WHY I CAN'T BE A REFEREE
To save you the trouble of being redundantly creative, we have condensed here most of the common excuses for non-participation in this most critical function in the AYSO program. For your convenience, just put an X alongside the excuse or excuses, which best apply to you, sign your name and hand it in with your child's application OR....sign an application to be a referee and learn how much fun soccer can be, not just for your child, but for you as well.
I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING (ENOUGH) ABOUT THE GAME!
Most of us knew little, or less than you, about soccer when we became referees...not to worry.... for the investment of a day (8 hours) we will train you with more knowledge of the laws of the game than most Americans ever possess.
I DON'T HAVE TIME!
Being a referee is the perfect slot for those AYSO parents who have crowded schedules. Your commitment consists of eight hours of class and, when the season begins, games scheduled around your child's games (when you would be down at the fields anyway).
I'M NOT THE RIGHT KIND OF PERSON
Yes you are. You obviously care about your child. This is a youth program run by volunteers. Would you want you child involved in anything less than a person as right as a concerned parent?
I'M IN TOO HIGH A TAX BRACKET TO BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE EXTRA INCOME!!
Not to worry. When we last heard satisfaction and enjoyment were not yet taxable. Since that will be your only compensation (AYSO is a volunteer organization) we suggest you collect as much compensation as you can.
I'D LOOK SILLY IN THAT UNIFORM
Good heavens....you obviously haven't seen the Referee Administrator!
I'D BE EMBARRASSED!
Everyone makes mistakes (even those of us that have been reffing for year). The important thing is to approach the job with enthusiasm and enjoyment, because that will be passed on to the players and coaches (also remember you will always teamed up with an experienced referee to help you through the initial hard times.)
I'M A WOMAN - I NEVER SEE THEM REFEREE!
Women make GREAT referees! We could use more - and it's great exercise too! We have female mentors who would love to work with you!
I DON'T CARE!
Well here it is - if in fact you are signing up your child to play AYSO soccer and you honestly don't care about the quality, safety, or enjoyment involved in this program, then you have the correct excuse. We no longer have to ask why you CAN'T BE A REFEREE! However, if this last excuse does not apply to you (and we hope it doesn't), then we need you badly.
In return, we promise you:
· ENJOYMENT
· EXERCISE
· COMMITMENT
· AND...it's the best 'seat' in the house when it comes to watching the game. Of course we're also there to keep the game SAFE, FAIR and FUN for the kids.
You'll never be able to watch any major sport quite the same way again.
ONE FINAL NOTE...If you still don't think you are the right kind of person for this job...you took the time to read this whole flyer...that means you care...that means you are exactly the right kind of person.