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Referee FAQ

Q. I am considering becoming a referee. Who do I contact for information?
A. Ed Ward is the director of referees for the Johnston Soccer Club. You can reach him at 276-6271
or referees@johnstonsoccer.org
 
Q.  Who certifies referees?
A. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) is the certifying organization for those wanting to work tournaments, local leagues (such as IPSL), or club matches.
 
Q. How can I become certified as a soccer referee?
A. You can become certified by attending an entry-level referee course. Check with Ed Ward with the JSC or the Iowa Referee Committee web site at www.iowareferees.org.
 
Q. Are there requirements?
A. We hope that you love the game of soccer, are physically fit, and mature. You must be at least 12 years of age.
 
Q. What are the required courses like?
A. There are two types of courses offered by local clubs and associations -- "Referee Grade 8" and "Recreational Referee Grade 9."
 
Q. What is the "Referee Grade 8" course and what games can I ref?
A. This is a 16-hour course that goes over two days. You must attend all the classes, and pass a 100-question multiple choice exam (75% correct). The current cost of the course is $40.  This allows you to referee or assistant referee all youth games, including recreational and travel (or select) games. You can referee or assistant referee competitive youth games, depending on the age and your experience. Once you pass, you will start out working the younger age groups and as you gain experience you will do older age groups.
 
Q. What is the "Recreational Referee Grade 9" course and what games can I ref?
A. This is an 8-hour course. You must attend the classes, and pass a 50-question multiple choice exam (75% correct). The cost of the course is $35.  This level allows you to referee or assistant referee recreational youth games for players 14 years old and younger only.
 
Q. How do I get games to referee?
A. A "referee assignor" (for the JSC this is Ed Ward) will schedule your games. A list of assignors is provide by the Iowa Referee Committee on their website, www.iowareferees.org. It is your responsibility to contact assignors and let them know you completed the course, and are ready to referee games. The most important thing the assignor needs to know is your availability to do games and how to contact you. If you cannot make a game, you are responsible for finding a substitute.
 
Q. Do I need to recertify after the first year?
A. All referees must re-certify and re-register each year. This is done by attending a single 4-hour re-certification class. The referee certification is valid for each calendar year, however, re-certifications start as early as July for the following year. If the re-certification is completed during July through December, your certification is valid for the remainder of that year and for the entire next calendar year. If you re-certify in January through March, then your certification is valid through December of that year.
 
Q. Do I get paid for refereeing?
A. Absolutely! Rates are determined by each club. Please contact Ed Ward at Johnston Soccer Club for more information.
 
 
 

Johnston Soccer Club    |    4301 NW 66th Ave    |    P.O. Box 118    |    Johnston, Iowa 50131    |    515-253-9059     |    info@johnstonsoccer.org


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