Referees
Whether you're new to officiating, currently active, or looking to advance — find everything you need below. Use the navigation to jump directly to the section that applies to you.
Prospective Referees
High school students new to the recreational program — this is your starting point. Get certified through VADC, then connect with our assignor to start receiving game assignments.
Why Referee
Why Become a Referee
- Stay involved in the game
- Develop leadership and decision-making skills
- Support the soccer community
- Earn extra income
- Online referee coursework
- On-field training sessions
- Grassroots referee certification
- Laws of the game
- Game management techniques
- Referee positioning and mechanics
- On-field decision-making
- Grassroots referee courses are generally open to participants ages 13 and older
- Complete the required online coursework before attending any in-person field session
- Course registration and enrollment: visit vadcsoccerref.com, select "Clinic Listing," register as a new user, and enroll in a Grassroots online combo clinic
- Once certified, contact whistle@arlingtonsoccer.com to begin receiving assignments
Current Referees
Currently refereeing in Arlington Rec or ADP programs? Find resources for weather cancellations, assignor contact, uniform requirements, and how to advance to higher-level games.
Uniform & Equipment
Uniform & Equipment Requirements
- Starting Spring 2026, USSF-certified referees are expected to wear a full uniform with jersey tucked in and socks pulled up
- Non-USSF-certified referees must at minimum wear the jersey tucked in
- A watch or non-phone timer for tracking game time
- A whistle
- A pen and paper for recording scores
Advancement
Promotions
- Non-USSF referees begin with 2nd grade games only
- USSF-certified referees may start with 3rd/4th grade games
- Referees with at least 8 games may request mentoring to advance to higher-level assignments
- A referee mentor will observe a selected challenging game and provide feedback and areas for improvement
- Multiple mentoring sessions may be required before promotion to higher-level games
The Runaway Score Rule is in effect. If a 3rd grade or higher game reaches a 6-goal differential, the referee should consult both coaches to adjust play and maintain competitiveness (e.g., swapping players, mixing teams, or adding goalkeepers). See age-group rules for details.
Game Assignments & Reports
Referees must submit game scores using the referee game report form, updated each season. Games are visible up to 30 days in advance and organized by level.
How It Works
Assignment Details
- Games are typically visible up to 30 days in advance
- Games are organized by level — referees may only self-select eligible games
- Daily limits apply for both self-selected and total assigned games
- Referees must submit game scores using the referee game report form after every game
- The form is updated each season — use the current season's link
- Spring 2026 Referee Game Report Form →
Rules & Certification
Review the rules at the start of each season and print the appropriate age-group rules to bring to games. Keep the Rec rules chart in your bag for quick reference.
Resources
Rules & Documents
Interested in becoming a certified referee? View current clinic listings at vadcsoccerref.com — select "Clinic Listing," register as a new user, and enroll in a Grassroots online combo clinic.
Compensation
Arlington Soccer pays per game with bonus incentives for active referees. USSF Grassroots-certified referees earn an additional $4 per game, plus license reimbursement after 10 games.
Pay Rates & Bonuses
Pay Structure
| Grade Level | Rate Per Game |
|---|---|
| 2nd Grade | $24.00 |
| 3rd / 4th Grade | $32.00 |
| 5th / 6th Grade | $37.00 |
| ADP | $40.00 |
| USSF Grassroots Bonus | +$4.00 per game |
- Ref 10 games in a season → receive a $20 bonus
- Ref 20 games in a season → bonus increases to $50!
- Ref 10 games in a season → Arlington Soccer will reimburse your USSF Grassroots license or renewal cost
Applies to Arlington Soccer's in-house referees working 2nd–6th grade recreational games only. Does not apply to games done for Tarey Houston or Jesse Rosenthal.
Regional League & ECNL Referees
Certified referees interested in officiating Arlington Soccer Regional League or ECNL matches — contact Jesse Rosenthal directly. Grade 8+ adult referees seeking Arlington assignments contact assignor Tarey Houston.
Important Notes
Assignor Structure
- Contact Jesse Rosenthal at globalprisms@yahoo.com for Regional League and ECNL match assignments
- Jesse Rosenthal operates separately from Tarey Houston and maintains independent payment rates and policies
- Certified Grade 8+ adult referees should contact assignor Tarey Houston via tareyhouston@gmail.com
- Tarey Houston and Jesse Rosenthal operate separately and maintain their own payment rates and policies
- Provide your certification grade and availability when reaching out
Get in Touch
Important Contacts
Ready to Officiate?
Start your registration at vadcsoccerref.com or reach out to our assignor directly.