AYSO

The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) has been providing a world-class youth soccer program for nearly sixty years based on their Six Philosophies of Everyone Plays®, Balanced Teams, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, Open Registration, and Player Development.

AYSO depends entirely on volunteers to coach, referee, and support local regions with the goal of creating a fun, family-friendly environment where young players can grow and develop not only their soccer skills, but their leadership and social skills for life.

AYSO refereeing is available for youth and adult volunteers. Kids as young as 12 years old are permitted to officiate small-sided matches in the 8U and 10U divisions. Upon entering high school, youth referees will have opportunities to manage more challenging matches and earn High School Community Service credits. Refereeing in AYSO is a terrific way to help youth learn responsibility, build self-confidence, and possibly even begin to build a referee career. Just as there are professional soccer players who started out as kids in AYSO, there are also professional soccer referees who started out as kids in AYSO.

The AYSO National Games are a week-long summer celebration that brings together AYSO players, volunteers, and parents from across the country. Boys and girls teams from 8U to 18U will compete in the tournament structured to mirror the FIFA World Cup. Trademark events like Opening Ceremonies, SoccerFest, and Sportsmanship Recognition reflect everything that is good about AYSO. “Let the games begin!”

There are 5 locations in Iowa with an AYSO program. Click on the link below for the community nearest you to learn more:

Dubuque Region 419

Harlan Region 750

Amana Region 1103

Cedar Rapids, Marion Region 1112

Center Point Region 1468

AYSO / USSF Cross-Certification

Cross-certification is available to referees of AYSO and USSF who have been certified as a referee for six months or more and who are not already certified with both organizations.

All games officiated for AYSO or USSF may be applied toward the certification requirements of either AYSO or USSF. The Diagonal System of Control (DSC) is the only recognized system of control.