[5/21/2024 Update] Digital Referee Cert no longer offered. NJ again requires In-person/field class for new refs & 2025 recert so plan ahead!
WHY REFEREE AS A STUDENT
Refereeing is a life-changing opportunity to learn, foster & gain: work ethic, responsibility, structure/organization, situational awareness, communication, public speaking, ability to overcome obstacles (poor weather, verbally rude adults), demonstrate leadership within the familiar confines of soccer! Refs have a positive environment where we can exercise, work outside, get paid cash (no student work permit needed) and get to enjoy many days of good weather spring & fall. Many student referees have used fellow refs and CSC for recommendation letters, college applications, scholarship applications, gaining work experience, building their resume/CV & more.
Becoming a referee is a decision that must be made by parents & student. New refs are typically soccer players age 13+ who are ready to extend their joy of soccer with part time weekend referee assignments/work. Since referees pick their availability, many students both play & ref. Starting early as a referee provides experience which allows growth & opportunity so in a few years students can even center ref U9-10 youth soccer games if desired.
NEW REFS & MENTORING
New refs - all ages - who ref CSC Assigned Recreational U9-U19 games are assigned to Assistant Ref with experienced center referees for a few seasons. This provides a mentoring opportunity during match play where new & young referees can gain real-game experience. This mentoring period provides an avenue to gain experience – in a less challenging environment, under the supervision/guidance of an experienced referee – to help referees gain confidence & ability! We find this keeps new referees engaged & able to eventually referee more competitive matches.
Once proficiency, confidence, comfort and RELIABILITY is demonstrated over a few seasons you can request to be assigned as a center referee with an experienced referee as their AR to further the mentor process. By observing, learning & working with an experienced referee the new referee will best learn their craft. Likewise, referees can also limit themselves just to AR if that meets their comfort level.
New referees who wish to submit for Travel game assignment (see LOCAL REFEREE ASSIGNMENT) should specify their age, credentials & situation – including towns they are willing & able to referee – to ensure placement in games suited to your current ability. Typically, TRAVEL ref assignors require 1-2 years or more of AR work before being considered for Center referee.