Are you interested in becoming a PYSA Referee?

CONGRATULATIONS - So you've finally made the decision to become a registered soccer referee and now you want to know what's involved. It's pretty straightforward…

First off, you have to be at least 14 to work PYSA.

You need to go through a two-part training program and pass a written test at the end to confirm that you know the basics. People of all ages do it all of the time, so it's quite doable if you apply yourself. You will need to complete the Grade 8 or Grade 9 (preferably Grade 8) USSF course and then the PYSA specific training for additional learning on how to become a self-confident center referee.

United States Soccer Federation Courses:

Recreational Grade 9

The classes typically are held on 2 evenings or sometimes over a weekend for a total of 8 hours. There is a $20.00 fee for taking the course, to cover the cost of the instructor and the class materials.

If you pass the test, then you'll be eligible to register as a Grade 9 referee with the United States Soccer Federation. The registration fee is $40.00 and is separate from the course fee. You'll need to register with the USSF to be able to referee OYSA recreational youth games.

Entry-Level Grade 8

The classes are typically held on 4 evenings or sometimes over a weekend for a total of 18 hours. There is a $35.00 fee for taking the course, to cover the cost of the instructor and the class materials.

If you pass the test, then you'll be eligible to register as a Grade 8 referee with the United States Soccer Federation. The registration fee is $40.00 and is separate from the course fee. You'll need to register with the USSF to be able to referee for PYSA.

Additional Requirements to work for PYSA

PYSA Hosted On-Field Training

The USSF courses train referees initially to be AR's, (Assistant Referees - side line work). PYSA only utilizes one center referee in our games, which are U9 - U14. Consequently PYSA will educate referees for recreational youth soccer, which modifies the USSF Laws of The Game for small-sided games. PYSA will provide you with a manual to learn the rules of our league and provide on field training in positioning for game day readiness.

PYSA Hosted Training Dates

PYSA only hosts training in July and August. Those who have completed their USSF Grade 8 certification must take this training to be eligible to referee for PYSA. We will post training dates no later than June 2009. There is no additional cost for PYSA training after the USSF certification has been completed.

PYSA Jamboree Participation

The first Saturday after Labor Day the PYSA Fall League begins. That Saturday we host a Jamboree format for our U9 teams where all new referees are expected to participate in our group training. Referees are divided into four groups and work with an experienced adult PYSA Mentor. Referees will rotate through numerous areas or preparation such as checking a team in, walking the field and checking nets for safety, greeting coaches and asking for volunteer AR's and describing their responsibilities as well as rotating on the field for brief opportunities to engage the role as the center referee.

Annual Referee Training

Required of all new and returning referees, we meet the first Sunday after Labor Day from 1:30 - 3:30 in the afternoon to review Laws of The Game, accept I-9 Forms and PYSA Availability Calendars. PYSA makes it a priority to assign referees in the Fall League to fields of location best suited for the referee. The Availability Calendar is not due until this date so that we may make the schedules as accurate as possible. Parents are required to sign the Availability Form if they are driving the referee to games.