The world's most popular sport, soccer continues to grow in popularity. And with players becoming involved at such a young age, the need for good soccer referees has never been stronger. While some previous playing, coaching or officiating experience is always helpful, no experience is required to become a soccer referee.
Being a referee is both challenging and rewarding. Many become referees because of their love of the game, the chance to be positive role models, to develop leadership skills, to make life-long friends, or to have a part-time job (Referees are Independent Contractors). Refereeing is a commitment to the game, to other officials, and to yourself. Consider becoming a referee. As the number of leagues, tournaments, and games continues to grow, there are always opportunities.
Being a referee is both challenging and rewarding. Many become referees because of their love of the game, the chance to be positive role models, to develop leadership skills, to make life-long friends, or to have a part-time job (Referees are Independent Contractors). Refereeing is a commitment to the game, to other officials, and to yourself. Consider becoming a referee. As the number of leagues, tournaments, and games continues to grow, there are always opportunities.
REFEREE CERTIFICATION
How do I become a referee?
If you are at least 13 years old you are eligible to take the entry-level class, which is an 8-hour weekend class typically on Saturday. To register for a class go to the Iowa Soccer Events Calendar and search for "Entry-Level Referee Course" in a location that is convenient for you. WDMSC hosts a class before each season, and once it is scheduled the information is sent out to the entire membership.
How do I become a referee?
If you are at least 13 years old you are eligible to take the entry-level class, which is an 8-hour weekend class typically on Saturday. To register for a class go to the Iowa Soccer Events Calendar and search for "Entry-Level Referee Course" in a location that is convenient for you. WDMSC hosts a class before each season, and once it is scheduled the information is sent out to the entire membership.
What is the cost?
The current cost for the entry-level referee class is $55. In addition to that, you will need at least one official USSF referee jersey, a watch and a whistle. A pair of black shorts, black referee socks and black cleats or turf shoes will up your image quite a bit.
The current cost for the entry-level referee class is $55. In addition to that, you will need at least one official USSF referee jersey, a watch and a whistle. A pair of black shorts, black referee socks and black cleats or turf shoes will up your image quite a bit.
How does the Club help?
Each season the Club holds an on-field training session for new referees. When it comes time for that first game, you will be assigned to a 7U or 8U match. The Club tries very hard to coordinate with all new referees so that our Director of Referees or our Referee Assignor can be at their first game.
Each season the Club holds an on-field training session for new referees. When it comes time for that first game, you will be assigned to a 7U or 8U match. The Club tries very hard to coordinate with all new referees so that our Director of Referees or our Referee Assignor can be at their first game.
What does refereeing do for me?
There are four ways to participate in a soccer match:
1. Play
2. Watch
3. Coach
4. Officiate
Different persons involved in a match in each of these roles see the game from completely different perspectives, and each is able to add -- or detract - from the quality of a match in a unique way. Learning the science, and the art, and of officiating a soccer match will add greatly to one's understanding and appreciation of The Beautiful Game.
There are four ways to participate in a soccer match:
1. Play
2. Watch
3. Coach
4. Officiate
Different persons involved in a match in each of these roles see the game from completely different perspectives, and each is able to add -- or detract - from the quality of a match in a unique way. Learning the science, and the art, and of officiating a soccer match will add greatly to one's understanding and appreciation of The Beautiful Game.
How are referees compensated?
Referees will be paid through Arbiter Pay according to the following pay scale:
7U/8U: $20/game
9U/10U Rec: $25/game
9U/10U Academy: $25/game
11U/12U: $30/Center and $25/AR
13U/14U: $40/Center and $30/AR
15U/16U: $45/Center and $35/AR
17U/18U/19U: $50Center and $35/AR
Referees will be paid through Arbiter Pay according to the following pay scale:
7U/8U: $20/game
9U/10U Rec: $25/game
9U/10U Academy: $25/game
11U/12U: $30/Center and $25/AR
13U/14U: $40/Center and $30/AR
15U/16U: $45/Center and $35/AR
17U/18U/19U: $50Center and $35/AR
REFEREE LINKS
Several referee organizations provide many resources available to our WDMSC Referees including refereeing information, tools, documents and forms, suppliers and important contact information.
- WDMSC Referee Reimbursement Form
- Iowa Referees
- FIFA Laws of the Game
- Arbiter Sports
- AYSO Referee Info
- USYS Referee Info
- USSF Referee Info
- Ask the Ref
- Ask a Soccer Referee
- Official Sports
If you are interested or know someone interested in becoming a referee for the West Des Moines Soccer Club, please direct them to referee enrollment page.
TO OUR WDMSC REFEREES:
Mission: The Mission of the Director of Referees is to facilitate high quality officiating for WDMSC games and to provide WDMSC players and parents with a framework to achieve their fullest potential as soccer officials.
Vision: The Vision of the Director of Referees is the existence of a culture of mutual respect among all WDMSC players, parents, coaches and officials, as well as our guests from other clubs, such that each and every match is fully enjoyable for all involved.
Please contact Director of Referees for more information.
Vision: The Vision of the Director of Referees is the existence of a culture of mutual respect among all WDMSC players, parents, coaches and officials, as well as our guests from other clubs, such that each and every match is fully enjoyable for all involved.
Please contact Director of Referees for more information.
We develop the PERSON, and then the PLAYER. We IGNITE a love for SOCCER.