Q. How do I register?
A. Go to the State Referee web site (http://www.vadcsoccerref.com). Click on the link for Online Registration. Select USSF Referee Registration and follow the on-screen commands. Quirky feature: Even though you are not in the database you must enter your name for it not to find you. After it does not locate you only then will you be prompted to add your personal information. You will be taken to a screen with the message: Match Not Found.
There select "Register as a NEW referee." You will be prompted to create a password. After creating a password you will be taken to a screen to enter your information. (Skip the Affiliated Game Experience table.)
Once you pay the USSF fee ($65) by credit card you will be registered. Only then can you select a clinic from the same site. If you select the "Bring Check to Class Option" the instructors may require you to mail the check in advance in ensure your participation.
Find a clinic (New-8 or New-9) that fits your schedule and register. Select a class that you can make all instructional hours. Attend the course and have fun!
You will be able to print both a USSF registration form and a clinic enrollment form once registered. If you cannot produce a clinic enrollment form then you have not successfully registered for a clinic a may be turned away at the door. You can always go back to registration to manage your profile and select a clinic at that time.
Q. If I take a course from PWSRA do I have to ref for PWRSA/PWSI?
A. No. All refs are welcome to train with us and work elsewhere.
Q. Do I have to take a course from PWSRA to ref for PWRSA/PWSI?
A. No. You are welcome to get your certification anywhere.
Q. When I pass the test and become a referee how much more will it cost?
A. A referee needs a uniform and basic equipment. A basic uniform (jersey, shorts, socks) package will cost around $50-$60. The packages typically include accessories such as flags, whistle, data wallet, and red/yellow cards. A referee at the rec level can usually get by for the first season with one short-sleeve gold jersey. Referees who work competitive matches are expected to have alternate color jerseys (black, red, blue) and in long-sleeve as well as short. (That’s 8 different jerseys!)
Q. How much will I make?
A. Rates vary widely. Center refs make more than Assistant Refs. The higher the age (and the longer the game) the more one makes. For one game as center for U8 or U10 the rates can be approximately $15-$20. Center refs for a U19 can pay $30 - $50 or more.
Q. How do I get games?
A. Once certified, a new referee needs to contact an assignor for a local club or league. The assignor should work with you to give you appropriate skill level games based on your age and qualification.
Q. Is there an age limit to ref?
A. The USSF makes no age restriction for a Grade-8 or Grade-9 referee. However, the Va. Child Labor Law permits youth referees to work provided they are at least 12 years of age. In addition, most assignors require a youth center referee to be at least two years older than the age group they referee. Most competitive leagues requires centers to be at least 16 years of age.
Q. Which course do you recommend to start?
We strongly recommend that new refs 12 and 13 years old, and maybe even 14 or 15, start with a Grade 9 course. A Grade 9 referee will be able to be a center or assistant referee on recreational matches at U-14 and below. A Grade 9 can also be an assistant referee on U-14 competitive (travel) matches. Realistically, at that age, their target assignments should be U14 and under.
Q. Will I be certified to referee high school matches?
A. No. High school games are not played under the Laws of the Game but rather under rules written by the National Federation of High Schools. Contact the Commonwealth Soccer Officials Assoication for information about high school officiating.
