Those aged 13 years (as of June 30th) through adult can become United States Soccer Federation (USSF) certified referees. The USSF Entry Level Referee grade is Grade 8 (this has nothing to do with your grade in school). You need not have ever played the game to become a referee. Even if you are currently on a team, you can still become certified and also continue to be a player. Adults are always needed and can certify for either grade.

The Grade 8 Referee clinic consists of web-based training which, when successfully completed, will allow the prospective referee to pay for (approx. $70) and register to attend a classroom session for the examination and a gymnasium session to teach field mechanics.

Once certified, you will be expected to purchase the necessary uniform items. Information on "starter kits" which cost approximately $37 will be provided at the completion of the clinic. Each week, the club's Referee assignor will call to offer you work. You can earn between $15 to $50 per match depending upon whether assigned as a Referee or Assistant Referee and the age level of the players.

Recertification

You will be required to re-certify each calendar year. Recertification consists of updating your game count information (# of games worked as a Referee or Assistant Referee), completing on-line education on the changes to the Laws of the Game and finally passing the on-line examination. Once a passing grade on the examination is achieved, a link to the available classroom training sessions in the state is opened. While it is recommended that those who work as Referees and Assistant Referees in the Simsbury Soccer Club attend the recertification clinic in Simsbury, this is not a requirement to attend the Simsbury clinic in order to work for our club. All the clinics offered in the state are the same and any can be attended to properly re-certify. These clinics usually are conducted between October and January in various locations in the North Central Area and are approximately three hours in duration. The fee for the recertification clinic is approximately $30. The Club does not reimburse for this recertification clinic cost.

Visit CTReferee.net for details

CJSA Lightning Policy

Lightning - Recognizing the threat. Apply the 30-30 rule: When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds or less, seek proper shelter. If you can't see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good back-up rule. Wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last thunder before leaving shelter. Referees must protect the safety of all participants by stopping game activities quickly, so that participants and spectators may retire to a safer place before the lightning threat becomes significant. Remember, if you can hear the thunder, you are within reach of lightning.