How to become a Soccer Referee

If you would like to become a certified referee you must attend an Entry level class usually held several times in different locations prior to each fall and spring soccer season.  You need to be 12 years of age to become certified.  Classes are found on the Iowa Referees website under the calendar link.  Classes are held on Friday evenings and all day Saturday typically.

The Iowa Referee website is a great place to go to find additional information.

All U9 and older games must be officiated by a certified referee.  Without a referee we can't play games so your involvement is critical to providing soccer opportunities to all.

Referee Assignor

A Referee Assignor is an individual a Club can work with to find games for referees to officiate.  Ballard Soccer Club works with Mark Carlson to assign referees to our games.   Mark can be found on the Iowa Referee site at this link.

The Club works with Mark to make sure you get assigned games and also are paid for them.  If you have questions please contact our Director of Referees found on our site at Club Details, Board.

Game Cancellations

If for some reason, weather typically, that you would need to cancel a game, at game time, please make our Director of Referees aware of the cancellation.  

Game Time Situations

If as a referee you have problems during a game with players, parents, or coaches it is important that those are reported to our Director of Referees as soon as possible.  That person will work with you to capture the important details so that the parties involved can be worked with to prevent future situations.  This would include any red cards you needed to issue during that game.