If you are interested in officiating for NVSC, but are not yet certified as a USSF Soccer Referee, please visit the State Referee Website (see State Referee Program Link). 

New referee and re-certification clinics are scheduled prior to the Fall and Spring Seasons.  They typically start in late July through the beginning of the Fall season and continue through late March/ early April of the Spring season.

If you have any questions throughout this process, please contact the State Office directly at mdcvasrp@erols.com.

Once you have completed the required instruction and received your patch, you will need to obtain the Official US Soccer Referee Uniform and some basic equipment - see our General Information section for more details. A basic uniform package (jersey, shorts, and socks) will cost approximately $40 to $60 depending on the package. They typically include additional accessories such as flags, whistle, data wallet, red/yellow cards and patch velcro. The starter kits are typically less expensive than purchasing the individual components.

A referee officiating recreational games can typically get by with one short-sleeve yellow jersey. Referees who work competitive matches should have alternate color jerseys (black, red, blue, green) to eliminate any color conflicts.

Don't wait until the last minute, especially if you have to order the uniform. You will not be permitted to officiate a game without having the minimum uniform elements. There are several online sources for uniforms - Official Sports, Soccerone, RefereeStore, etc... Examples of the approved referee shirt and other accessories can be found in our uniform section under General Information.

Once certified, a new referee needs to contact an assignor for a local club or league. The assignor will work with you to give you appropriate skill level games based on your age and qualification.  You can contact me at  nvscrefassignor@novasc.org  to be placed on the email distribution lists.  That will ensure that you receive vital information about upcoming referee events as well as being up to date on the process for getting assignments, officiating matches, etc.

I often get questions about how much a referee makes.  Game rates vary widely and depend on the Age Group, the Referee Position (Referee or Assistant Referee) and the level of the game (recreational or competitive). The higher the level and age (and the longer the game) the more a referee can earn. For one game as a U10 Referee, the rates can be approximately $22-$45. Referee for a U19 game can range between $48-$80 where as an Assistant Referee can earn between $28-$40.

We look forward to having you work with us on the pitch!!!!