​Referees

Being a referee is one of the best things that soccer players and parents can do. You can help your club, improve your knowledge of the game, and earn some spare money too.  More youth and adult referees are needed, especially adult referees. Games are self-assigned based on your ability and availability.

Why Adults Should Become Referees:

• Provides a way for the parent to support their child's team. Parents can have provided sorely needed support to their child's team without needing to coach. And they can plan their refereeing around the child's game, so they can still attend the child's game.
• Provides a knowledgeable adult on the sidelines during your child's game. Most adults in this country don't know the rules of soccer and having someone at your child's game who does know the rules and can explain them reduces the anxiety on the sidelines. This makes the game more enjoyable for everyone. This also provides you with a better understanding of the game your child loves.
• Schedule. Adults are generally freer on weekends than their children. Children have a soccer game to play, soccer practice to go to, homework to do, etc.
• More reliable Referees. Adults are generally more reliable than kids. They understand their schedule and commitments better, and have more control over them.
• Long term Referees. Adults are more likely to remain referees for longer periods of time. The average turn-over for kids (under 18 years old) is 1.5 years - not very long. The average for adults is 5 years. The whole soccer world benefits from adults as referees because the knowledge and experience stays on the field much longer.
• Exercise and Money. Referees get great exercise and get paid to do it.
• Best seat in the house. The center referee at a game gets the best seat in the house for watching a game.

Why Kids Should Become Referees:

• Fun job. Having a job in an area you love makes the job hugely more enjoyable.
• Learn to be in charge. It's tough for a lot of kids to learn how to be in charge, how to lead, how to be the authority on a subject. As a referee, you are expected to be in charge so it makes it a lot easier. Kids who play soccer know the rules and being a referee is an easy step forward.
• Provides more knowledge about the game. It's one thing to play the game, it's another to be the referee. Learning how the referee sees the game can only help your understanding of the game.
• Exercise and Money. Referees get great exercise and get paid to do it.
• Best seat in the house. The center referee at a game gets the best seat in the house for watching a game.

Becoming a referee at an early age can act as a foundation for greater responsibilities in the future.  The work is challenging, rewarding and can keep a person involved in a sport they love well beyond their playing years.  For some, it becomes a lifelong passion and calling to wear the referee uniform.  Those reefing in youth soccer should be forever grateful for there would be NO games and legitimacy without them.

Potential Referees, please read more…   www.coloradoreferees.com/blogs/be_a_colorado_soccer_referee/

Courses are always available!  Search for courses here!  coreferees.gameofficials.net

• Start a class today with the online training, attend a field training session and you can start working games ASAP.  
• Mileage, referee equipment & uniforms are tax-deductible, you are an independent contractor.  

Colorado referee pay
U9/U10 Games $20.00 per game (Center Referee only)
U11/U12 Small – Sided Games $30.00 - $45.00 (Center Referee only, most games)
U13/U14 $37.00 Center Referee & $25.00 Assistant Referee
U15/U16 $45.00 Center Referee & $31.00 Assistant Referee
U17/U19 $55.00 Center Referee & $35.00 Assistant Referee

​The process is easy as 1, 2, 3 - grab the whistle!
Becoming a US Soccer certified in Colorado is easier, and more intuitive then ever!  The course has 2 components before you can take the whistle!  

Courses: 
US Soccer Grade 8 Course – offers you the most opportunities a an entry level referee.
US Soccer Grade 9 Recreational Referee - provide you training for recreational and small-side games.

Referee - Grade 8 Course
Start here - Part 1 - Online Course Work
Part  2  -  5 hour on-field training session…
Get your uniform & equipment & you are ready for games!

Recreational Referee - Grade 9 Course 
Start here - Part 1 - Online Course Work
Part  2  -  3.0 hour on-field training session…
Get your uniform & equipment & you are ready for games!

Registration & Learning Management system: 
Participants register online, complete the online modules & testing prior to the class session for the course you register for via the www.gameofficials.net/public/default.cfm  You will need to create a new account if you don’t have one yet to begin your journey as a certified referee. WRITE DOWN THE USERNAME & PASSWORD THAT YOU CREATE for GameOfficials.net!  You will need this to log in to complete your online training, and it will be your account for getting games and receiving assignments.  GameOfficials.net will be a frequently visited system from becoming a referee and throughout your career!

Course Calendar: The current list of courses offered can be found at coreferees.gameofficials.net/public/class/classSearch.cfm

If you have more questions regarding the Referee Education, Please contact Deanna Duncan-Allen at 303-888-6863 or email [email protected]