Referees

Becoming a Referee

Want to become a soccer referee?? If you are interested in becoming a certified referee for the upcoming season follow these instructions to get your badge from the Massachusetts State Referee Committee (MassRef)

https://www.massref.net/becoming-a-referee/steps-to-become-referee/

Beginning refs need to take the MassRef “New Grassroots Referee - Entry Level” course. Referee candidates must be at last 14 years old at the time of the course.

There are also some required online study modules and an in-person Field Session.

Courses are offered throughout the year.

All certifications are issued by MassRef with the completion of these requirements. Westwood Youth Soccer has no authority over certifying a referee. If you see an open course that works for your personal schedule, sign up!

Here are some traits that help make a good referee:

1) Confidence to take action when it will be noticed.

2) Ability to think fast.

3) Interest in learning the rules well.

Refereeing is not for everyone but is a good experience for those who want to work at it.

Current and prospective referees can direct questions to our Referee Coordinators. To be included in our scheduling database all newly certified referees should send an e-mail to the Referee Coordinators, who can be reached at: wysrefcoordinators@gmail.com. Include parent email address if you are under age 18.

New referees need to buy: Yellow Referee Shirt, Black Referee Shorts, Black Referee Socks, and a Watch with a timer

These can be purchased at We Got Soccer, Official Sports or other stores online. Purchase early because stores sell out close to the start of the season.

Westwood Youth Soccer provides a flag, red/yellow cards, score pad, velcro badge holder (for back of badge) and an electronic whistle for new refs.

Current referees will need to take annual re-certification to get their next year badge. See MassRef for the latest re-certification requirements. These courses are offered in the summer, fall, and early winter. All referees must be certified with a current year badge.