How can I find out information about attending an entry level-referee class (Grade 8)?

Individuals wishing to become a newly certified USSF official must attend an entry-level class (Grade 8)Anywhere in the state. You can locate a schedule of such classes at www. NJREFS.com (New Jersey Referee Committee) and enter “Courses” or you may also find the same information at www.NJYOUTHSOCCER.COM, scroll down to Referee Page and access Entry-Level Classes. Both sites can be linked through the SJSL Referee web page. Contact the name of the person next to the location of the class as seats are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Be prepared to register on-line, if requested.

The NJ Referee Committee provides all the instructors for the USSF classes and is the singular representative on all USSF matters for USSF registered soccer referees in New Jersey.

What happens after I attend the class and pass the exam?
If you attend an entry-level class in the South Jersey area, a representative of the SJSL Referee Committee will be on site the last day of the class and be available for questions when you have finished your written exam. If we are unable to send a representative, the complete class listing is available to us and we will send to you information about our Traveling Leagues as well as a Mentoring Handbook for New Officials. That handbook explains some of the administrative duties and officiating tips that will make your transition to the referee ranks a little easier. You are under no obligation to “work” for the Traveling Leagues.

If you are interested in the Traveling Leagues for employment as a USSF official, you can make direct contact with our League Assignors who are paid by the Leagues to place USSF referees onto Traveling team fields. A listing of their names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses can be found under CONTACTS. All newly certified officials will be assigned games by Gary Nichols.

What age groups would I be refereeing games for?

Generally speaking, each new referee is assigned to the lowest age groups/divisions [under 9 and 10] until such time either through experience or by request; you would be assigned to officiate the older age groups.

Is there travel involved?

Assignors go to great lengths to place you at sites that will not require lengthy travel. However, you will NOT be assigned to any match that your parents are also on the coaching staff or if you have a brother or sister playing for any one of the teams at that site. On the average, the time spent traveling to your assignment could be as little as 5 minutes or as much as 45 minutes depending on where you live, where the majority of matches are that day and your willingness to take assignments. On the average, 20 minutes is about the norm.

How many games do I have to referee?

You can do as many as you like… it’s your call! You can work on Saturday (Girls) or Sunday (Boys) or both days. Each assignment involves either two or three games (back-to-back) per day. The matches usually start at 12:30 and each match lasts for about an hour and a half (half-time and gaps between games).

Do I have to make myself available every weekend?

No. All referees are expected to call your Assignor no later than the Wednesday before the weekend you are available to be assigned and/or for the next couple of weekends. In the event that your availability changes, you must notify the assignor as soon as the change in your schedule occurs and he will try and accommodate you. However, last minute or badly timed changes-of-heart cannot be tolerated. We expect you to honor your commitment just as you expect us to respect your circumstances.

What about training/certification after I get my initial USSF badge?

Each new referee who wishes to officiate Travel League matches must be re-certified each year by attending a USSF training course/clinic and pass a multiple choice written test based on the Laws of the Game. The USSF also requires that certain referees also undertake an annual physical fitness test (Grade 7 and below) as well as the written test to maintain or improve your status. The SJSL Referee Committee will also provide supplemental training to those who wish to work our League matches. We have an in-place mentoring program that entails live scrimmages prior to the regular season to acclimate you to your responsibilities. You will also be observed/mentored during an assigned match(s) by a senior official during one on your early weekend day assignments to assist you with any aspect of the game or with any problems you might have.

I have heard that there are start-up costs for new referees. What are they?

A description of the proper uniform for all USSF officials can be found at USSOCCER.com - Referee - Uniforms/Equipment.

One uniform set (shirts, shorts, socks, cleated or turf shoes); whistle, watch with a stop watch capability, linesmen flags, foul/misconduct cards, pens/note cards, etc. will be around $100-$150.

It is recommended that you initially purchase one short sleeve yellow and one short-sleeved alternate colored shirt for your first season. When the weather turns cold in the fall, the League’s will not mind if you wear a dark colored, (no hood) sweatshirt or windbreaker under your uniform. Solid black shorts and the three-stripped socks will always be worn regardless

of the weather conditions.

How am I paid and how much?

Each team splits the cost of the Referee fees and you could be paid prior to or immediately after the game has concluded. It varies although the Leagues wish the coaches would pay prior to the game start. Since you retain the player passes, do not return them to the team until you are paid by that team. The fee structure may change from year to year and the current fees are contained in the combined League FACT SHEET. It is anticipated that fees for each small-sided game (entry level officials) will be $26 [under age 10].

What kind of shape do I have to be in?

The length of the game varies from 60 minutes [under 10… 2/30 minute halves] to 90 minutes [under 19… 2/45 minute halves]. Running and/or being in a position to make the right call are beneficial to your success and acceptance as a referee. To the best of our knowledge, no one has ever stolen the center circle during a match so you can continually place yourself in the vicinity of the ball at all times during the match! Yes - you have to run.

I have heard that some of these games are difficult to referee (i.e., verbal criticism from players/coaches, etc.). Is that accurate?

No matter what sport, the person making judgments that affect the play at hand or game outcome is always held under scrutiny and sometimes the criticism is verbalized unfairly, loudly or critically towards that person or referee. It is a sad but unpleasant reality. Both organizations [SJSL and SJGSL] work very hard at eliminating the source through coach/team penalties and/or informational seminars to coaches and parents. We need your accurate report of what was said to or about you to act on your information.