How to Become a Referee

Credentialing Requirements

  1. New Referee Course
    Follow this link, create an account and enroll in the referee course titled “New Grassroots Referee – Entry Level”. The 4-hour course is primarily about the Laws of the Game and will certify a referee for youth games in Massachusetts.
  2. Sign up in BAYS
    Once this course is completed, you will need to create a referee account in BAYS, the travel league that Natick Soccer plays in. The instructions for creating an account can be found here. Even though most new referees start with intramural games which are not affiliated with BAYS, we need all referees to have an account in BAYS to help with administration processes and to be ready when you get assigned BAYS games, which could happen at any time.
  3. Natick Referee Course
    Once you complete the certification, you will be invited to another brief course (probably about an hour-long) about Natick-specific details such as the processes related to refereeing games in Natick (league-specific rules, how to get assignments, what to do after a game, etc.). Someone will reach out to you and let you know when this is. It typically happens a week or two before the spring and fall season kick off.
  4. Game Assignments
    Once you have your official credentials and have attended the Natick-specific class, you will be fully credentialed and will start receiving game assignments. New referees typically start with intramural games, but part of the fun is the process of improving and taking on more challenging games as you grow as a referee.

Equipment Requirements

  • Uniform: In addition to credentials, new refs will need to have an official referee kit sold at Official Sports. A 7 Piece Starter Kits is perfect for new referees.
  • Watches: We recommend referees use a wristwatch as a timekeeper. This frees up their hand and is generally more convenient. Nothing can be worn around the neck.
  • Whistle: New referees typically start as a “center ref” for intramural games and they will need a whistle. It is recommended that you get a “pea-less” whistle such as this one or this one.
  • Assistant Referee Flags: As new referees gain experience doing intramural games, the next step is often to be an Assistant Referee for the travel program (a BAYS game). It is customary for center referees to provide the flags for assistant referees, so historically new referees don’t really need their own flags until they are moving up to be a center referee for travel games. Here are some examples.
  • Cards: At the intramural level, the referee will not be issuing yellow cards or red cards, so they do not need these. As a center ref at travel games, while very rare, it is a good habit to have these available. So it is up to you to judge when you purchase these items. Cards can be found here.
  • Coins: Any coin can be used to do the coin flip at the beginning of the game. Some referees like to purchase a larger coin to make it easier to see and look for official. This is optional but can be found here.

For more information contact Caleb Munson at NatickRefs@NatickSoccer.org