Being
a referee is a fairly simple process
– You
go to a clinic, you take a test, you pass the test, you buy
a uniform, and you do your first game. Sounds easy. But of
course nothing is that easy, but we can help you get
started. Here is what's involved in becoming a referee:
The
Clinic’s
Dallas North holds referee and linesman clinics the month
prior to each season, so always check the DNSA website for
clinic dates and times. You can also call the North Texas
State Office and ask for the referee administrator, or look
on the North
Texas web page. Clinics will be listed for your area and
surrounding areas. Once you find one that is convenient,
call the person listed as the contact. Now that you have the
first step out of the way things get better.
You must be a certain age to take the
clinics and the ages are for the basic referee clinic 14,
the recreational clinic 12 and for the linesman clinic 11.
You will be attending a 16 1/2 hour course to become a basic
referee grade 8, but don't worry you don't have to do it all
at one time. Normally grade 8 clinics are spread out over
the course of 3 to 6 days depending on availability. The
recreational referee clinic is nine hours and is completed
in one day, the linesman clinic is eight hours and also
completed in one day. You will usually have different
instructors teaching sessions in the basic referee clinic
and one instructor for the recreational referee and linesman
clinic. These instructors will cover everything in the Laws
of the Game plus some. At the end of the sessions you will
take a test and make a score of 75 or better in order to
register with USSF. If you score less than 75 all is not
lost. You can retake the test at a later date, but until you
pass the test you cannot register or do games. Take the time
to study before if retaking the test and take good notes
during the classes.
The
Uniform and Equipment
Now that you've passed the test and have registered with
USSF it's time to go out and buy your first uniform. The
basic uniform for referees is a yellow shirt, black referee
shorts, black socks with three stripes and black shoes.
There are no particular shoes that we recommend, only get a
pair that won't cause blisters when you run and that are
comfortable. In addition to a uniform, you will need a
watch, preferably one that counts down time. If you’re a
referee you'll need a whistle, a small book to keep score, a
flipping coin, red and yellow cards, and a set of flags, if
you’re a linesman you’ll only need the watch and score
book. Now you ask yourself where do I get all this? During
the clinic your instructor will tell you where you can buy
all this stuff. If your registering with DNSA as your home
association and plan to do you refereeing with DNSA we have
a program setup to purchase your uniforms and be reimbursed
for your uniform purchases after having completed a set
amount of games in a season. For more information on the
reimbursement program please contact DNSA via ask the
referee link.
Getting
Games
Now that you've passed the test, bought your uniform and
all the stuff, you'll need to talk to an assignor who will
schedule your games. Not sure who your local assignor is -
not to worry. Again your instructor will give you the name
and phone number of the assignor for your local association.
Or if you feel daring you can look on the North
Texas web page under Referees to find out whom to
call. Again if you register with DNSA and have taken your
clinic through DNSA your names will automatically be given
to the DNSA assigner.
Your
First Year
Well you've been out on the fields for a year now and
you've learned how to issue cards, deal with coaches and
parents and suffered through the heat and cold. Now what!
Every year you will be required to take a re-certification
test. Both referee and linesman must take the
re-certification tests and pay the registration fee to NTSSA.
DNSA holds a re-certification test for the upcoming soccer
year each October, check the website for time, date and
place. Your
also required to attend five hours of training, the training
part you can usually get in your local referee association
or you can attend the All Referee meeting held in Dallas
each July. If you can make the All Referee meeting you'll
get to hear new speakers, be eligible for door prizes, and
swap stories with fellow referees. See you there!
Want
to Advance
So you've been doing recreational games and are ready for
more challenging games. How do you get these games? Again
you'll have to work with your local assignor or the Referee
Supervisors from DNSA who will get hold of your area
administrator. The administrator will get an assessor
appointed that will come to the field and evaluate your game
and give you pointers on how to improve your game. The
assessor is there to help you, and you should take their
feedback as constructive criticism. If you pass the
physical, pass the written test, and the NTSSA Referee
Committee approves the assessments, then you will be
promoted to a grade 7. Congratulations! Now if believe your
ready to advance to grade 6 State Referee 2, the process is
pretty much the same but more intense and the NTSSA Referee
Committee will work with you to get you to the next level.
That's what it takes to be a referee
in a nutshell. Of course, the more games you do, the more
your confidence improves and games will seem easier. One
thing to remember, is that we all have a bad game from time
to time, so don't despair. With referee supervisors,
assessors and assignors helping you, these will be few and
far between.
Should you have any questions feel
free to e-mail either Steve
Cox DNSA Director of Referees or Steve
Golman DNSA Vice President. E-mail address’s are found
on the website under the Board.
