Prospective Referees
Whether you're new to officiating, currently active, or looking to advance — find everything you need below.
Referee Courses
Register for the online coursework and test through the Metro DC-VA State Referee Program, then attend an in-person field session to complete your Grassroots certification.
In-Person Field Sessions
Upcoming Course Dates
Complete the required online coursework and test at vadcsoccerref.com before attending any in-person field session.
For questions, please reach out to Said Mahious at said@arlingtonsoccer.com.
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
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.
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