Is there a minimum age limit to ref for the SYA Soccer Referee Program?
A. SYA currently requires its referees to be at least 14 years of age. Most competitive leagues require Center Referees to be at least 16 years old, with a couple of years of officiating experience, plus have the maturity to control the match and manage the players, coaches and spectators. Also, Center Referees are normally required to be at least 2 to 3 years older than the age group they are refereeing so they are not viewed as peers, but as authority figures, by the players, coaches, and sidelines. Q. How do I become a referee? A. Prospective referees must attend and pass an Initial Certification Course at the Grade 8 or Grade 9 (NOT A SCHOOL GRADE) badge level, sponsored by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and taught by a USSF certified instructor. These are normally listed as New Grade 8 or New Grade 9 courses. All approved courses are listed on the Metro DC/Virginia State Referee Program web site (http://www.vadcsoccerref.com) under Clinic Listing. Point of entry throug
