Who are the Referees

All referees we see are local people who love the game of soccer. They have dedicated time to take a national certification course to learn the rules and procedures around the game. And they take time each year to recertify (5 hours of education plus pass a test). They have decided to take time to come out and support the local soccer community as a referee at your child's game.

Things to Consider

Coaches and parents influence the behavior of players, positively and negatively

• Think before you say something

• Referees cannot and do not see everything
• Referees are not biased
• Youth referee should not be expected to stand up to an adult
• Referees do not want anyone to get hurt

• Provide a good role model for your child

U08-U12 Recreational Games

• Referees who are officiate the U08-U12 recreational games are kids (and sometime parents) from your local community. They probably live no further than 5 miles away from the field.
• U08 and U09 games are usually officiated by 13 and 14 year olds who are in their first year of refereeing.
• U10 and U11 games are usually officiated by 14 and 15 year olds who are in their second year of refereeing.
• By U12, the official(s) in the game have a firm feeling for the game and have refereed for 3 or more years.

Premier and Select Games

• Referees for premier and select games are from your local community. They sometimes travel 15 miles to get to your game.
• Center referees for the U11 and under games have usually refereed for 2 or more years.
• Center referees for the U12 - U14 games have usually refereed for 3 or more years.
• Center referees for U15+ games have usually refereed for 4 or more years.
• Assistant referees for the U11 games are usually first year referees.
• Assistant referees for the U12 - U14 games have usually refereed for 2 or more years.
• Assistant referees for U15+ games have usually refereed for 3 or more years.