Why become a Referee?
Soccer has long been one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. However, one important part of the sport in the US has been struggling to keep up with this growth: Referees. With more leagues, clubs, teams, and tournaments popping up every day, the nation's supply of referees needs to grow too!
Becoming a referee is a great way to give back to your soccer community (many of our ABYSA and HFC staff members regularly help referee local games at various ages and levels), but it's also a great way to make money for players, parents, and family members that may already be at the fields all weekend or just want a side income where you can have a say in how much work you do each weekend!
How do I start Refereeing?
1) All North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA) Referees must be at least 14 years old
2) See the simplified referee development pathway below
Basic Referee
Development Pathways
(see below for how each referee level
fits within ABYSA and HFC's programs) | NC Referee Academy | NCYSA Certified Referee | NC Ref Academy
-> NCYSA Certified* |
| Competitive Levels Covered | Recreation
| Recreation, Academy
and Classic | Depends on development
within program |
| Age Groups Covered | 7U-10U | 7U-19U
Depends on the experience level
and certifications | 7U-19U
Depends on the experience level
and certifications |
| Certification Required | None | Yes
*see below for more information | Not for Academy Ages |
| Pay Level | Set amount by age group
($) | Varies based on experience,
certifications, and
competitive level
($$-$$$) | Varies based on experience,
certifications, and
competitive level |
Contact Us
For more information on becoming a referee, please contact
Silver Weems
ABYSA Assistant Director of Recreation Soccer
[email protected]
*CLICK HERE for more information about becoming a CERTIFIED referee through the NC Soccer Referees Association
French Broad Soccer Officials Association is our local organization, to further the development of soccer officials in Western North Carolina.