... Referee Administrator (Ernest Harlow)

The purpose of the referee is to ensure the safety of the boys and girls playing soccer by enforcing the established rules. The referee must understand, and know how to apply, the rules. There are training sessions prior to the season, including a "hands-on" field training session. Volunteering as a referee is the best way to get to know and understand the rules of the game of soccer.

Spring 2007 Region 138 referees:
Thanks for all of the time and effort you put in to making the past spring season a success.
Due to a small class of new referees this year many of you put in extra time and covered more games than you otherwise would have.
Thanks for going the extra mile.
Have a great summer and we will see you again in the fall for indoor soccer.

Ernest Harlow

From AYSO Rules and Regulations:

D. OFFICIATING

1. Referees shall at all times impose the Rules & Regulations of competition as defined by AYSO and the FIFA Laws of the Game in general.

2. Referees shall at all times put great emphasis on the welfare of the players and officiate the game in a manner inducing clean competition and good sportsmanship. If a player is injured, the referee, at his/her discretion, may stop play to ensure the welfare of the player even if the ball has not gone out of play.

3. The Goalkeeper shall not be harassed or interfered with while attempting to put the ball in play.

4. It is the duty of referees to protect the goalkeeper against dangerous play.

5. The Laws of the Game are intended to provide that games should be played with as little interference as possible, and in this view it is the duty of referees to penalize only deliberate breaches of the Law. Constant whistling for trifling and doubtful breaches produces bad feelings and loss of temper on the part of the players and spoils the pleasure of spectators.