1. Yes, however you would be assigned to cover games in a sector or slice of territory nearest to your home/residence. On the average, the time spent traveling to your assignment could be as little as 5 minutes or as much as 45 minutes depending on where you live.  25 minutes is about the norm.

17. How many games do I have to referee?

1. You can do as many as you like… it’s your call! Within our association we have referees that work on Saturday or Sunday or both days. If you could do two games (back-to-back) on one or both of those days, it would help alleviate the stress that our assignors go through each weekend.

17. Do I have to make myself available every weekend?

1. No. Each referee submits an availability schedule at the beginning of the season [Fall/Spring] designating when [dates/times] the referee is available. In the event that your availability changes, you can notify our office personnel and we can accommodate you. However, last-minute or badly timed changes-of-heart cannot be tolerated and are subject to a small fine. We expect you to honor your commitment just as you expect us to respect your circumstances.

17. What age groups would I be refereeing games for?

1. Generally speaking each new referee is assigned to the lowest age groups/divisions [under 10/11/12] until such time either through experience or by request, you would be assigned to referee older age groups. Again, it’s your call!

17. What about training? Do I have to have be a former player or coach?

1. Each new referee who wishes to join us must attend a training course/clinic and take a written test based on the laws of the game. Once you join the association an annual running and written test are required to maintain or improve your status. Although it would be helpful to know something about the game of soccer, it’s not mandatory. You don’t have to be a college graduate nor a rocket scientist to referee youth soccer. Additionally, our association would assign you a ‘big brother/sister’ or mentor to help you with any aspect of the game or problem you might have. Our monthly rap sessions or association meetings also allow you to reach out for assistance from our senior referees.

17. I have heard that there are start-up costs for new referees. What are they?

1. Yes there are start-up costs. Here is a list with approximate or actual costs, some of which might not apply if you are already refereeing or have done so in the past.

· uniform (shirts, shorts, socks, shoes… we must be properly attired); whistles, watches, linesmen flags, foul/misconduct cards, pens, shoe polish, etc. ($150).  Annual LISRA dues ($116) and annual USSF license registration $50.00 NOTE: The Long Island Soccer Referees Association recognizes that these costs could be a hardship for some, and, therefore, our organization is prepared to help you within reason. Also, almost all of your costs (including car, gas, phone, etc.) incurred while refereeing can be written-off against your [self-employment] income legitimately when you file your annual tax record. Our accountant can show you how to do that.  You will offset this start-up cost by officiating your first few games.

17. Well how much money can I make?

1. Referee fees per game vary based on Age Group and Length of Game (U10 Age Group thru U19 Age Group). The amount of money you can make is again, your call based on your availability and how many games you can effectively cover!

17. What kind of shape do I have to be in? I understand that there is some running involved?

1. The length of the game varies from 50 minutes [under 10… 2/25 minute halves] to 90 minutes [under 19… 2/45 minute halves]. Running and/or being in a position to make the right call are beneficial to your success and acceptance as a referee. Note, beginning with the Fall ’99 season a dual (2) referee system will be utilized for older age groups as a substitute for the traditional 1 referee system which should be beneficial for all concerned.

17. I have heard through the grapevine that some of these games are difficult to referee (i.e., verbal abuse from players/coaches, etc.). Is that accurate?

1. No matter what sport, the person making judgments that affect the play at hand or game outcome is always held under scrutiny and sometimes criticism is verbalized unfairly, loudly or abusively towards that person or referee. It is a sad but unpleasant reality. Both organizations [LIJSL and LISRA] work very hard at eliminating the source. The LISRA also has [free] clinics or rap sessions which you can attend to learn how to avoid or diffuse difficult situations.

17. What goals or objectives can I realize by refereeing?

1. You can help the LIJSL and LISRA avert a critical shortage of resources that could indirectly affect the participation, growth and character building of our children. You can strive to attain national or international referee status through dedication and officiating aptitude.  We are particularly keen on recruiting young people who can grown within the United States Soccer Federation.