How to Become a Referee in the Dallas East Soccer Association
- 1). Familiarize yourself with the game and the role referees play. Even if you've played soccer before, you need to think about it from a referee's standpoint and understand what they're looking for. Watch games at various levels of the Dallas East Soccer Association, even for the modified levels (under 14) and pay close attention to the referee's actions. Ask about volunteering as a referee's assistance or linesman for the modified levels to get a taste of what officials do on the field.
- 2). Get certified. The Grade 8 referee's certificate is the minimum requirement for refereeing non-modified (players 14 and up) games. According to the Dallas East Soccer Association, the 16-hour course is typically offered over the course of one weekend, with a full day of classwork on Saturday and shorter instruction periods on Friday and Sunday. Completion of the course does require passing a test. The Dallas East Soccer Association's website provides registration information.
- 3). Sign up to referee games. The club has many teams and covers all age groups from 6 through 19. Even if you obtain credentials for refereeing older kids, the immediate need for new referees may be with the younger teams. Take what you can get and referee as many games as you can get. You will need at least 75 games under your belt to be eligible to referee the highest levels of amateur soccer.
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