Effective October 19, 2020 certified referees will no longer be assigned to games that play a 4v4 format in the MaxInMotion Open League Development Academy games for ages U8 and below. All games scheduled in this format will now be officiated by the coaches of the two teams. The reasons for this change include:

• Improved alignment with the US Soccer Player Development Initiatives (PDI) that says “Coaches are expected to managed the game environment from the touchline using the standards of play and their best judgement; Together, coaches and parents are expected to create and promote a fun and safe environment for the players.”
• With the increase in volume of games and a shortage of referees, this will increase availability of referees to support the 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 formats.

​This decision is not made in haste but rather with a keen focus on providing the most optimal development opportunities and experience for coaches, players, referee’s, and parents. Along with this change the Arizona State Referee Committee (SRC) will be providing referee mentors to various MaxInMotion Open League games to facilitate and increase the development of all referees. With the increased commitment to referee development there has been no better time to become a referee than now, if you are interested New Referee Courses and information on becoming a referee can be found at www.azref.com.

Finally, while this change is effective for the MaxInMotion Open League Development Academy, ASA recommends that all sanction leagues and tournaments take similar action. We are confident that this change will promote overall development and a positive soccer experience for everyone.