There are plenty of great things about being a Referee.

Here's some:
* You actively participate in football.
* You help raise the standard of the game.
* People actually want Referees for their matches (they keep asking United Soccer 1 for more!).
* You can make a career from Refereeing - US1 Premiership, NZFC, FIFA etc
* You can put something back into our sport.
* You belong to a network of genuinely nice and dedicated people.
* You can help out your son / daughter / grandson / granddaughter / boyfriend / girlfriend.
* It is possible to earn money Refereeing.
* You will develop new Management and Communication skills.
* It will improve your playing / coaching ability and appreciation of soccer generally.
* Good Referees get to travel both domestically and internationally.
* Refereeing is a good way to keep fit. Referees are an integral part of soccer, and if you are aged 12 years or more, you can join this specialised and important part of our game.

THE PATHWAY
We recognise that not everybody wants to Referee at a high level. A large percentage of our members become Referees only to help out with their children/grandchildren’s Saturday morning fixtures. We value your interest. We also know that not everybody is cut out to be a great player or coach either. If however, you are even thinking about making Refereeing your soccer choice, remember that World Cup Referees are asked to retire at 45 years of age!! Start early, get a taste of the action and follow the pathway……..You can follow the Referee pathway as long as you want.


The Referee Development Pathway Key Questions Answered: 

1. Who can become a Referee?

* Anyone who enjoys football.
* There are benefits in starting young – it maximises your opportunity to reach the top.
* There was an Assistant Referee on the 2003 National League, aged 17.
* It’s never too late to start.
* A number of Referees are still jogging around the football fields well into their sixties.

2. What do you need?

* A willingness to contribute and participate.
* A reasonable level of fitness.
* Good eyesight (with glasses or contacts).
* A sense of humour.

3. Why Referee?

* To put something back into football.
* To continue your enjoyment of the game.
* Because you have a passion for football.
* You are passionate about a footballer.
* To keep fit.
* Because you can do better than that!
* Team training interferes with your work.
* You’re good at dealing with people.
* It’s a challenge.
* You can make some money.

4. What about Women Referees?

* Women are welcome.
* Women are able to officiate in men’s and women’s competitions.
* There are many opportunities to progress through the Refereeing ranks to FIFA level and be involved in international matches and tournaments overseas.
* United Soccer 1 currently has active women Referees within our family.

5. Is it Difficult? – No!

* There are only 17 Laws of the Game
* You’ve played the game.
* You’ve watched the game.
* Is it fair? (If it isn’t then blow your whistle).
* Is it nasty or dangerous or reckless? (If it is then blow your whistle).

6. How do I become a Referee?

US1 offers two entry level courses for aspiring referees. You do not have to complete the Introductory course to enrol in the Level 1 course.

The Introductory Course

* Aimed at parents, coaches, teachers and players.
* Teaches about the essential Laws of the Game.
* Lasts about four (4) hours.

The Level 1 Course

* Designed for those who want to become a Referee.
* Consists of ten (10) hours training.
* Covers the basic Laws of the Game, Referee movement and positioning, acting as an Assistant Referee, player management and identification of common fouls.

7. Are there tests?

* Sometimes.
* Don’t be put off by the test, even if it is many years since you have been required to do any sort of examination.
* All tests for the Introductory and Level one Referee courses involve tests that are geared to reinforce your learning not to pass or fail you.
* As you would expect the higher you go the more demanding the expectations would get both with your judgement and fitness. However you are never alone with Coaches and mentors ready to help you.

8. Is there an age limit?

* You may take a course and qualify as a youth Referee at 12.
* There are plenty of opportunities to Referee younger age groups and Small Whites football.
* There is no upper age limit.

9. What will it cost me?

* Click here to go the Referee Courses page.

10. What happens after I qualify?

* You are in control of this.
* You will register as a United Soccer 1 Referee and then be appointed to games near where you live on the days you make yourself available.
* A mentor or Referee coach will often assist you in your first games.
* United Soccer 1 will maintain your records on our database, monitor your progress and communicate with you regularly.

11. Is there a career path?

* From local parks to FIFA; council grounds to great stadiums.
* Even if you start at 30, you can still reach a high level (including FIFA).
* One of New Zealands leading women's Referees began because her son’s team needed a Referee. Eight years later she was Refereeing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

12. What about on-going Training?

* United Soccer 1 offers lots of support. In addition to regular coaching sessions where you are kept up-to-date with law changes and helped to develop your Refereeing techniques, regular meetings and outside training sessions are held.

13. What is important when Refereeing?

* Being able to handle players well.
* Having a feeling for the game.
* Controlling the game – appropriately!
* Making accurate decisions.
* Being consistent.
* Remembering you are part of a bigger football family. How do I get more information about enrolling for Referee Courses? Go to the Referee Course Section or alternatively you can contact Email Referee Administrator, or phone (09) 414 3687.