Officiating Pathway
Referees
Resources for new referees, experienced officials, and assignors across Western Mass soccer leagues.
Certification
How to become a certified referee
Complete the online course
Register at the US Soccer Learning Center (learning.ussoccer.com/referee) and finish the Grassroots Referee online course. Takes a few hours and covers the basics of Laws of the Game.
Attend a field session
After passing the online module, attend an in-person field training session. Sessions are offered through MYSA and local assignors throughout the spring and fall.
Get certified and register
Once certified, register with Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). You will receive a Grassroots Referee certification and can begin accepting assignments.
Contact a local assignor
Reach out to a league assignor in Western Mass to get added to their pool. Most leagues always need referees, especially at the youth recreational level.
Assignors
Assignors in Western Mass
Each league in Western Mass uses its own assignors to place referees for games. Once you are certified and registered with MYSA, reaching out to the relevant league assignor is the fastest way to start getting matches.
High School Soccer
Varsity and JV programs across Western Mass use local assignors to coordinate officials. Contact the school or league office for the correct assignor in your area.
Roots Soccer League
Roots Soccer League serves youth recreational and travel players across Western Mass. Their assignors place referees for weekend games at fields throughout the region.
MLS NEXT / Club Travel
Elite club programs playing in MLS NEXT and other sanctioned competitions coordinate referees through Massachusetts State Association assignors for home matches.
Western Mass Youth Recreation
Town recreational leagues across Western Mass each manage their own referee pools, often through town recreation departments.
External Resources
Referee resources
US Soccer Learning Center (Referee)
Official US Soccer online certification portal. Start here to register for the Grassroots Referee course and complete certification.
Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association
MYSA oversees youth referee registration, training, and assignor licensing in Massachusetts.
Laws of the Game (IFAB)
The official Laws of the Game published by the International Football Association Board. Free to read and download.
Massachusetts State Referee Committee
The MSRC oversees referee certification, training, assignor licensing, and development programs for Massachusetts.
NISOA
National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association, for referees working at the collegiate level.
US Soccer Referee Programs
US Soccer's referee development programs, including advanced licensing pathways.
Something missing or incorrect?
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