YOUR HUB FOR OFFICIATING YOUTH AND ADULT MATCHES FOR LOUDOUN SOCCER
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR NEW CLASSES !!
If you have any questions not answered here, please email Noah Klemm, Referee Development Coordinator for Loudoun Soccer, at [email protected]
Loudoun Soccer offers referees numerous types and levels of games year-round, including:
- In-house Recreational (rec) games for children in elementary, middle and high school
- Travel games from 11U to 19U NCSL, ECNL-RL and ECNL competitive travel matches
- Adult League: weeknight games at Loudoun Soccer Park
- Futsal: summer and winter programs for both youth and adult
- Pro23, a competitive college aged summer league; and
- Various tournaments and events.
Please see the content that follows for information about working as a referee for any of these matches.
Table of Contents (Topics Below)
- How to Certify as a Referee
- Recertification for Current Referees
- Loudoun Soccer Modifications to FIFA Laws of the Game
- Game Day Reminders
- Inclement Weather/Unplayable Fields
- Referee Contacts
- Assigning Tips for Referees
- Game Reporting
- New Referee Forms
- Referee Newsletter
- Referee FAQs
- Feedback
Who Can Certify
Anyone age 13 or older is eligible to register and certify as a referee. Those younger than 13 may not register even if they will turn 13 prior to the scheduled class date.
There is no requirement for playing experience or fitness ability for the grassroots level. Referees are needed at all levels in the sport and there are matches available for you no matter how much you know or how fast you are!
CLICK HERE for information on certification and recertification
Once certification is complete, please see the New Referee Forms section of this website for further information on how to sign up to referee Loudoun Soccer matches.
Loudoun Soccer Modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game
Overview material regarding the Laws of the Game:
- Link to current version of the Laws
- Download the Laws of the Game app to your mobile device
Rec Program Modifications:
Travel Program Modifications
College and Adult Rules/Modifications:
Game Day Reminders
Here are some helpful tips and reminders for referees:
- Know your field: visit our Fields Directory to find field names, addresses, and maps. Double-check the field number your matches will be played on, so you know which field to report to (several sites include multiple fields). Bring a copy of your schedule from Game Officials to the field.
- Review age-level and league modifications: FIFA Laws of the Game are often modified for youth soccer. It’s best to review those modifications before you arrive to the field so your mind is focused, and you can answer questions coaches may have. It’s also a good idea to print a hard copy of these modifications to bring with you in case there is confusion between coaches. Modifications can be found HERE – these include links to 2-page abridged rules for each format (4v4, 7v7, etc.), a helpful one-page chart for key rules, and an explanation of the build out line for 7v7 games.
- Arrive 30 minutes before kick off: This gives you a buffer for the unexpected (heavy traffic, no parking spaces, etc.), allows time to warm-up, ensure teams are properly equipped; review field conditions; conduct your pre-game routine and start the match on time. We absolutely want everyone to have fun, be joyful, and get great experiences from officiating -- but please remember that this is a job -- you are required to be on time and on time is 30-minutes before your match begins. Referees repeatedly showing up close to kickoff may be removed from consideration for future assignments.
- Look the part: referees who look sharp (proper equipment, black shoes, shirt tucked in, socks pulled high, etc.) command greater respect.
- Jewelry is prohibited for both referees and players. Please remember to remove your own jewelry before taking the field and asking the players to do the same.
- Avoid wearing sunglasses since this interferes with making eye contact with players, coaches and other officials. (Corrective lenses that change shade when exposed to light are permitted). You may wear a solid, black hat if your eyes need sun protection.
- Use a wristwatch to keep time and never use a mobile phone as a timekeeping device. If you are looking at your phone to check the time, spectators, players and coaches will assume you are reading text messages and that you are not focused on the game.
- Greet the coaches: introduce yourself to the coaches (using only your first name is fine); this friendly action is small but will help build positive rapport. This is also a good time to review any age-specific rules with them. Even if coaches are older than you, don't assume they know Loudoun's rules of competition. Many coaches, especially at the recreational level, have limited experience and are naturally more focused on their player's tactics than rule modifications.
- Start on time: most fields will host consecutive games with limited time between games. It’s critical that matches kick off on time to ensure games later in the day stay on schedule. If you have to kick off late because of factors outside your control (late arriving players or weather), shorten both halves to keep the game to its original time block. Example: your recreational match was scheduled to kick off at 9:00 and has 30 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime, but you can't get started until 9:20 because one of the teams was late. Let both coaches know you will be playing 20 minute halves to stay on schedule. (This example only applies to recreational games with Loudoun Soccer. If you are working matches in the travel leagues, check with your assignor or review the rules of competition for those leagues before shortening halves -- some leagues may want these situations handled differently).
- Be flexible – especially in the first few weeks of the season. The opening of the season is always chaotic, with coaches and players still learning the rules. Explain the rules when appropriate to help all parties understand them, and enforce the Laws of the Game. Be especially aware of this dynamic in the fall season as teams will have often just moved up an age level and may be operating under new rule modifications for the first time.
- Player/Coach/Spectator Behavior: remember your USSF training – if a player is engaged in dissent and you can manage their behavior without a card, that's ok, but don't be afraid to give them a card if you need to, especially with older youth players. If a spectator's behavior is crossing a line, do not address them directly. Ask the coach to do it for you. If spectator misbehavior continues or is especially problematic, you may ask the coach to tell the spectator to leave the field. Remember, the game doesn't re-start until YOU are ready. Take your time and don't let anyone rush you if you need a problem addressed. Do not issue cards directly to spectators but you may give a yellow card to a coach who does not comply with your requests and a second yellow, plus a red card if the coach continues to not comply. If it is the coach who is misbehaving, then the approach is the same as with players: if you can manage their behavior without a card that's ok, but don't be afraid to caution them or send them off if their behavior warrants it. Expectations for coaches are even higher than for players. They are the adults at the field and are expected to model the highest levels of sportsmanship. If they are not doing so that is not your fault and Loudoun Soccer will remind them of their code of conduct after receiving your report.
- Center referees should complete the game reports ASAP: although many of the Rec divisions of Loudoun Soccer do not publish standings, we still require referees to submit the score of each game along with other match details so we know you worked your matches and can be paid for those matches. This score can also be a back-up report to the divisions that do post standings. Be sure to note any misconduct issues in the report too (be as specific as possible) so that misbehavior can be addressed by the club. When writing reports about misconduct, be sure to use precise language from the laws of the game. In school you are told not to plagiarize, but when writing referee reports, it's helpful if your words come straight from the Laws of the Game, even if it doesn't sound like something you would normally write. Example: "in the 24th minute, the head coach of the home (red) team, Coach Smith, deliberately left his technical area to show dissent toward and remonstrate with the . He was shown the red card and dismissed from the match."
Inclement Weather/Unplayable Fields
Games may be suspended (delayed) or abandoned (canceled) due to inclement weather and/or unplayable field conditions. In the event Loudoun Soccer does not cancel games or close fields directly (often at the direction of Loudoun County Parks and Rec), the referee is responsible for determining whether a match should be played.
Referees should review the club’s Inclement Weather and Unplayable Field Conditions policy.
In the event a referee abandons a match due to unplayable field conditions, the referee MUST notify his/her assignor immediately via email, providing the assignor details (field name and number, why the field is closed) so that this information can be shared with the coaches of teams playing later in the day. The referee should remain at the field to inform the coaches of the next game until directed otherwise by their assignor.
In the event a referee abandons a match due to inclement weather, the referee MUST stay at the field for his/her next scheduled match (if applicable). One game’s cancellation does not mean all games will be canceled – each match should be treated separately. Referees should take shelter (e.g. inside a car or a building) during a match suspension, or in between the abandoned match and the next scheduled match.
Referee Contacts
For general questions, complaints or compliments about referee performance, contact Noah Klemm, Referee Development Coordinator for Loudoun Soccer at [email protected]
For general questions about becoming a referee, getting set up to work for Loudoun Soccer, or how game assignments work, contact Tammy Mitchell at
[email protected].
Loudoun Soccer has three referee assignors, covering a wide variety of available games:
Jim Kennedy (
[email protected])
Grade 1 - Grade 6 (U7 - U12) Rec games in South Riding and Leesburg.
Barry Hunt (
[email protected])
Grade 1 - Grade 6 (U7 - U12) Rec games in Ashburn and Western Loudoun.
Tammy Mitchell (
[email protected])
Older Rec games (Grade 7 - Grade 8; U16/U19)
Travel leagues (NCSL, ECNL, ECNL-RL)
Adult games (weeknights at Loudoun Soccer Park)
Travel tournaments (College Showcase in March; Premier Cup in August)
Referees are assigned to appropriate games based on their experience and age — older and more experienced referees are assigned higher level games, while young referees often begin with 1st and 2nd grade matches. Additionally, younger referees are more often assigned to games near their home to minimize travel. Center referees are typically at least two years older than the players for the matches they’re assigned; there is no age restriction for assistant referees.Referee assignments are often issued weeks before the date of the match; it is critical that referees plan out and manage their calendars appropriately. Additionally: last minute “help wanted” emails are sent the week of matches for referees with availability to accept.
Assigning Tips for Referees:
- Manage your calendar: keep track of your commitments (family, school, work, the team you play on, etc.) so you do not double-book yourself, and can better know your availability to accept games.
- Check email often, and reply quickly: most if not all communication is completed via email, so check it often. The sooner you reply to emails, the more likely your assignments will be issued.
- Check your spam/junk folder: due to the volume of email sent by assignors, some messages may be labeled as spam or junk.
- Include first and last name in correspondence with assignors: this helps assignors more easily know who they’re communicating with.
- Keep your assignments: it’s critical that once you accept your assigned games you work them. Turning back games after accepting them will often cause games to be played without referees, so make sure you can work games before you accept them.
- Be flexible: game details may change (locations can be moved if fields are unplayable, etc.), or your assignments may change to ensure appropriate game coverage. Be flexible when this occurs.
- Turning games back: we recognize that “life” happens (last minute conflicts, illnesses, injuries, etc.). In the event you cannot keep your assignments, it is critical you notify the assignor IMMEDIATELY so they may find a replacement. Less than three days’ notice is considered a late turnback: for late turnbacks, notify the assignor IMMEDIATELY, then look for a qualified replacement, and inform the assignor of your replacement. Failure to complete these three steps may result in a fine equal to half of the game pay. Repeated offenses will result in removal from the referee pool.
- No-Shows are Unacceptable: Not showing up for an assigned game is unacceptable. Notify your assignor in the event of a last-minute emergency. Failure to appear for an assigned match results in a fine equal to the pay rate of that game (special circumstances will be considered by the assignor). Repeated offenses will result from removal from the referee pool.
- Only accept games from assignors: coaches or game coordinators are not permitted to assign referees – only assignors may do so. You will not be paid for games assigned by anyone but assignors.
Game Reporting
Game reports are due within 24 hours of the game.
All game reports are submitted via the Assignr system. Center referees must submit a report for every game. This is how you and your ARs get paid! Assistant referees do not submit a game report. Instructions for submitting a game report can be found here.
Use the narrative section in the game report to explain or elaborate on:
- If you remove or change the name of an AR
- Explain any misconduct in detail
- Constructive feedback on ARs, coaches, teams, spectators, etc.
- Any other comments regarding the game.
If you issue any red cards, you need to email your assignor and the Loudoun Soccer Referee Development Coordinator ([email protected]) within 24 hours.
New Referees
Loudoun Soccer uses Assignr.com for scheduling referees for games. To sign up for Loudoun Soccer games, follow the instructions below. Information should be sent to Kim Kennedy at [email protected].
- Provide your first and last name, and the email address you want to use for soccer assignments.
- Let us know if you are a brand new referee.
- If you are not a new referee, include a brief description of your experience.
- If you currently have an Assignr.com account with another organization, you can send your account key to [email protected]. Instructions for this can be found at https://support.assignr.com/en/articles/8769727-ask-an-assignor-to-add-you-to-their-site
- Once we receive your information, you will be added to our system and you will receive an email from [email protected] with further instructions.
Questions: E-mail Tammy Mitchell at [email protected].
Referee FAQs
See this document for frequently asked questions regarding Loudoun Soccer refereeing.
Current state of youth soccer refereeing
Feedback
For any general questions or comments related to this page, please contact [email protected]