Volunteers
Referees
As an all-volunteer league GWYSL asks each team to contribute one volunteer to our pool of trained referees. Jump in today! All adults are welcome and youth referees can start beginning at age 12.
Here are some reasons why it’s the best volunteer gig in the league.
Fully flexible schedule: Every week you choose the game(s) that suit your schedule. You can do as much or as little as you want with no obligations.
Pick your own level: Keep it very simple and only cover U7/U8 games or learn all the laws to do U14 and up, it’s your call.
Get exercise: Whether you’re walking a mini-field or sprinting across a full pitch, a referee keeps moving. Choose your own adventure.
Be essential to the game: Coaches and players rely on us to keep games safe, fair, and fun.
Connect with the kids: It feels great to be out there with our players, beaming good sportsmanship left and right.
Camaraderie: Refs can join a weekly post-game happy hour and occasional meetings to get to know fellow volunteers and talk turkey.
No experience needed: Many AYSO refs start with zero soccer knowledge and that’s not a problem. We have training for every level, and you will never be asked to cover a game you’re not ready to do.
GWYSL provides everything you need: We will train you, give you a slick all-black uniform and all the necessary gear, assign you a mentor, share helpful resources, and offer ongoing support. It’s great if you can already whistle like Axl Rose, but we’ll be giving you one anyway. And when you referee games, GWYSL’s Ref Awards program will get you gear upgrades or a gift certificate so you can choose your own.
Did someone say prizes? Yes, click that link. Referees get recognition for their service each season.
Job experience/volunteer credit/college app references for youth referees: Youth referees can build on their AYSO experience and go on to become USSF-certified at 14, enabling them to earn money on weekends. We also certify hours refereeing for students’ community service requirements and college applications. Youth refs also get bonus points in our Ref Awards program to earn soccer gear or gift cards.
No nonsense: GWYSL upholds a zero tolerance policy for referee abuse. Expect to be treated with respect, and if you aren’t, we’ll act on it immediately.
Convinced? Let’s go!
Adult referee volunteers click here for step-by-step instructions to get started.
Youth referee volunteers (or parents/guardians who are nudging along such a person) click here for step-by-step instructions to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get a referee uniform and equipment?
We distribute kits and gear at in-person classes and have self-service pickup at all other times. When you have completed the online training modules for the first time or if you need replacement parts, email referee@gwysl.org to coordinate pickup.
How do I register for in-person training?
All in-person classes will be announced in league-wide emails. In person classes, once scheduled, will appear in eTrainU as Training Events. Online classes can be found in the eTrainU Training Library. See the “get started” links above for more details.
Follow these instructions to choose the games that suit your schedule. If you are refereeing your first game, email referee@gwysl.org so we can assign an experienced referee mentor to support you.
How do I sign up to referee games?
Is there a document I can refer to for all basics?
Yes, GWYSL referee guidelines and links to resources can be found right here.
How will I keep up with changes to the Laws of the Game?
There’s an app for that, and we have an annual training for all returning referees to review and discuss the AYSO-specific implementation of all new laws and law changes.
Here is our most recent update summary for 2026/2027.
Is it really a good idea for kids to referee?
Assuming you’re a soccer player, there are a bunch of reasons you might like becoming a referee volunteer.
It teaches you even more about the game. You get to understand why and how referees look at things, which can only help you as a player.
The younger kids teen refs! We start you at 7U and 8U games and those 6 and 7 year olds are a lot of fun.
You probably already know more than you think, and you’ll gain confidence and develop problem-solving skills as you work with coaches and players.
It’s probably the most fun way to satisfy a high school volunteering requirement, and it could even be a nice addition to your college apps.
Finally, not saying that money talks, but ref enough games and you’ll get a big gift card at the end of the season. And if you want to referee as a part-time job, you’ll be set up to get your USSF certification when you turn 14 and you can get paid to referee in other leagues.
How can I get certified to referee at higher levels?
AYSO has five levels for referees with different requirements to earn each upgrade.
U8 Official - online course, always available
Regional Referee (U10/U12/AR) - in-person course and an exam, with the course offered 2-4 times per year in NYC
Intermediate Referee (U14/U19) - in-person course, exam, game experience, and one observation, with the course offered 1-2 times per year in NYC
Advanced Referee - in-person course, exam, fitness test, game experience, service hours, and two assessments, with the course offered occasionally in NYC
National Referee - in-person camp, exam, fitness test, game experience, service hours, and two assessments, with the course offered annually in California
Here’s a more detailed summary. Email referee@gwysl.org to request information about upcoming classes or other requirements needed to upgrade.
Was that a handball?
Oh yeah, that was totally a handball.