For every MOD (ages U6-U9) game played in the fall, a youth referee will be assigned and paid to officiate. MOD referees must be at least 3 years older than the teams they are refereeing, meaning that they are typically ages 8-13 years old. Referees 14 years and older can’t participate in our MOD referee program, but can train to be an Association Referee.
We have found that this program allows young referees to further their knowledge of the game and learn valuable life skills. At the same time, it introduces our younger players to the concept of respecting an “official” rather than just having a parent or coach step in to ref. The program has been in place for many years and has been well received by the Magnolia Soccer community.
Please be sure to read the Questions and Answers to learn more about the program and to understand the coaches and players expectations.
MOD Soccer Referee Question and Answer
How do I sign up to referee a game?
MOD Referee Training is typically held in late August or early September. There are usually two training sessions. After your child attends the training, an email with a link to a Sign-Up Genius to referee games will be sent.
Do I need anything to begin refereeing?
Yes, you need to get all your own ref gear. That is:
- A whistle
- A black with white shirt
- Some kind of thing to keep time (Watch, Stopwatch, phone, or you could ask a couch to keep time for you)
How much do I get paid?
You will get paid $10 per regular season game and $15 for the World cup games. Plus, anyone that referees a game will be invited to a pizza party at the end of the season!
When do I get paid?
You will get paid once for all the games you have refereed at the end of the season at the pizza party!
What do I do on Saturday’s that I am signed up to referee a game?
- Arrive about 5-10 minutes early
- Go to the right field and find your teams
- Introduce yourself to the coaches
- Cleat and Jewelry check
When do I blow my whistle?
You blow your whistle every:
- Beginning of game
- End of half
- Beginning of half
- End of Game
- (For younger aged players) when there is a stop of play for an out-of-bounds balls because they will just keep on playing!
Don’t forget to blow your whistle loud and proud every time!
Association Referee Program
Do you want to become a referee?
You can sign up for USSF referee classes through the Washington State Referee Committee website.
http://www.wareferees.org/registration/howtobecomeareferee.aspx
After exploring which grade clinic to take you can click on instruction from the left side tab- then clinics. One new feature this season is when you sign up for a clinic you will need to complete 18 modules online and print the certificates for the clinic. Testing will be done at the clinic after a short review.
Tips:
Change the role to referee
Change the purpose to entry level
You will now see what clinics there are for new referees for the rest of the summer. Issaquah is the closest this late date in the game. They are usually posted in the spring and end September or early October. It usually takes 3-4 weeks for new referees to set up their RMA ID which is the risk management background check which is mandatory to referee their first game. Ideally new referees should take the clinic in July or early August to start working games the start of the season.