Becoming a Referee

To become a Referee you need to first decide what level of games and assignments you will be doing for the next year or so, how much time you want to committ to the training and how much money you want to spend becoming a referee. So an Adult might be interested in doing Adult games as well as Youth games, while it is likely that young referees would only be interested in doing Youth games. As such the starting point for the Adult would be a Referee Grade 8 and would be interested in taking the 16 hour (5 Session) Entry Level Course. A young referee may only want to do Recreational Under 14 games for the first year or so and would be interested in becoming a Grade 9, which is a 10 hour Entry Level Course. This course was written for 11 and 12 year olds.

Once you determine what level review the list of clinics supporting that level. (Grade has nothing to do with school grade) After finding one that works for you, contact the sponsor of that clinic to register to attend.

Recreational Referee Grade 9

If you are interested in doing under 14 ONLY, then this grade is for you. Requires annual recertification. Grade 9 is relatively new to USSF. It is intended to introduce new referees to the game with a minimum amount of committment to training and with a minimum amount of cost. But at the same time affording the new referee with the full support of the USSF.

Referee Grade 8

If you are interested in all levels of Youth play, both centering and lining, and recreational Adult play, then this grade is for you. Requires annual recertification. Referee Grade 8 is the "traditional" starting point for most referees, but the class is a 16 hour clinic and the cost is slightly more. However, most referees in the State of Washington are Grade 8 referees, because this opens the most opportunity. Because of this, most Entry Level Clinics are for Grade 8.

Expense Reimbursement

All referees are eligible to be reimbursed for certification classes and uniforms as follows:

• After refereeing 10 games you may receive 75% of total cost of certification class.

• After refereeing 10 games you may receive up to $50.00 for uniform and equipment costs.

You should submit receipts with explanation and you will be paid with your next Salmon Creek referee check.