Soccer referees play a crucial role in ensuring fair play, enforcing the rules of the game, and maintaining the safety of players on the field. They make split-second decisions, manage the flow of the game, and contribute significantly to the overall sportsmanship and integrity of soccer matches at all levels. Without them not only would we would not be able to function as a club but organized soccer as a whole would become a ball of chaos.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FALL REGISTRATION FOR REC SOCCERR IS NOW OPEN. ALL SPRING GAMES HAVE COME TO A CLOSE.
BECOMING A REFEREE
Becoming a certified referee in the state of Connecticut is a two fold process: 1. satisfying the governing body of US SOCCER by completing the US SOCCER online coursework and 2. satisfying Connecticut's governing body by completing the in person first year referee field training course. Bottom line: you must complete both of these requirements before you can get your referee patch and then get assigned games. We will get into all of this below. Just remember don't get overwhelmed--its not that bad once you get started.
To become a referee you must be at least the age of 13. A candidate must complete a background screening and SafeSport training if you are over 18 years of age--this is contained in the US SOCCER course work below.
Lets get to it then: First create an account at the US Soccer Learning Center and complete the course work. NOTE: Enter your information (Must have referee’s email address as primary, parent’s email is secondary). After completing the online coursework you must register to the the first time field training with a CSRP authorized trainer. Keep an eye out on the CT REFEREE site to sign up for the class which are given in the spring and fall. Keep an eye out for a local session which we hold in the Putnam area. I would highly advise going to this one when you can because hiking all the way down to Norwalk or farther is not fun. Again it is only after you complete both elements that you will receive your referee patch and be able to receive games on CENTRAL ASSIGN. It is important to note that ALL CJSA licensed clubs must used Central Assign to assign refs to games and provide game reports. It is because of this that it is integral that you create an account on CT REFEREE's site: REGISTER CTREFEREE or you wont show up in the system to get assigned as a referee by your assignor at NECONN or any CJSA club for that matter in the State. Make sure you test your login after you create your account: LOGIN
CT REFEREE'S YOUTUBE channel is also a very helpful in understanding features of CENTRAL ASSIGN and other elements for reffing including the build out line etc.
UNIFORMS
To order uniforms you can either get the Capelli Referee Uniforms or the Official Sports Referee Uniforms. Both are legitimate options for you. If you are planning to ref in tournaments or are seriously committed you should consider purchasing a green jersey as well as the standard yellow. Referees will be educated regarding their uniforms at the class they go to for first year referees however it is important to follow the guidelines for proper apparel. While young refs might not think wearing the long black tube socks is pretty it is mandatory. It is also important that your shorts are not cut too high or low. Remember you are a professional and how you handle your uniform will affect how people view future refs who step on the same turf you are on in future games.
WATCHES
If you note in the above picture both referees are wearing two watches. A watch is an essential tool for a soccer referee for several reasons:
Timekeeping: The primary role of the referee's watch is to accurately track the duration of the match, including the two halves, injury time, and any added time. Ensuring the match is played for the correct amount of time is critical to the fairness of the game. Having a 2nd watch running on your body protects you in case your first time piece fails.
Tracking Stoppages: Referees must stop their watch for certain interruptions, such as injuries, substitutions, or delays, and then add that time back at the end of each half. This ensures that the total playing time is accurate.
Multiple Timers: Many modern referee watches have multiple timers, allowing referees to simultaneously track different aspects of the game, such as the overall match time and stoppage time, or the time left in a specific half.
Precision: Accurate timekeeping is crucial in soccer, where even a few seconds can make a significant difference, especially in close games or during crucial moments like the end of the match.
Syncing with Assistants: In some cases, referees and their assistants may synchronize their watches before the game to ensure consistency in timekeeping, which is important in case the referee’s watch fails or to confirm the duration of added time.
You should acquire a wrist watch with a timer and using a cell phone is not an option for a soccer referee. Here is a link to a very affordable and recommended WATCH for a soccer referee.
COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
Safety is the top priority of a soccer referee, encompassing players, coaches, fans, and the overall game environment. Referees are responsible for ensuring the game is played fairly and safely by monitoring for dangerous play, managing player behavior, and halting play when needed to prevent injury. They also assess weather conditions, ensuring they don’t pose a risk to participants, and inspect the field and goals for hazards like debris, uneven surfaces, or unsecured equipment. Additionally, referees must manage the behavior of coaches and fans, addressing any conduct that could escalate tension or create an unsafe atmosphere. By maintaining control on and off the field, referees help provide a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved.
ASSIGNMENTS FROM NECONN
If you have not already done so contact our Referee Assignor at [email protected] to get set up with games with our club. It is important to let your assignor know your schedule and comfort level in games--that is, whether you are already doing centers for another club or you are just getting started and only want to be an AR (assistant referee). At this time our club's assignor distributes invitations updates and assignments via Connecticut's approved site called Central Assign.
NECONN'S REFEREE ABUSE POLICY
Referees sometimes take a lot of flack and while they are not always perfect or make the right call it is not only important but required to respect their decisions and authority on and off the pitch. We at NECONN fall under the guidelines of governing bodies that provide us guidelines. Click on this link regarding REFEREE ABUSE that we require coaches to read before they can begin their journey. We are here to enforce US Soccer's stance and empower and protect you as the referee. US SOCCER has provided the following information regarding punishment to referees:
US SOCCER and NECONN is serious about protecting referees. Rest assured our club takes establishing and enforcing the above boundaries very seriously. Given this it is your duty to not allow yourself nor your assistant referees to be abused. Use your cards and game reports to ensure yourself and the future referees the respect and kind of climate that provides a safe and respectful environment. If you or someone you know is a referee at NECONN and has been subjected to any kind of abuse reach out to us at [email protected] or [email protected].