Referee Pay and Responsibilities

Referee Pay Scale

Age Group Game Length Center Referee Assistant Referee Linesman
U8 50 Min. Non-Certified: $8.00 Certified Grade 9: $12.50 N/A N/A
U9, U10 50 Min. Non-Certified: $8.00 Certified Grade 9: $12.50 Non-Certified: $7.50 Certified Grade 9: $12.00 N/A
U11, U12 60 Min. Non-Certified: $9.00 Certified Grade 9: $14.00 Non-Certified: $8.50 Certified Grade 9: $13.00 N/A
U14 70 Min. Non-Certified: $12.50 Certified Grade 9: $17.00 N/A Non-Certified: $7.50 Certified Grade 9: $12:00

Referee Responsibilities

Center Referee

  • Arrives at field at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled start of game.
  • Inspects field, ball and equipment to be sure they are safe and legal.
  • Inspects players’ shin guards (mandatory), footwear (no baseball or football cleats) and jewelry (none).
  • Conducts coin toss.
  • Keeps the official time of the game. Signals start of game, halftime and end of game.
  • It is imperative that games begin on time. Set the example by being on the field, ready at game start time.
  • It is important that games end on time. If the game begins late, for any reason, the game must end on time.
  • Clearly communicates all calls to players, coaches and fellow officials.
  • Signals out-of-bound balls, offside violations (EXCEPT IN U8) and goals scored in area he/she is covering.
  • Indicates that a substitute can enter the field.
  • Calls fouls according to the Laws of the Game in area he/she is covering. Awards direct free kicks (EXCEPT IN U8), indirect free kicks and penalty kicks (EXCEPT IN U8).
  • Makes decisions using information from assistant referee (or linesman in U14). Is responsible for final decision in case of disagreement with assistant referee.
  • Assures the safety of all players.

Assistant Referee

  • Arrives at field at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled start of game.
  • Assists center referee in player inspection prior to game.
  • Assist center referee by being ready, on the field at game start time.
  • Games MUST end on time. Help the game move smoothly to avoid any delays.
  • Clearly communicates all calls to players, coaches and center referee.
  • Signals out-of-bound balls, offside violations (EXCEPT IN U8) and goals scored in area he/she is covering.
  • Makes sure that center referee is aware of a requested substitution.
  • Calls fouls according to the Laws of the Game in area he/she is covering. Awards direct fee kicks (EXCEPT IN U8), indirect free kicks and penalty kicks (EXCEPT IN U8).
  • Provides any input to center referee as requested.
  • Respects final decision made by center referee in case of disagreement.
  • Assures the safety of all players.

Linesman (applicable only in U14)

  • Arrives at field at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled start of game.
  • Assists center referee in player inspection prior to game.
  • Assist center referee by being ready, on the field at game start time.
  • Games MUST end on time. Help the game move smoothly to avoid any delays.
  • Gives appropriate flag signal to indicate when: a) the ball is out-of-bounds; b) which team gets the throw-in; c) when a team wants to substitute; d) when an attacker is offside; and e) when a foul has happened but the center referee couldn’t see it.
  • Assures the safety of all players.