TYSA’s Mission Statement is “to develop youth soccer players in a fun, safe, and competitive environment.” In support of that mission, the top priorities of all TYSA Referees are as follows:
REFEREES
REFEREE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- Ensure the safety of all players, coaches, and spectators
- Create and maintain an environment that maximizes player enjoyment
- Equitably and consistently enforce the Laws of the Game
- Promote education, integrity, and respect for the game amongst players and coaches
A TYSA Referee will always strive to:
- Be on time and prepared to perform his/her duties
- Demonstrate integrity and professionalism in his/her uniform, words, and actions
- Promote teamwork, cooperation, and development amongst his/her fellow referees
- Keep player safety and enjoyment at the heart of everything you do
TYSA RULES OF COMPETITION
The PDF download below includes The following information for referees:
- Rules of competition for U8 – U19
- Referee priorities, talking points, and discipline guidelines
- Required game paperwork and player check-in information
- Additional Rec and Academy referee priorities
Green Badge Initiative and Referee Abuse Prevention Policy
As part of a nationwide effort to build a more respectful and supportive environment for referees, U.S. Soccer has introduced a new Green Referee Badge for the 2025–2026 season. This badge will be worn by all certified referees under the age of 18 and is a core element of U.S. Soccer’s ongoing #RespectTheCall campaign.
The initiative aims to reduce verbal abuse and sideline pressure, especially on young and developing referees, by making it clear to players, coaches, and spectators when an official is a minor. The green badge serves as a visual cue to offer patience, understanding, and encouragement.
This initiative reinforces U.S. Soccer’s commitment to referee development and retention by placing a strong emphasis on education, respect, and mentorship. Referees play a vital role in the game, and creating an environment where young officials feel safe and valued is key to growing the sport at every level.
What You Need to Know About the Green Badge:
- Mandatory for referees under 18: The green badge is now the standard for all referees under 18 at the time of certification or recertification.
- Worn all season long: Even if a referee turns 18 mid-season, they will continue to wear the green badge for the remainder of the year.
- Greater accountability: Spectators, coaches, and players are expected to demonstrate respectful sideline behavior—especially toward referees wearing the green badge.
GAME ASSIGNMENTS
HOW TO GET SET UP:
• To join the TYSA group on Assignr.com, click on this link. You will be prompted to join with your existing Assignr account or to set up an account with Assignr.com if you do not have one already.
• Download the Assignr app to your phone from the App or Play Store!!
TYSA REFEREE ASSIGNER CONTACT INFO:
Warren Fondu
TYSA Referee Assignor
Phone: 718-440-7017
Email: chefondu@gmail.com
REPORTING
After a match is completed, referees will be required to complete a simple match report in Assignr. Scores and disciplinary action will need to be reported. In the event of a Red Card dismissal, or problems with spectator behavior, please contact Warren Fondu as soon as possible via email, phone or text with the details of the incident.
BECOME A TYSA REFEREE
Are you thinking of becoming a referee? TYSA has a great group of experienced referees that are ready and excited to welcome you to the team!
REASONS TO REF AT TYSA:
- Ability to earn great pay participating in a sport you love
- It increases your knowledge of the game and makes you a better player
- Flexible scheduling that allows you work when and how you want to
- It develops important life skills like discipline, confidence, leadership, and professionalism
- It develops important life skills like discipline, confidence, leadership, and professionalism
- TYSA has a referee leadership team committed to your success and development
STEPS TO BECOME A TYSA REFEREE
1. Get Your Certification
Ages <11:
We’re so glad you’re excited, but it’s a little early. We’ll see you in a few years.
Age 12:
Contact TYSA Director of Referees, Brett Kirouac, at bkirouac95@yahoo.com about our Referee Academy program
Age 13+:
Sign up HERE at US Soccer to attend one of these First Time Referee certification courses
2. Get Your Equipment
Timekeeping: a watch with a stopwatch and timer is mandatory.
Footwear: we recommend black soccer cleats or turf shoes of your choice.
Uniform/Gear: we recommend the following kit with yellow jersey to get you started. You’ll also need a pen to record scores.
https://www.amazon.com/Soccer-Referee-Package-Yellow-Medium/dp/B06Y1HH3DV
3. Get Your Game Assignments
For instructions on how to get assigned to games, click HERE
4. Get Prepared
- Ability to earn great pay participating in a sport you love
- Confirm the appropriate half lengths, ball size, and age-specific rules associated with each of your assigned games
- Ensure field locations and directions to your assigned games
- Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled game time in order to run a field/net check and have a proper pre-game discussion with your referee team (where applicable)
TYSA REFEREE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Collectively, we are committed to the recruitment, support, and development of all of TYSA’s referees. If you have any ideas on how to further those aspirations or would like to play an active part in helping us achieve them, please don’t hesitate to contact one of us.
Warren Fondu
• USSF Certified Referee Assignor
• USSF Certified Referee Mentor
• USSF Certified Referee
• GHSA Certified Referee
chefondu@gmail.com
718-440-7017
Brett Kirouac
• Director of TYSA Referee Academy
• TYSA Board Member
• USSF Certified Referee Mentor
• USSF Certified Referee
bkirouac95@yahoo.com
678-570-5610
RECERTIFICATION
RECERTIFICATION IS OPEN
If you were certified in 2022 or 2023 and your certification has lapsed, you can still recertify by completing the online only requirements. Once all requirements are completed and a Grassroots Referee license appears in your profile, you are certified from that date through December 31st, 2025.
Complete Your Recertification NOW and Save some $$$$
If you were last certified in 2021 or earlier and your certification has lapsed, you will have to complete the First Time Referee Class, which includes the in-person Field Training Event. Find the class that is convenient for you here: Grassroots Certification Course .
