Referee - Getting Started |
So, you want to be a soccer referee. Great! There are a lot of excellent resources in print, on video, and on the 'net, but there really hasn't been a single place that ties these together for the person just getting started. The first decision you have to make is what kind of referee do you want to be? If you play (or your child plays) for an AYSO- or USYSA-affiliated league, you'll most likely get started with that league's program. Check with your coach, or call the folks in charge of your league. If your local youth league is anything like my son's, they're always looking for referees. Since my son's league is USYSA (Louisiana Soccer Association), I'm going to use the terminology for USSF referees. There are two "entry level" USSF Grades. You might want to look at the complete listing of USSF Referee Grades as well. Grade 9 -- Associate Referee Youth players and adults alike can get a really quick start into refereeing by becoming a USSF Associate Referee (Grade 9). Associate Referees are trained to work small-sided matches (3x3 or 4x4) in the U-6 and U-8 age divisions. If you've never seen one of these matches, they're kind of neat. The field is smaller and the goals are the size of hockey goals. The sides are obviously smaller, and there are no goalkeepers. All fouls result in indirect free kicks and there are no penalty kicks. Even though a number of the Laws of the Game are modified to accomodate the smaller environment, this is a great place for a youth player (U-12, U-14) who wants to make a few extra bucks to start. Grade 8 -- Referee 1 This is the basic entry level for most referees. To become a Grade 8, you must attend a 16-hour clinic and pass a 100-question exam. Once you've passed the exam, you are eligible to be a Center Referee (CR) or an Assistant Referee (AR) for youth matches. So, how do you pass that exam and get your USSF badge? Read on to learn about the Laws of the Game. |
