The next clinic is scheduled for October 15, 2022 (place TBD). Anyone interested in participating in the RSRA's next entry-level clinic can email the Shaun Augustin (the Treasurer) at treasurer@rsra.ca. Shaun will put you on a list and contact you when the details for the Oct.15, 2022 clinic have been finalized.
If the above time does not work for you, other member associations of the SSA also host entry-level referee clinics throughout the province. Individuals interested in taking an entry-level clinic sooner may also look at the SSA website here for an upcoming clinic.
Below you will find some answers to common questions asked by new referees.
How Old Do I Have to Be?
Youth referees must be two years older than the age group they are refereeing. For the RSRA entry-level clinics, applicants must be 14 by May 1st of the year so they will be that age by the time the outdoor season starts. They will be able to referee U11 or below.
Occasionally, the RSRA (or another SSA member association) will offer a 'small-sided' entry level clinic aimed at youth aged 12 or above. These individuals could referee U9 or younger. The RSRA does not plan to offer any small-sided entry level clinics due to the current supply of youth referees in the RSRA. Individuals wanting to take this type of clinic may look at the SSA's website to see if other SSA member associations are offering small-sided entry level clinics.
Can I Referee If I Don't Complete the Online Theory Component or Entry-Level Clinic?
No. New referees must complete both the online theory component and the (practical) entry-level clinic (usually hosted in person). The first part ensures you understand the Laws of the Game. The second part teaches you the basic application of the Laws including basic positioning, how to use flags, etc.
Can I Referee Any Game I Want Once I Complete the Online Theory Component or Entry-Level Clinic?
No. It is also worth highlighting the general process for a new referee after they have taken the entry-level clinic. Referees learn most of the required knowledge, mechanics, etc. by actually refereeing games. New referees coming out of the entry-level clinic need support to learn all of the details required to become a good referee. As such, new referees will be assigned lower-age youth games where they will be mentored by experienced referees.
How quickly a referee advances to take higher-age youth games and/or adult games will depend on their age, skill level, interest in doing games, etc. It is important to note there is not a 'typical' timeline for someone to advance as each individual progresses at their own pace. However, for an adult referee, it takes to approximately two to four years to become a top 'district' (i.e. local) referee while advancing to a regional or provincial level referee will usually take several years more.
The key point here is that new referees require the time and patience to gain the experience needed to learn their craft and become a successful referee!
How Much Does the Online Theory Component or Entry-Level Clinic Cost to Take?
The SSA does not charge a fee to take the online theory component. However, the SSA has an annual fee for referees that is (typically) either $45 (for those aged 14-15) or $80 (aged 16+) for "district" local referees. Regional, provincial and national referees pay different fees to the SSA/CSA.
The RSRA charges a fee for the entry-level clinic. The amount varies for each clinic because it depends on the actual costs plus the number of participants in the clinic. Typically, though, costs range from $100 to $150 per person for the entry-level clinic. However, if you do a minimum number of game assignments (30), you can get half of your clinic fee refunded to you.
How Much Can I Make? What Do I Get Paid? When Do I Get Paid?
Game rates vary by age group and by assignment type (Head Referee vs Assistant Referees). The lowest game rates are between $15-$20 for an assistant referee assignment at the youngest age categories while the game rates for the highest adult head referee assignments are upwards of $60 per game. Most game rates range from $20 to $40 per game.
How much a referee can make will depend on how many games they are willing to do and are capable of doing. Please note that new referees will not typically get a lot of assignments right out of the entry-level clinic because they are not experienced enough to do the higher-level games. New referees need to be mentored and do well in their assignments to progress (i.e. increase in levels) to get access to higher-level matches. Again, this takes time (usually years) to advance to a top district level referee (or higher).
The RSRA pays referees on a monthly basis. However, it should be noted there is about 4-6 week delay to receive payment. The RSRA also charges a 10% administration fee on all game fees earned. The administration fee pays for the operational costs of the RSRA.
For example, Referee A completes 10 games in October earning $200 in game fees. The RSRA processes cheques for all referees completing October games in November and provides those cheques to referees at the monthly members meeting in December (this is usually the first Tuesday evening of the month). Once released for payment, alternate arrangements can be made with the Treasurer to pick up a cheque if the referee cannot attend the monthly meeting (or the monthly meeting is hosted virtually).