match officials information page

WHY SHOULD I BECOME A REF?

WHY SHOULD I BECOME A REF?

BSC supports a group of dedicated individuals who enforce the FIFA Laws of the Game for our House League (Youth and Adult), Development and Competitive games. We offer a variety of matches for your skill level and provide mentoring as needed.  

​For Referee (Match Official) inquires,

Please email: BSC HEAD REFEREE - NICK BIANCHI

FUN, CHALLENGING AND REWARDING!

There are lots of benefits to refereeing, including hours that are conveniently in the evenings and weekends; you can pick and choose times you are available to work.

​Whether you're looking for a part-time job or some extra money, it's a rewarding job for both youth and adults.

We are committed to training and mentoring skilled referees in our community.  You do not have to be a soccer player to referee, you just need to be willing to learn the Laws of the Game and how to enforce them.

​AGE REQUIREMENTS

Young referees must be at least 12 years old (as of March 31st), and will start off working non-competitive 'small sided games' to help warm up their skills.  These may be Development League games or House League.

If an individual is 14 years old (as of March 31st) they are able to be trained at a higher level and officiate older and more competitive games.  The Club Head Referee and fellow senior referees will help make this transition as smooth as possible and ensure confidence along the way.

Interested in becoming a referee?

SEE BELOW FOR OUR ANSWERS TO OUR MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

SEE BELOW FOR OUR ANSWERS TO OUR MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

How Much Time Is Required?

Average time commitments are 1-4 games per week (games average from 60-90 minutes)

​What Age Group Do I Referee?

Typically younger referees are assigned to games with players at least one age group below their current age.  We encourage them to also be Assistant Referees (or Linesmen) for games played by older players and at a higher competitive level.  This is a fantastic on-the-job learning experience where they see first hand how a more experienced referee manages a game.


How Much Do I Get Paid?

Depending on the age division and whether you are a Centre or Assistant Referee, you will earn between $30 - $75 a game.  The form of payment may be either cash, mailed cheque or direct deposit.  This depends on the League being officiated and the Club preferences.

Where do I do my training?

Learning to become a referee occurs through programs offered by Ontario Soccer.  The program typically occurs in February and March with online self-study modules, followed by a live Zoom educational session and culminating with an on-field program in early Spring.  We ask that all candidates enrolled in these programs contact the head referee so that we can guide you through the process.

​Do I Have To Buy My Own Uniform and Equipment?

All referees should have their own basic referee kit - 2 referee shirts (black and yellow), shorts, socks, flags, referee game wallet, lanyard and whistle.  BSC does provide back-ups to forgotten items, such as flags, and we also have jerseys of the less commonly used colours at our Clubhouse, to be borrowed and returned by referees who might need to wear blue for a game!

​Do I Have To Register Each Year?

As a returning official, you must register with the Ontario Soccer Association each year through Ref Centre.  This program is also how you will tell the assigners of games of your availability and this is where you will submit documentation such as game sheets after a game.​

Who Do I Talk To To Receive Support?

The Club Head Referee and other Senior Match Officials are available to help with questions and concerns.  New and younger referees are provided mentoring, and as a group of referees, we are committed to working as a team to help make your experience the best it can be.

rETURNING REFEREES

RETURNING FOR ANOTHER SEASON? READ BELOW!

RETURNING FOR ANOTHER SEASON? READ BELOW!

Registration for returning referees opens in February of the New Year 

Click on Ref Centre to initiate your registration process. If you have not registered in the previous 2 or 3 years, the OSA does NOT require you to retake an accreditation course.  You must complete the Education Evaluation Test as a component of your registration.

​Officials are reminded that registration is mandatory in order to participate in games as and when they are announced.

REFEREE CLINICS

REFEREE REQUIRED TRAINING

REFEREE REQUIRED TRAINING

ENTRY LEVEL COURSE

The Entry Level Match Official Clinic is for those who would like to become an accredited match official for 9v9 and 11v11 games and are 14 years of age (by March 31st of the current year) and older. Successful graduates are automatically registered with Ontario Soccer and do not have to register again until the following year. For step-by-step instructions on how to register, please follow the 'Course Sign Up Guide' at OntarioSoccer.net

​SMALL SIDED GAME COURSE

The Small Sided Game Course is for those who would like to become an accredited match official on 7v7 games and are 12 years of age (by March 31st of the current year) or older. Successful graduates are automatically registered with Ontario Soccer and do not have to register again until the following year. For step-by-step instructions on how to register, please follow the 'Course Sign Up Guide' at OntarioSoccer.net

​*Note*  Ontario Soccer will open the Entry Level and Small Sided Referee Clinics early in the Spring of 2024.  After a successful response this season, clinics will continue to be offered in a hybrid online and in-person model