How to Become a Referee

To certify as a new referee, you must take a referee course and pass a test. No previous playing experience is required.  The minimum age to register and certify is 13 years old. 

To register for a New Referee class, visit the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program page. Once you've completed training, you're ready to advance to Working for Loudoun Soccer.

Recertification

Referees must recertify EVERY YEAR. Certification expires on December 31 of the year listed on your badge. To learn how to recertify, click here.

Loudoun Soccer uses the Assignr system for scheduling referees for games.  To get setup to work for Loudoun Soccer, follow the instructions below. 

If you already have an Assignr account:

1. Login to Assignr and click on your name in the top right corner
2. Select ‘My Account’
3. If you have missing profile information, complete that and select ‘Save’ at the bottom of the page
4. You will see another screen and near the bottom left you should see your ‘Account Key’
5. Copy your Account Key and send to Kim Kennedy at refadmin@loudounsoccer.com, along with your first and last name

If you do not have an Assignr account:

1. Provide your first and last name, and the email address you want to use for soccer assignments, to Kim Kennedy at refadmin@loudounsoccer.com 

Once we receive your information, you will be added to our system and you will receive an email from refadmin@loudounsoccer.com with further instructions.

After you go through the process to get setup and logged into the Assignr system, make sure you update your profile with all of your contact and emergency contact information, and add you’re your w9 and banking information.  This will ensure we can contact you if needed, and you will be paid for your work in a timely manner.

Help articles:

Update Profile Instructions

Adding W9 and Bank Information

Assignr has very excellent written documentation.  If you have any questions on how to use Assignr, a good place to start is by clicking on the question mark (?) in the blue bar at the top of the page, and then select View Documentation.  

For general questions, complaints or compliments about referee performance, contact Ray Johnson, Referee Development Coordinator for Loudoun Soccer at refdc@loudounsoccer.com.

For questions about becoming a referee, getting set up to work for Loudoun Soccer, or how game assignments work, contact Tammy Mitchell at refassignor@loudounsoccer.com.

Loudoun Soccer has three Referee Assignors, who concentrate on different regions of the county and different levels of games.  

Most new youth referees will start by working the younger Recreational games (grade K-6).  

Jim Kennedy

jtkennedy@loudounsoccer.com

Grade K-6 Recreational Games

South Riding

Leesburg

Barry Hunt

bhunt@loudounsoccer.com

Grade K-6 Recreational Games

Ashburn

Western Loudoun

Tammy Mitchell

refassignor@loudounsoccer.com

Grade 7-12 Recreational Games

Travel Leagues (NCSL, EDP, ECNL, ECNL-RL)

Adult League (weeknights at Loudoun Soccer Park)

Travel Tournaments (College Showcase in March, Premier Cup in August)

Requesting Games

Loudoun Soccer uses the Assignr system for scheduling referees for games. 

Once we have schedules available, you will receive an email that games are available for requesting.  

There are three steps to getting games:

1. Request game in Assignr (this is only a request, not an assignment)
2. Email assignor with date, field, and time of your requests
3. If assigned to the game, accept game in Assignr within 48 hours

We have many refs and initially we try to spread the games fairly.  You most likely will not get every game that you request.

Find detailed instructions on how to request games: Assignr instructions for requesting games

When filtering the game listing, new refs should select "Rec" in the League field, as they are the best games for new referees.

KEY TO REC GAMES

(Center Ref Only)

GRK = U6

GR1 = U7

GR2 = U8

GR3 = U9

GR4 = U10

(Center & AR)

GR5 = U11

GR6 = U12

GR7 = U13

GR8 = U14

HS = U16 / U19

After completing your game request(s), email the appropriate assignor for that game to make them aware of a new request. Include the date, field, and time. This will expedite your approval process, as assignors do not receive notifications of new requests.

Assignors:

Jim Kennedy

Barry Hunt

Tammy Mitchell

The Assignor’s name is included at the bottom of every game listed. 

If you are assigned to a game, accept or decline the game within 48 hours.  Otherwise, the game will auto-decline, and be available to others.

MOST IMPORTANT: Communicate clearly and quickly with the assignors, via email.

Game Reporting

All game reports are submitted by the Center referee into the Assignr system. (Assistant referees do not submit a game report.) Game reports are due within 48 hours of the game. This is how you get paid! Instructions for submitting a game report can be found here. 

Use the narrative section in the game report to explain or elaborate on:

• If you remove or change the name of an AR.
• Any misconduct.
• Constructive feedback on ARs, coaches, teams, spectators, etc.
• Any other comments regarding the game.

If you issue any red cards, notify your Assignor and the Loudoun Soccer Referee Development Coordinator (refdc@loudounsoccer.com) within 24 hours.

Working as a referee is job, requiring you to follow through with working your accepted assignments.  In the event you can’t work your assigned games, you need to notify the appropriate assignor immediately.  Make sure you manage your calendar and do not double book yourself.  Your schedule is your responsibility.

Any games turned back within three days of the scheduled game is considered late.  In that case, you need to find your own replacement or you will be fined half of the amount you would have earn for the games.  We do make exceptions to this rule because of illness, injury or last-minute emergencies.  The key is to communicate with your assignor.

Not showing up for assigned games without telling your assignor is unacceptable.  In that case, you are fined for the full amount you would have earned for working the games.

Fines are deducted from your payouts until they are fully paid.  Repeated cases of late turn backs and/or not showing up for assigned games, will result in you being removed from the Loudoun Soccer referee roles.

Field Status

In case of inclement weather, consult the Loudoun Soccer Field Status page for guidance. Check back frequently for updates.

Field Directions/Maps

Before your games, make sure you know where your field is located. You can find site addresses and field maps on the Loudoun Soccer Field Directory page. 

Many sites have multiple fields, so check the online field map prior to your games to locate your specific field. Particularly, Bolen Park and Hanson Park, which are very large sites, have more than one street address, with many fields.

No-Show Teams

On rare occasions, you will arrive at an assignment where no teams have show, up.  If that unlikely event, verify that you are at the correct field, and then contact your assignor to let them know. If no teams arrive within 15 minutes past the start time, you can consider that game cancelled.  The center referee should report the game score as 0-0, and include a comment in about no teams showing up.  (All refs will be paid.)

Referee Uniform and Equipment

Working as a referee is a job, and you need to dress the part.  This means a proper soccer official uniform.  First impressions matter, and you want to show professionalism from the start.  Review the standards of dress and appearance below for details.

Standards of Dress and Appearance [link]

Besides the proper uniform, you need other equipment:

• Watch – digital wristwatch with timer or stopwatch – use of a mobile phone as a watch is NOT permitted
• Set of disciplinary cards (red and yellow cards)
• Whistle
• Set of Assistant Referee flags
• Score pad (can be an official report document, a Loudoun Soccer issued score card, a 3×5 index card, etc.) to record game data (goals, bookings, etc.)
• Pen or pencil
• Velcro disk sticker (to affix your USSF patch to your jersey)
• Coin for the coin toss

Other items not required but a good to have on hand:

• Air pump and inflation needle
• Sunscreen
• Black hat (referees may wear a hat to protect against the sun but should not wear sunglasses; prescription glasses with transition lenses are permitted)
• Water or sports drinks
• Healthy snacks
• Trash bag to cover your referee bag in case of rain

Note about uniforms for new refs:

• The standard color shirt is yellow.  That is all you need until you start moving up to more competitive travel games
• Black shorts should be plain and only have the manufacturer’s logo
• Black shoes (cleats, turf, etc)
• You may wear a black undershirt or black long sleeve shirt under your referee shirt if needed.

Uniform kits are available online and sometimes at local soccer supply stores.  A good starter kit can be purchased at https://officialsports.com/. 

FIFA Laws of the Game

Link to current version of the Laws.

Download the Laws of the Game app to your mobile device.

Rec Program Modifications

Summary Chart of Rec Modifications

Kicks from the Mark procedure - NEW

7v7 Build Out Line Memo (Grades 3-4, 9U-10U)

In response to the US Soccer Memo regarding the Use of Electronic Communication Kits on July 6, 2021, Loudoun Soccer hereby authorizes the use of Electronic Communication Kits for Grassroots referees assigned to club recreational matches and Loudoun Soccer-sponsored tournaments for the purposes of referee training, mentoring, and instruction.

Travel Leagues

NCSL Rules and Procedures

NCSL One-Page "Cheat Sheet"

ECNL Referee Guidelines

ECNL Regional League Guidelines

EDP Referee Guidelines 

ECNL & ECNL-RL Referee Match Process

Virginia State Championships rules (US Club State Cup)

Adult League Rules/Modifications:

NCAA Rules for Patrick Henry

About Referee Compensation Rates

• For games assigned by Loudoun Soccer, referees are paid a set per-game rate based on game level.  
• Payment is issued electronically via Assignr. 
• Referees who earn $600 or more in a calendar year will receive a 1099 tax form.
• Referees accrue bonuses based on the game level.
• To help offset certification costs, newly-certified referees (first season officiating) earning six (6) bonus points will receive an extra $50.
• For details on compensation, payment procedures, and  bonus points, consult the tables below.