You can start the registration process anytime during the year. It all depends on when you, as an individual will have the time to officiate. Understanding the registration period and the time frame in which your certification is valid is key.
| REGISTRATION YEAR | REGISTRATION PERIOD OPENS | REGISTRATION PERIOD CLOSES | CERTIFICATION VALID FROM | CERTIFICATION VALID TO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 1, 2022 | June 14, 2023* | Date Approved | Dec 31, 2023 |
| 2024 | July 1, 2023 | June 14, 2024* | Date Approved | Dec 31, 2024 |
| 2025 | July 1, 2024 | June 14, 2025* | Date Approved | Dec 31, 2025 |
* Registration Period Close is strict to allow Cal South enough time to process your registration with the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Minimum age requirement is 13.
New referees can get paid as an individual or as a team that officiates the game. Pay range can be anywhere from $1.60 to $3.00 per each minute of the game (for club games). The whole crew can then divide that earning. You will have to make sure to ask what the pay scale is for any league or association you choose to work for.
For season league games, cash is usually paid before each game by the league representative (Coach/ Team Manager). Referee associations usually pay the official for sanctioned tournament games.
For Cal South Cup Tournaments cash is paid to the Referee team by Team Administrators from each team before the start of each game.
A new referee will most likely not start as a center unless they have previous experience and confidence. Referee associations and leagues usually want to start a new referee as Assistant referees before setting them up as a center referee.
Once you are certified and have received your ID and badge it’s time to look for work. Referees have two avenues from which to obtain games.
1.) Join a referee association. Each association offers you additional training and support. They will have a referee assignor who will ask about your availability to then send you out to games. For our list of referee associations, click here.
2.) Contact your local league to see if they have their own pool of referees. Ask about any requirements as some might ask you to volunteer a few games prior to beginning to get paid or offer certification payment reimbursement.
To find local leagues, visit our Find a Place to Play page.
Replacement badges can be purchased for $5. IDs for $10. Or both for $15. – Click Here
Every official needs to make sure to receive 5 hours of continual training in order to recertify the following year. Trainings are offered by referee associations who each hold monthly lectures/meetings.
For the Referee Associations list click here.
Risk Management FAQs
Click here to fill out a Live Scan form.
It is the intent of Cal South to provide an environment that fosters the well-being and safety of all its players and members.
All USSF certified referees, 18 and older, who wish to officiate Cal South sanctioned youth matches will need to go through the Live Scan Program.
You will need a Cal South Live Scan form, an official government ID (driver license, passport) with photo, and $15.00.
Yes. Due to the privacy act, information may not be shared from one agency to another. You will have to do the process again through Cal South.
No. All you have to do is contact the Cal South Risk Management department at livescan@calsouth.com.
The referees will not be available to referee any Cal South youth games until they have completed the process.
The chairperson of the Risk Management Committee is the only member involved in the notification process, along with the referee in question.
The Risk Management chairperson reviews the notification and determines if the data represents a risk to our youth members. A negative determination is appealable by the referee.
Upon confirmation of the assignment of an unqualified official, the assignor will then be notified by the SRA. Appropriate training and direction will be given to the assignor to prevent future occurrences.
All assignors will have access to the Risk Management approval list.
Contact Information: Cal South Risk Management department at livescan@calsouth.com
Common Questions / Concerns
- Advice to Parents of New Referees:Â click here for video
- Advice to New Referees Documents:Â click here
- Referee Uniforms: click link or image below to visit store and see approved uniform designs…
