Refereeing with West Hamilton Youth Soccer

NOTICE! Returning referees must both register with the Ontario Soccer Association (pays your dues) and apply to the WHYSC to be re-hired. BE PROACTIVE - REGISTER WITH THE ONTARIO SOCCER ASSOCIATION (O.S.A.) AND FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH RECENT CHANGES. REFEREES NOT REGISTERED WITH THE OSA WILL NOT BE HIRED BY THE WEST HAMILTON YOUTH SOCCER CLUB. New referees must pass the appropriate O.S.A. Clinic for their age and then apply to WHYSC.

Refereeing is a Job

Please note, refereeing is a part time summer job and needs to be treated as such. When scheduled to referee a game, you are expected to be there. Your job is a priority. In June, you will need to shuffle other priorities around to make room for both your school and your work as a referee. You (and for those under 18, your parents) will be required to provide your availability to work (days you can work) at the beginning of the soccer season. Any changes to your availability must be submitted to refcoord@westhamiltonsoccer.com one (1) week prior to the game week you will be away. Failure to show for two (2) games, without sufficient notification, will result in you being removed from the ref roster.

Referee Information from the O.S.A.

MINI SOCCER REFEREE

Our Mini refs must be at least 12 years old on or before March 31st of this year. This category of ref is for 12 and 13 year olds. They get qualified by taking a one-day course. If a candidate for a course is 14 on or before March 31st, that candidate would take the Entry Level (two-day) course instead. Mini refs are qualified to ref games on the mini fields at Churchill Park. These have traditionally been our Under 10 division games. These referees will not be certified to referee or act as the assistant referee on any 11 v 11 games at any level until they reach the age of 14.

If a 12 year old took the mini course last year and will not be old enough this year to take the Entry Level referee course, this individual will have to take the mini course again this year. The annual taking of the course provides the referee with education opportunities on an annual basis, ultimately preparing them for the 11 v 11 game. This course also acts as a refresher and as a means to register that referee for the year with the OSA.

YOUTH REFEREE

A Youth Referee is 14 or 15 years of age on or before March 31st of the current year. They have passed an Entry Level Clinic with a mark of 80% or higher. They do not need to re-take their course each year. However, they must register with the O.S.A. each year to work.

Youth Referees are permitted to referee 11 v 11 recreational games up to two years younger than the referee. Therefore, if you are 14 years of age, you can referee 12 and under. If you are 15 years of age, you can referee 13 and under.

When the referee turns 16, he or she will automatically become a District Referee.

DISTRICT REFEREES

District Referees are 16 years of age on or before March 31st of the current year. They have also passed an Entry Level Clinic with a mark of 80% or higher. Like Youth Referees, they do not need to re-take their Entry Level course each year, but they need to register with the O.S.A. to work.

District Referees are permitted to referee 11 v 11 recreational games up to two years younger than the referee until the referee turns 18. Therefore, if you are 16 years of age, you can referee 14 and under.

Once the referee turns 18, then they can referee any age level.

While a District Referee, you can apply to the Regional Upgrading Program if you wish to further your qualifications as a Referee.

For more information, please contact our referee coordinator at refcoord@westhamiltonsoccer.com.