Muahahahaha  *echos loudly*
Now that we have gotten your full attention…

We saved you all the trouble of coming up with excuses by making a list of the excuses that have been used by those who have come before you!

• I don’t have the time-Being a referee works with busy schedules. Refs are free to choose the games that work for them and can choose games just before or after the game your child is playing, so you will already be on the field. You can do as few or as many games as you like. There is no required number of games when you are a ref.
• I can’t afford the equipment or the training- Don’t worry about the cost, because our Region will provide you with the necessary equipment and training to get you started.

• I don't know the game well enough - Most refs knew even less than you when they became refs.  Give us about 8 hours of your time and we will train you with all the knowledge you need.
• I’d be embarrassed- No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes (even the seasoned professional refs). The most important element is your enthusiasm and fun attitude, because that will translate directly to the players, coaches and parents. We can team you up with more experienced refs when you are starting out to help you.
• I'm a woman - There are many qualified women refs and they are fantastic! We need more! Just think about 22 plus kids stopping and listening to you and then doing what you say…it will be like a miracle! Nearly half of our players are girls and they are comfortable with female refs and look up to them. Moms, especially soccer Moms with more than one child already make quick decisions and referee on a daily basis. We will mentor you, teach you and you will begin with younger children until you feel completely comfortable.
• I won’t look good in that uniform- Are you kidding? Have you seen the other refs?  You may get at least a smile, maybe a giggle or even uncontrolled laughing on the floor from your children. Have fun with it!
• I’m not the right kind of person- Oh, yes you are. You care about your child. This is a soccer development program run by volunteers. Would you want your child involved with someone who doesn’t care as much as you do? Who is better than someone who is as concerned as you are?
• I’m not in the best shape and can’t keep up with the players- Some of the players are quite fast. Most refs can’t keep up with them either. The older age divisions with faster players and big fields are given to the more experienced and fit refs. We still have plenty of younger division games that are on smaller fields to match your fitness level. Refereeing is a great opportunity to get a little exercise and have some fun yourself.

So now, we have given answers to all the excuses, we can’t wait to see you at referee training. We need you!  Our volunteer referees perform a critical function in our Region.  We have heard more times than we can count how our volunteers get way more out of it than what they put in. We promise our refs the following:

• Fun
• Exercise
• A feeling of belonging
• Free Uniform and Training
• Appreciation

A good time, in fact, it may turn out to be the best time you’ve had in a long time!

If you still think you are not the right kind of person to become a referee, well, you actually took the time to read this to the end and that means something. It means you care and you are exactly the right kind of person!

Don’t Wait Contact our Referee Administrator and get started.

NOTICE:  Basic Referee Course and ALL upgrade classes will be offered, see Sports Connect for available courses.