Referee Courses (Ages 13 and Up)
We need referees to play the game of soccer and here at Eastside Timbers we have the opportunity to work with the U.S. Soccer Learning Center to provide you with referee courses at our conveniently located Eastside Timbers Complex. You don't have to be a player or even be from our club to apply. Anyone 13 and older can apply and take the course.
Becoming a referee gives you insight into what it's like to be on the other side of the game. There are many advantages to becoming a ref: Great pay $$$, set your own schedule, gain more respect for referees, learn skills on how to manage a game, add to your resume, help grow the game, and be a mentor and a good example for kids. After you finish your course, please reach out to carly@eastsidetimbers.com and she will assist you in getting set up as a ref for Eastside.
The First Time Referee Course is an introductory course for aspiring referees ages 13 and older. First Time Referees are eligible to officiate a variety of recreational and competitive matches for both the youth and adult games as either a referee or assistant referee dependent upon age and experience.
For this course you should expect:
ONLINE:
After registering for the course, you will have immediate access to the online portion of the course. The online coursework consists of modules, videos, quizzes, and updates to the Laws of the Game.
ON-FIELD:
On the day of the 3-hour on-field training, participants should dress appropriately for physical activity outdoors.
If you are 18 years or older, you must also complete:
- US Soccer NCSI Background Check ($30) – valid for two years
- SafeSport Training (Free) – Required by federal law
Once you have completed all of the above assignments and attended the in-person portion of your First Time Referee Course you will be registered for the current registration cycle and can referee soccer games here in the state of Oregon.
Referee Compensation and Assignment Procedures
Referee compensation can vary widely, and we can only speak to the rates within our Eastside Timbers Recreational league. In our league, center referees are paid as follows:
- 7v7 games: $30
- 9v9 games: $35
- 11v11 games: $40
Please note that this is specific to our club, and other leagues and clubs may have different payment structures. Additionally, compensation can differ based on the game format and level, such as high school soccer games or advanced leagues like ECNL and OYSA.
For those looking to start their refereeing journey, we recommend beginning in a recreational league to gain valuable experience. As you progress, you can explore opportunities in more advanced games.
Regarding referee assignments, the Oregon Soccer Referee Organization (OSRO) is a valuable resource. You can reach out to them for more specific information on pay rates, assignment procedures, and any other inquiries you may have. Here is their contact information: https://www.oregonreferee.com/contact
If you have further questions or need additional details, feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to having you contribute to the success of our club and the broader soccer community.
Why become a referee?
Becoming a referee offers a unique perspective on the game and provides several benefits.
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Good Pay:You can make a decent amount of money by refereeing soccer matches. It's a way to earn while enjoying your love for the game.
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Flexible Schedule:Being a referee lets you choose when you work. This flexibility means you can fit refereeing around your other commitments.
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Respect for Referees:Being on the field as a referee helps you understand the challenges they face. This firsthand experience builds respect for the important role referees play in ensuring fair play.
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Game Management Skills:Refereeing helps you develop skills like maintaining control, making fair decisions quickly, and communicating effectively with players, coaches, and fans.
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Encouraging Youth Participation:By becoming a referee, you support the growth of soccer by providing a safe and fun environment for kids to play the sport they love.
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Resume Boost:Adding refereeing experience to your resume showcases qualities like leadership and responsibility. It can make you stand out and open up more opportunities.
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Mentorship and Role Modeling:As a referee, you become a mentor and positive role model for young players. You can inspire and guide them not only in the game but also in their personal development.
