How do I become a referee?

Category: Advice for Coaches, Advice for Players

Being a soccer referee can be both rewarding and fulfilling. Whether for a young person learning responsibility or an adult contributing to the sport, referee training and development is the primary mission of the Massachusetts State Referee Committee (MSRC). To this end, the MSRC has established the following process to ensure that every person who wishes to become a referee is afforded the opportunity to become certified.

  1. Create an account on the MSRC Central Database
    This allows the MSRC to contact you by E-mail and be alerted to upcoming events and courses. The information you provide is secure and you will be able to set up a username and password and update your personal information.
  2. Choose the right course
    There are 2 entry level courses for Referees: the Recreational Referee Course (Grade 9) and the Referee Course (Grade 8). To successfully complete the Grade 9 Recreational Referee course the candidate must be at least 12 years of age and must attend 8 hours of course work, including a written test. To successfully complete the Grade 8 Referee course the candidate must be at least 16 years of age, must attend 16 hours of course work and pass a 100 question written test.
  3. Locate a course nearby
    This is the complete listing of all courses be offered in the state, the course status and the distance of that course from your home address. It is updated continuously. If you do not see a course that is convenient, you can log in to your MSRC Central page and submit a request/alert to be notified when a new course is added to the schedule.
  4. Enroll in your course
    Once you have found a course you wish to take, and are logged in to MSRC Central, all you need to do is click on the “Enroll” button, confirm your registration, and send the course fee to the name and address on the enrollment information. You will receive confirmation by E-mail from the MSRC and the course you have selected will appear on your personal page when you log into MSRC Central. If unforeseen circumstances require you to drop or change courses, you can do so from MSRC Central. See the Course Cancellation and Refund Policy.
  5. Attend the course
    On the day of the course, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. There is a lot of material to cover and the instructor will allow breaks between each of the modules. Bring paper and pen or pencil. If it is an all day session, bring your lunch and a snack. In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen event causing the course to be rescheduled or delayed, you will be notified by E-mail.

NOTE: Information found in this article was cited from the MSRC website, which can be found on www.massref.net.