FAQ

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Question and Answers About Becoming a Referee

So you're thinking about becoming a referee...

First off, welcome to our website and thank you for visiting. We are glad that you have expressed some interest in becoming a referee. Refereeing is challenging, rewarding, and most of all FUN! It is a great way to learn the game, help the community, and earn money. Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions. If your question isn't answered below, I would invite you to email us at webmaster@fcfremontreferees.org to have your inquiry addressed!

What is the difference between a Grade 8 Referee and a Grade 9 Referee?

United States Soccer Federation has introduced a new level of referee - a Grade 9 referee. Generally, most referees take the full training and come in as a Grade 8 referee. Grade 9 referees have to take less training, and as such they are only allowed to do much lower skilled games.

Grade 9 referees may officiate in any position on any recreational level game U14 and below. Thus, they may work in any role on U14 and below in the house league only (class IV). Grade 9 may not work in any position on any game U15 and above, or any competitive match at any age; competitive matches are class 1 & 3.

Grade 9 referees have almost identical uniforms as Grade 8 and above. The only difference is that you will be wearing a blue referee badge instead of the black badge of other Referees. New Grade 9 youth referees are eligible for uniform reimbursement as well. Grade 9 referees will also be paid the same as Grade 8 and above referees do.

Grade 8 referees have more opportunities to officiate higher quality games, as well as move up in the sport. However, there is always a HUGE need for qualified referees in our younger ages of House League and that is why we are adopting the use Grade 9 referees.

How Much Do I Get Paid?

First year referees will be down at the lower levels mostly. However, those games are much shorter than the (high paying, yet longer) upper level games. So it all works out to be pretty much the same. You can find the fee schedule here...

How often do I have to referee?

You can referee as often or as little as you want. The Fall Season starts in the beginning of September and continues through the end of November. Spring League games start mid-March and run through the beginning of June.



Weekend games can start as early as 8:00 am and run throughout the day. Weekday games are scheduled only during the Fall Season and start at 5:00 pm.

Where do I referee?

Most games are held at Central Park. However there are also games at Irvington High School and Hopkins Middle school. A complete listing of locations can be found at

What do I have to do to become a referee?

For Grade 8, you must complete 18 hours of instruction as well as pass a written test on the Laws of the Game at the end of the class. For Grade 9, you must complete 8 hours of instruction and the written test.

What are the costs involved with becoming a referee?

You will be required to mail a check for $40 for the registration fee (for either Grade 8 or Grade 9). Details of where to mail the check will be included in the calendar item announcing the clinic. (If time does not permit mailing the check, it can be hand-carried to the first class.) If you are a Fremont resident and successfully pass the class, this clinic fee will be reimbursed with your first, or subsequent FSRA paychecks, and FSRA will pay your registration fees to the United State Soccer Federation. The reimbursement occurs after the 8th Match Report.



You will also need to buy a uniform. The cost of this will be around $70. However, we do have a program in place to refund this fee to youth referees who pass the class. Information about this program as well as a good uniform to buy can be found here...

How do I register with the web site so that I can be notified of future clinics?

Fill out this Registration Form. Alternatively, follow these steps to help you with the registration task. Please feel free to email me with questions (webmaster@fcfremontreferees.org). Remember, this registration is not a commitment to attend a clinic, only to express interest in attending.

1. Go to www.fcfremontreferees.org and click on Logon on the left hand side.
2. Click on Register.
3. Complete the form (at least email, home address and phone).
4. Click Apply.

• It is not necessary to enter a UserId or Password.
• You can ignore the boxes next to the various fields (no need to check them).
• Be sure to check the Interest box titled "Interested in learning about..."

We will now be able to contact you easily and inform you about future clinics.



If you have any problems with this form, email me at webmaster@fcfremontreferees.org

When is the next class?

We recommend registering with our website for Clinic Interest (as described above) to be kept informed of future clinics. Also be sure to check out our calendar:

How many games will I have to referee, and will it conflict with my schedule?

There is no limit or maximum to the amount of games you referee. And since you'll be using this website to assign yourself games, you can pick the games to suit your individual schedule!

Can I referee my children's games?

Generally we discourage this. You will never be assigned to your child's game, but generally if at game time no referees are available and both coaches agree, you can use your skills to referee the match.

I can't wait that long for the next Fremont clinic, or all the clinics in Fremont are full! Are there other clinics offered in other towns?

Yes, you can go to www.d3refs.com or www.d2sra.org to find out about other clinics. Once at these pages, follow links labeled "Instruction" or "Become a Referee." There you can find out about other clinics and also contact information for these clinics. If you do sign up for one of these clinics, you'll need to send me an email (webmaster@fcfremontreferees.org) and inform me of this information so that we can be sure to keep in touch with you once you pass. The link for the entry level clinics for www.d3refs.com can be found here (but don't forget to check out www.d2sra.org!!).

Don't see your question here?

Chances are people are wondering the same thing you are. Please email me so I can answer any remaining questions you may have.