Becoming a Soccer Referee
Becoming a referee is a fairly simple process – you take a class, you take a test, you pass the test, you buy a uniform and you’re off to officiate your first game. Sounds easy, right? Well nothing is that easy, but we can help you get started. Here is what’s involved in becoming a referee:
Training Class
Find out where and when the next Training Class will be offered in your area. You can locate all the Soccer Officials Associations by contacting a Maine Association of Soccer Officials representative. Once you find the area that is convenient to you call the person listed as the contact. Now that you have the first step out of the way, things get better.
You will be attending classroom instruction on learning the basics of becoming a soccer referee. Don’t worry, the training is normally spread out over the course of several days depending on the class size. Each class will cover different laws of the game and your instructor will share actual game situations to help you understand these rules. At the end of the class, you will take a test to determine if you have passed the course. If you pass the test, you will be eligible to officiate lower level games such as junior varsity, freshman and middle school soccer matches.
If you pass the test, you will be required you to officiate two years of lower level games in order to build your confidence as a referee. After that second year is under your belt, you’ll be eligible to take the Maine Association of Soccer Officials Class 1 test. Pass that test and you will be officiating varsity level games.
Uniform and Equipment
Now that you’re ready to officiate, it’s time to go out and buy your first uniform. The basic referee uniform is a black shirt with white collar and cuffs (both short and long sleeve), black referee shorts, black socks with three white stripes and black shoes. There are no particular shoes that we recommend, only that you get a comfortable pair that won’t cause blisters when you run. In addition to the uniform, you will need a stopwatch, preferably one that counts down time. You’ll need a whistle, a small book to keep score and game notes, a flipping coin and your very own red and yellow cards. Now ask yourself, where do I get all of this stuff. Don’t worry, your instructor will tell you where to buy all this stuff.
Getting Games
Now that you’ve bought your uniform and all the stuff, you’ll need to talk to the Board assignors who will schedule your games. Not sure who these people are, not to worry. Again, your instructor will advise you on who the local assignors are.
Your First Year
Well, you’ve been out on the fields for a year or two now and you’ve learned how to issue cards, deal with the players, coaches and parents, and suffered through the hot and cold. Now what. Every year, you will be required to take a refresher examination to maintain your status as a Varsity official. You will also be required to attend rules interpretation, mechanics and clinic meetings offered by your local chapter. These meetings will keep you informed of all rule changes and refresh your memory on the basic laws of the game, not to mention the ability to swap stories with fellow referees.
Summary
In a nutshell, that’s what it takes to become a soccer referee. Of course the more games you do, the more your confidence will improve and the games will seem easier. One thing to remember is that we all have a bad game from time to time, so don’t despair. Every Board has experienced referees, a rules interpreter, new officials instructor and Executive Committee to answer your questions and help you through any difficult times. These will be few and far between.
Who to Contact: Your Local Maine Association Of Soccer Officials Representative