Referee

Becoming a referee is a great way to learn more about the game, to earn some extra money, and most importantly to provide referees at our games.

Ballard assigns referees for our U8-9 home games while U10-U18 game referees are assigned by Seattle Soccer Referees Association.

Ballard has an expectation that each U10-18 team should provide at least one USSF certified referee to the pool. Ballard needs referees for about 60 home games each weekend.

Certification

Being a soccer referee can be both rewarding and fulfilling.

To become a referee for our U8/U9 matches.
Trainings for new U8-U9 mod referees are held in the late Summer. The intended age group for the referee pool is 11-14. Older referees should proceed with USSF certification. Look out for an email to be sent out to the league in mid-summer giving available dates for the training. Email modreferee@ballardsoccer.org with questions about this program.

To become a US Soccer Federation (USSF) Referee or re-certify for U10 through adult games please see the Washington Referees site for current information regarding classes and clinics.

To become a Grade 8 Referee you must attend a Referee Course, which will prepare you to officiate competitive and recreational youth games as a Center or Assistant Referee. Clinics are sponsored locally by different Clubs, Referee Chapters, or Leagues. But you can take a clinic anywhere in Washington State. If you are spending the summer with your grandmother in Spokane, you can take a clinic there! Upon successful completion you will receive a referee badge. Your registration is good for one year and must be renewed annually. This certification will allow you to referee Youth matches as defined by your grade.

The grade 8 certification

• This consists of both online study material and 8 hours of in-class field training.
• At the end of the clinic you must pass a written exam with a score of 80% or higher.
• The fee is $65.00 (USSF registration fee $50+$15 Clinic Fee) to be paid online during the registration process.
• Note – there may be an “Other” fee for the local host’s expenses such as facility rental, etc.
• Some in-class/field clinics are conducted in one weekend day, while others are held over a couple of weekday evenings.

Your registration is good for one year and must be renewed annually.

Once you have obtained your USSF certification you are eligible to referee BYSC Mod U8-U9 games at Bitterlake and Gilman Playfield. Please register to be a Mod referee: 

To referee U10+ games, please visit Seattle Soccer Referee Association