Testimonials
"Refereeing is such a rewarding way to stay connected with the community and with youth soccer. Being knowledgeable about the laws of the game makes me a more informed fan and builds sympathy for the referees who work hard every weekend (and in all kinds of weather) to make the leagues our teams play in successful. And getting to work games with my kids is one of the absolute joys of my life. I see them learning how to operate with authority, manage unruly adults and work with young boys and girls from throughout Western Washington. I treasure this experience." -Joe Pinksy, Dad and fan
"I enjoy refereeing because it's a good way to be involved with the community and to make money with a flexible schedule that works around my own soccer commitments. I learned how to be a leader and how to interact with coaches and parents and how to keep control of the game. It also helps me as a player through my communication and awareness of my position and actions on the field." -Isaac Pinsky, 16 years old, Cascade FC B08 Green
"I enjoy refereeing because it is a great way to be involved in the game of soccer outside of my club. Also, I have a way to make income whilst also being able to perform all the activities I enjoy. I have learned very much about the game of soccer, communication, and leadership." -Henry Pinsky, 13 years old, Cascade FC B10 Green
Getting Started As A Grassroots Referee
Thank you for your interest in refereeing with Snoqualmie Valley Soccer Association! Refereeing youth soccer is a great experience and can be both rewarding and fulfilling.
To become a US Soccer Federation (USSF) Referee you are required to attend an Entry Level Clinic led by specially trained and certified (by USSF, certified by WASRC) instructors. There is no exception to this even if you are a player or coach.
Grassroots Referee: The purpose of the Grassroots Referee training course is to prepare officials to referee both competitive and recreational youth soccer games.
The U.S. Soccer Grassroots License has both an online and in-person component. Grassroots Referees will register for courses and be certified through Washington State Referees(wareferees.org).
Age Restrictions
- Individuals interested in being certified as a Grassroots Referee must be 13 years of age at the time of registration.
- Officials must be 3 years older than the players age that they are assigned as the center referee.
- Officials may be an AR for any age division game.
Age Divisions Eligible to Referee:
| Age Division | Age of Center Referee |
| U9-U11 | 13 years or older |
| U12 | 14 years or older |
| U13 | 15 years or older |
| U14 | 16 years or older |
| U15 | 17 years or older |
| U16 | 18 years or older |
| U17 | 19 years or older |
| U18 | 20 years or older |
| U19 | 21 years or older |
Training & Certification
In order for an individual to become a certified USSF Grassroots referee, they must complete the following;
- Online Training Course: 3 hour online training course.
- Field Training Course: 5 hour field training course.
The clinics are administered by Washington State Referee Committee. To register for a Grassroots clinic, go to Wareferees.org.
Your grassroots license is good for one year and must be renewed annually.
- Jan 1, 2025-June 30, 2025 Field Training Course: Your grassroots license is good until Dec 31, 2025. You must recertify for 2026.
- July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026 Field Training Course: Your grassroots license is good until Dec 31, 2026.
Online TRaining
The online training course is required to be taken PRIOR to the field training and covers the Laws of the Game. NOTE: If you are 18+ years old, it also covers SafeSports training.
In-Person Field Training
The online training course MUST be completed prior to selecting the in person field training clinic. Once it is complete, you will see the "Online Lessons" button now reads "Pick a Clinic" and you will select a clinic from the list. You will receive email instructions regarding the details of the event and you will receive your badge.
This certification will allow you to be assigned to youth matches as determined by the assigning chapter.
Cost
- The registration fee is $90.00 (USSF registration fee $65+$25 Clinic Fee) to be paid online during the registration process.
- If you are 18+ years old, there is an addition $3.70 fee to cover a background check.
SnVYSA Referee Clinic Reimbursement policy:
- Work 10 matches for SnVYSA by self-assigning in Arbiter.
- Email the receipt to refereemgr@snvysa.org with the course and amount.
- Referee Manager will submit the reimbursement to the treasurer and this will be reimbursed with the last referee check at the end of the fall season.
Register As A New Grassroots Referee
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Step1: Register with SnVYSA to referee (Note: new referees under the age of 18 will need to register using their parent's email and Sports Engine profile. )
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Step 3: Complete Wareferees online training and field training.
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Step 5: Email SnVYSA Referee Manager after you have completed steps 1-3 and are ready to referee to get access to game assignment tool.
Recertification
- Prior to July 1, 2025: You may not officiate games in 2026 until you are certified for 2026.
- After July 1, 2025: Certification training taken between Jul 01, 2025 and Jun 30, 2026 is valid only for Badge Year 2026 Registration.
You have completed recertification when all your requirements have been met.
Game Assignment
Recreational Soccer Games (U9-U12):
Arbiter Sports will be used by referees registered with SnVYSA to assign themselves to U6-U12 recreational soccer games. Email the SnVYSA Referee Manager to receive an invite for Arbiter.
Recreational Soccer Games (U13-U19):
East King County Soccer Referees Association (EKCSRA) is used by referees registered with SnVYSA to assign to U13-U19 Recreational games. To assign to these games, CLICK HERE.
Cascade FC Soccer Games:
Cascade FC is using Northwest Soccer Officials (NSO) for referee assignment effective June 2025.
Register as an Official on the NSO Site: CLICK HERE Select Logon-Register. Once you click Register, you will receive an email notifying you that NSO has received your request. Additional instructions will be sent to you once NSO has linked your account to your wareferees.org account.
Payroll
Recreational (U9-U12) Referee Payroll:
SnVYSA does NOT use Arbiter for referee payroll. You must complete the following forms to be paid by SnVYSA for any U9-U12 recreational games you referee for SnVYSA.
You may scan and submit electronic copies to SnVYSA treasurer at treasurer@snvysa.org.
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News & Events
Questions?
Braxton Allport
Referee Manager
