SYA SOCCER REFEREE PROGRAM
The SYA Soccer Referee Program provides United States Soccer Federation (USSF) certified referees for recreational youth and travel (club) leagues through the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program.
Our Mission is to recruit, train, and educate USSF certified referees to support the SYA Soccer program, developing leadership, professionalism, sportsmanship, and team-building skills applicable in all walks of life.
We welcome new and experienced referees to join our team. Officiating is not for everyone but the rewards are fulfilling. It takes hard work, a positive attitude, and commitment to improve. In return, you’ll boost your soccer IQ, fitness, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills. Moreover, you’ll become part of the family of thousands of referees throughout Virginia.
Many SYA referees officiate in elite youth leagues, including the MLS NEXT, Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), National Premier Leagues (NPL), and National Capital Soccer League (NCSL), as well as several amateur adult and semi-professional leagues. Our referees also officiate Virginia Youth Soccer Association tournaments and our best and brightest have been invited to prestigious State Cup, President’s Cup, and regional competitions.
If you want to become a soccer referee, please read the Frequently Asked Questions. Once you receive your USSF referee badge, email the SYA Soccer Referee Commissioner and Referee Assignor. We look forward to hearing from you!
David Kwieraga, Referee Commissioner, 571-926-4448
Alan Liotta, Referee Assignor, 703- 789-6457
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Is there a minimum age to be a soccer referee?
Yes. Federal regulations prohibit the collection or use of personal information via websites or online services for anyone younger than age 13. The Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program does not permit registration or clinic enrollment of anyone age 12 or younger. Although USSF recommends youth referees be at least 15 years old, SYA accepts referees between the ages of 13 and 15 if you have the maturity and responsibility to handle the demands of being a referee.
Q. Do I need prior soccer or officiating experience?
No. We will teach you and help you become a successful soccer referee. We want you to enjoy your experience and remain with the SYA Soccer Program for as long as you can.
Q. How do I become a soccer referee?
New Grassroots Referees should start here.
Prospective referees must pass a USSF online certification course and attend a 4-hour field training clinic. Clinics are held throughout the year and can be found by following the registration instructions on the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program website. You need a valid email address to register with U.S. Soccer. If you don’t have one, use a parent or guardian’s email.
You don’t have to attend a field training clinic offered by SYA. Attend any clinic that meets your schedule. Please note there will be times during the year when no clinics are available.
Once you pass the online course, attend a field training clinic, and receive your USSF referee badge, email the Referee Assignor and Referee Commissioner.
Q. How much does it cost to become a soccer referee?
The cost to register with U.S. Soccer and the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program is $85. You must also have the official USSF uniform on our SYA Soccer Referee Uniform website.
Referee “starter kits” consisting of a shirt, shorts, socks, whistle, flags, coin, yellow/red cards and score sheets are available through soccer supply retailers and cost about $40-$100. Referee shoes and a digital watch add another $50-$150 to your initial uniform package cost.
If you decide you love refereeing and want to continue, or just want to work more competitive games, you’ll need referee shirts in other colors (e.g., green, red, blue, and black). The cost doesn’t have to be incurred all at once and you can sometimes get discounts on multiple shirts during vendor sales.
Q. Once I’m certified as a soccer referee, can I referee for as long as I want?
No. Your certification only lasts for the calendar year, and U.S. Soccer requires you to recertify each year. Recertification costs $85 and requires completing an online recertification course.
Q. How do I get assigned to SYA soccer games?
Assignment information can be found on our SYA Soccer Referee Assignments website. Once certified, referees should email our Referee Assignor, Alan Liotta. Alan will set you up in our assignment system and solicit your schedule availability to work games.
Q. How much money will I make and when will I get paid?
SYA Soccer Referee Pay rates are available on our website. Pay differs for each soccer league. In general, higher-level games pay more due to the greater skill and experience required from referees. Referees who work SYA recreational league games are paid after the end-of-season tournaments in June and November. SYA also has a bonus incentive plan for referees who work a certain number of recreational games per day and for the entire season.
Q. Can I upgrade to a higher level once I’m a Grassroots Referee?
Yes. You can advance to Regional Referee by completing all requirements. These requirements are demanding and you must be a Grassroots Referee for three years before you can advance. We recommend you have a mentor or sponsor who can personally help you reach your goals. Please contact our Referee Commissioner if you need help finding someone to help you on your path to becoming a Regional Referee.
Q. Will I be certified to referee high school or college soccer?
No. Neither high school nor college soccer are played under the IFAB (FIFA) Laws of the Game. High school soccer is governed by the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS). Interested referees should contact the Commonwealth Soccer Officials Association for information about officiating high school soccer in northern Virginia. College soccer is governed by the National Intercollegiate Soccer Official Association (NISOA). Interested officials should contact the Virginia Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (VISOA).
Q. Who should I contact if I have more questions or need assistance?
Please email our Referee Commissioner, Dave Kwieraga, or Referee Assignor, Alan Liotta.
