REFEREES
Referee Information
Registration to work as a referee for the current soccer season is open.
The Great Falls Reston Referee Program assigns for:
• National Capital Soccer League (NCSL) – Travel Program (U9 - U12)
• National Capital Soccer League (NCSL) – Recreation Program (U11 - U19)
• United Soccer League (USL Y) – formerly Super Y League – Travel Program (U11 - U18)
• GFR Recreation (House) – Recreation Program (U9, U9/10, U10)
New Referees
To work for the Great Falls Reston Referee Program, you must be 13 years or older.
Click on REFEREE INSTRUCTIONS to learn more about the process to to begin the training.
Alternatively, you can visit the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program website at www.vadcsoccerref.com, click on the Become A Referee tab to first read and then follow the instructions to register – please read the instructions carefully.
Click on the Clinics List tab to find an available course (our area is North; type is Entry - Never been a USSF Referee before). This is a combination course of online modules and a field training session, and you must complete all modules and attend the field training session to certify.
At least one field training session will be offered in Great Falls/Reston in February/March (for the Spring season) and in August (for the Fall season). If these sessions fit your schedule, you are encouraged to attend, as there you will be able to meet the Referee Assignor and some of the Referee Mentors. If your schedule does not allow you to attend in Great Falls/Reston, or a different field training session would suit better from a location aspect, you are free to sign up for that location, and still work for the Great Falls Reston SC Referee Program.
Once you have completed the online instruction modules, successfully passed the test, and attended the field training session, you are ready to be a game official. You will need to contact our Referee Assignor at scrassignor@gmail.com to obtain details on how to register in the GFRSC Referee Program’s database, so that you can start receiving communications from the Referee Assignor, as well as indicate your interest in and availability to work games.
To be considered for assignment to games through the Great Falls Reston Referee Program, you are required to have the correct uniform and equipment. This includes – black shorts, black socks with 2 white stripes, black shoes, a yellow referee jersey, a set of flags, a referee data wallet with yellow and red cards, game report forms, a whistle and a watch with a stop-watch function. A good source of these items is Official Sports International (OSI) at www.officialsports.com - search "Starter Kits". Also, you should have a back-up, plain black t-shirt (Michael’s sells these) in case of a color conflict with a visiting team’s jersey.
Current Referees
Recertification as a USSF Referee is required each calendar year. Your first step is to visit the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program website at www.vadcsoccerref.com, click on the Current Referee tab to first read and then follow the instructions to register – please read the instructions carefully.
Click on the Clinics List tab to find an available course (our area is North; type is Existing Grassroots / Emeritus Referee wishing to recertify). This is again a course of online modules, and you must complete all modules to certify.
Once you have completed the online instruction modules, successfully passed the test, you are ready to contact the Club’s Referee Assignor at scrassignor@gmail.com with your availability for assignments.
Mentor Program
The Great Falls Reston SC Referee Program’s mentors are a key aspect of the GFRSC Referee Program. Mentors are at the fields on game days to offer advice and support to all our officials.
In addition, prior to each season (Spring and Fall), the Program holds a pre-season meeting at a venue in Great Falls/Reston. All the Program’s referees are expected to attend, especially newly-certified officials.
Occasionally, post-season “wrap-up” meeting is usually held during the first week of December, and during the last week of June.
Contact Us
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Ian Winstanley: scrassignor@gmail.com-- Referee Assignor and Director of Referees, Great Falls Reston Referee Program.
See a list of Frequently-Asked Questions below.
REFEREE PROGRAM FAQS
How do I become a referee?
The Great Falls Reston SC Referee Program requires its officials to be at least 13 years of age. To become a referee, you must complete the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) certification course for Grassroots Referees. The course is a combination of online modules and a field training session of practical instruction for Entry Referee candidates, and both must be passed to get your referee badge.
To register for the Entry course, go to the Metro DC - Virginia State Referee Program website www.vadcsoccerref.com and read the directions to register to become a referee. This is a two-step process and will take some time.
At which level should I start?
The Great Falls Reston Referee Program recommends all new Referees begin at the Entry level. This refers to the level of officiating you qualify for through the certification course.
How much will it cost?
Initial registration with the State of Virginia is $85. Your gear will be approximately $50-$75. At the end of each calendar registration year, in order to remain a registered official, you have to re-certify–presently also $85. There is no cost to register with the Great Falls Reston SC Referee Program. Fees are subject to change and are set by the State Referee Program, and not set by the Great Falls Reston SC Referee Program.
What gear do I need?
You will need referee shorts (not basketball shorts), a yellow referee jersey, black referee socks with 2 white stripes, black shoes (black sneakers or black cleats), a watch with a stop-watch function, a set of flags, referee data wallet with red and yellow cards, game report forms, and a whistle. A bag to put all this in is also helpful.
How are games assigned to me?
All games are obtained through the Club’s official Referee Assignor. To work with the Great Falls Reston Referee Program, you will need to register separately as a Referee on the Club website at www.gfrsoccerclub.org. Click on the ‘Register’ tab and follow the prompts on the page. Log-in to your account, or create a New Account. On the 'My Account' page, check the Programs Available tab (if shown), or the Volunteer Opportunities box. Complete the registration procedure as indicated. You do not need to upload a picture or a copy of your birth certificate when registering as a Referee. Games are assigned based on the age level of the teams playing and your level of experience. The Referee Program’s Assignor is Ian Winstanley at scrassignor@gmail.com.
Is there a mentoring program?
Yes. The Referee Program’s mentors are at the fields on game days to offer advice and support to all our officials. Each season (Spring and Fall) begins with a pre-season meeting, and all of our referees are expected to attend, especially newly-certified officials.
How much will I get paid?
This depends on both the age level of the game to which you are assigned, and the role you are undertaking - whether you are a center referee or an assistant referee. The Great Falls Reston Referee Program pay scale is distributed to all attendees at the pre-season meetings. The center referee on each game is required to submit a game report online to the Assignor in order to get paid.
When will I get paid?
Each season, the Great Falls Reston SC Referee Program issues a mid-season payment (usually 2-3 weeks following Week 4 of the season), and an end of season payment (usually 2-3 weeks after the season ends). Payments are deposited directly into the bank account nominated by the referee, at no charge.
