSO Region's leadership, such as the Regional Commissioner or Regional Referee Administrator. 

Points System (Mandatory 10 Points)
Every team must accumulate at least 10 referee points during the Fall Season in order to be eligible for the Playoffs.  This includes upper division teams.  Each game officiated is counted as 1 point with both Center and AR positions the same.  The new “Matchtrak” system allows every Referee to credit each game they sign up for to the exact team they wish.  Use the dropdown menu to the right.  Please note that ONLY REGION 630 GAMES count towards this point total.  You are welcome to do out of Region games but they do not count toward points.

Matchtrak will email you when games are available for signups.  Please make sure you have a submitted a current Volunteer Application using Sports Connect BEFORE you contact the RRA.  You MUST do this EVERY year.   

Referee Meetings
Update to be provided via email.   If you are not receiving emails from “AYSO Region 630 Referee Program”, please email [email protected] to be added to the email list.

Your Own Kid’s Games
Please do not sign up for your own kid’s games (U10-U19).   If the game is open 48 hours prior to the kick off, you may sign up to Center or AR your own child’s match (we will follow Area 11L on this issue).   Thursday at 9pm becomes the “in jeopardy of cancelation” time for all Saturday games.

Coach, Parent, and Spectator Policy
The AYSO Referee Staff will be enforcing a ZERO TOLERACE POLICY for coach, parent, and spectator behavior that is contrary to AYSO’s philosophy.  All adults are expected to set a positive example for the kids.  Referees are PARENT VOLUNTEERS and should be treated respectfully.

Please email any referee questions to [email protected]