Working With Referees

The referee makes the final decision in all matters.

LSA Referees are all registered with the United States Soccer Federation. In order to be registered, the referees must complete a 16 hour rules clinic and pass the entry level exam. If you are interested in becoming a referee, call the referee commissioner for information about the next entry level clinic.

Each year several of our referees are newly registered. They have passed the rules examination but have very little field experience. We ask that you consider this when evaluating their performance.

The soccer rules are peculiar in their attitude toward referees. Players and by extension, coaches and spectators are expected to treat the referee with respect at all times. Thus, it is against the rules to indicate dissent from the decision of the referee. Although we all know that referees do make mistakes, all participants must accept the decisions of the referee in an attitude of good sportsmanship. Coaches should set a good example for their players with a positive attitude towards the role and decisions of the referee.

If your referee does not show, you will have to get together with the other coach to find a volunteer to referee your game. Please call in all referee no-shows to the referee assignor.