What is an 8U Official?

8U matches are held at Kennedy and play as 6 versus 6.  The game is a simplified version of soccer, having no Offside, no goalkeepers, and simplified field markings.  Each game has 1 referee.

8U matches are held at Kennedy Middle School with multiple games held simultaneously.  The matches all start at the top of the hour and consist of 2 20 minute halves.  Since each 8U team has at least one referee, every game should have a good chance of one or the other team referee available to handle the match, and referees may be able to take a Saturday off here and there.

The 8U Official performs the following duties

• Performs a player check-in prior to the game, inspecting the players for required equipment and other safety checks
• Receiving and checking the game cards from the coaches, and notating which players are present for the match
• Performing a coin toss to determine how the game will start
• Using a whistle to start and stop play, including starting the game (on time!), stopping for halftime, and then at the end of the game (2 20 minute periods)
• Determine when fouls occur, stop play and award a free kick to the team whose player was fouled
• Deciding which team gets to throw the ball in when the ball goes over the touchline (sideline)
• Deciding goal kick versus corner kick or goal if the ball goes over the goal line
• Keeping track of substitutions and the score of the match
• Monitor coach and spectator behavior and maintain a safe, fair and fun game environment
• Check the game card and turn in to the 8U Tent after the match is over

This may sound a lot more complicated than it is.   You will get trained how to do all of these things in a 3 hour in-person class led by an AYSO referee instructor.  You will get the hang of it after 1 or 2 games, and it is a great vantage point to watching the kids learn soccer and have fun.

What do I have to do?

1.  Register as a referee volunteer

2.  Adult Volunteers only: consent to a background check, and get finger printed, and complete SafeSport online training, per California law

3.  Take 3 short online training modules (AYSO Safe Haven, Concussion Awareness, and Sudden Cardiac Arrest) (more info here)

4.  Enroll in and attend an in -person 8U Official training class (see Training Calendar)

5.  Get your 8U Official tee shirt and whistle, and get signed up with the 8U Division Director to cover games