Referees
Referee Uniforms (Official): The RISRC suggests purchasing referee uniforms from Official Sports (https://officialsports.com). It is suggested that you purchase the following:
A yellow shirt (either long or short sleeve, your preference)
Black socks
Black shorts
A whistle and a set of flags
A set of Yellow/Red cards
Other items that may be useful would be a second color shirt (we suggest Black), match report forms (for inside the Yellow/Red card holders), and a duffel bag.
For House League referees:
Go to: https://officialsports.com
Click the "Referee Uniforms" link and select either the Pro or Economy Jersey. Any other equipment is optional.
House Referees need to wear black shorts & socks but do not need the entire official uniform.
A digital whistle is best for this age group! No cards are given for House League games.
New House League Referee letter from Coach Connor, EGSA Director of Referees:
Getting Started as a referee
Interested in becoming a referee for EGSA? You've come to the right place!
First and foremost, make sure you are ready to take on this responsibility – you are getting paid to do a job and people will have an opinion about the job you do! Refereeing is a wonderful opportunity and it is also a tremendous responsibility. Plus, it's a fun way to earn a little extra spending money!
When can I become a referee?
Under a 2019 rule established by US Soccer, you must be at least 13 years old to be eligible to referee a competitive soccer game.
There is a pathway for 11-12 year olds to certify as a referee for recreational games. Contact the EGSA Director of Referees if interested.
No one younger than 11 is permitted to referee for EGSA.
Do I need to be a soccer player to referee?
No. While a good understanding of the game is necessary to be a competent referee, you do not necessarily need to be a soccer player!
I'm interested in becoming a referee. How do I get started?
If you are at least 13 years old, you can become certified as a referee.
Here is the link to get started:
https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/10000006/details/10008502
This page has instructions for the learning system from logging in to checking your certification status:
https://risrc.us/referee/learning-center-help/
I'm not 13 yet, how do I get involved in the EGSA referee learning program for the House League?
If you are at least 11 years old and want to learn to referee though our house league, email EGSA Director of Referees.
Your first task is to watch the training videos on the document attached to the left side of this page!
This is a letter from Coach Connor with the training videos linked.
You also need a jersey. Check out the Referee Uniform section - also on this page.
Does EGSA contribute to the cost of becoming a referee?
EGSA does not contribute to the cost of the certification courses, licensing, and any other online and in-person training sessions. Plus the referee uniform. Additional accessories, such as whistles and watches, cost extra.
- AFTER you have refereed EGSA games for one year (a minimum of 6 games), EGSA will reimburse 1/2 of your initial certification fee.
- Each year, the re-certification course & exam costs $70. EGSA reimburses this entire amount with the expectation that you will referee a minimum of 6 EGSA games that year.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact the EGSA Director of Referees with any questions you may have.
EGSA follows the certification requirements for Soccer Rhode Island, The United States Soccer Association and FIFA.