Referees are critical for the region to have a successful season. There are a number of reasons why people might consider volunteering to become a referee for AYSO:

• Fun
  Referees on the field, especially the younger 8u and 10u, enjoy being on the field with the players, being involved, listening to the kids talking and joking. It's actually very entertaining.
• Exercise
  While not very demanding physically at the younger ages, being a referee helps you get up out of your chair, stretch your legs, and get your steps in.
• Knowledge
  Becoming a referee helps you to learn the rules (laws) of the game better. This makes the game more enjoyable, whether watching AYSO at the field or professional soccer on TV.
  
• Friendship
  Being part of the referee community, referees enjoy sharing stories and comradery with new referees as well as those more experienced.
• Leadership
  Especially for the youth referees, being the official in charge helps develop leadership skills, not only useful in high school but in life. This is a huge benefit.
• Volunteer Service Hours
  Most high schools require a number of volunteer service hours, and being a referee satisfies that requirement. In some cases, even adult referees benefit from this because many employers have programs to benefit volunteering.
• For the kids
  If a game (8u and older) does not have any referees signed up, the game is at risk of cancellation. A referee can be a hero to two teams and their families by ensuring the games are played.

Whatever the reason, we always welcome more referees to help our program go smoother.