Ask the Ref

Test your knowledge of the game or ask a professional referee a question.

Ask a USSF Soccer Referee

Extensive Q&A regarding game situations, referee procedures and mechanics played in leagues and competitions affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation. A great resource for the "thinking" part of refereeing.

For the Integrity of Soccer

A well written and fascinating blog on the Art & Science of Refereeing by Robert Evans (former FIFA referee).

Ken Aston: The Most Influential Referee Ever

A retrospective look at Ken Aston and his contribution as the founding father of AYSO National Referee program.

The History of the Diagonal System of Control

A brief history of the Diagonal System of Control which resulted in a complete revolution of the match officials' roles in 1891. The Referee, complete with notebook and whistle, made his way for the very first time onto the field of play to take charge of the game.

One Person Diagonal (OPD)

In AYSO matches, the three-person Diagonal System of Control (DSC) is standard. However, there will come the day when you have to cover a match by yourself possibly with the assistance of some club linespersons. This article by Jeff Stern, AYSO Section 6 Director, based on his discussions with Giovanni Piazza, former USSF National Referee and national instructor with the Italian Federation, discusses how to referee a game without the help of qualified Assistant Referees. Jeff calls it the One Person Diagonal (OPD).