Testimonials

Please consider becoming a volunteer referee with Redwood City AYSO.  Here are some testimonials from referees with a range of experience.

- Don't know soccer or didn't play?  We got you covered. Many if not most of our referees were not players themselves, and we teach you everything you need to know
- Nervous about making calls?  You are part of a team out there and we support each other with feedback and mentoring.  Develop at your own pace and take only assignments you feel comfortable with
- Time commitment?  Beyond some up front time training, you can sign up for game assignments that fit your schedule.  No mid-week commitments.  Take a week off if you like
- Refereeing looks hard?  It is a great learning experience. It engages the mind and the body.  You will actively use your training and experience while getting some exercise and giving back to the organization and the community.

“I loved the experience of refereeing for the first time. It was a bit nerve-wracking learning all of the rules for the first time, but the regional referee coordinators were great at giving me tips after games so that I could learn and improve each week. You’re also never really alone as part of a referee and assistant refereeing team, and being able to rely on each other takes the pressure off. The main thing is that it’s really rewarding being able to do something to give back to the community. There is no AYSO without referees, and it’s clear most coaches and parents really appreciate that.” - David McCulloch,  New Referee in 2021

I got very positive encouragement to give it a try and attended the regional referee training. At the training it was easy to learn the major rules and what to expect while refereeing. The teachers were very patient, friendly and encouraging. A big anxiety relief was the repeated message that at this level everyone, kids, refs, and coaches are all learning their roles. This turned out to be true when I took to the patch. Refereeing turned out to be easy and fun. By my second or third game I was center referee and really enjoyed it. So much so that I've taken the course to become an "Intermediate Referee", the next level. I've continued refereeing through the winter season and look forward to the fall season starting. It's fun and unlike at home the kids listen to you. - Bob Henig, New Referee in 2021,  upgraded to Intermediate Referee in 2022

Being an AYSO referee has been one of the best experiences of my life.  The most rewarding part is just being able to run around on the fields with the kids on the weekends.  Helping the players enjoy the fun and benefits of a wholesome team sport is another great satisfaction to me. - Pat Groves, Referee since 1983

Initially I agreed to Referee for AYSO because I was asked to do so when my daughter started playing.  Then I just kept doing it, and before you know it I was refereeing upper division games and really enjoying the challenge.  I also benefit from the exercise and the feeling of giving back to the community, and I enjoy the constant learning aspect of refereeing.  Philippe J, New Referee in 2017