Current Referees
Whether you're new to officiating, currently active, or looking to advance — find everything you need below.
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 →
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.
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
Recreation Rules by Grade Group
Other Programs
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.
Get in Touch