Become a Soccer Referee

Referee youth soccer in Western New York

Referees keep the game fair, safe and fun, and every weekend our clubs need more of them. Refereeing is paid, it fits around school and work, and many referees start as teenagers.

Referee certification in our region runs through our referee partner, the Western New York State Referees Association (WNYSRA). New York State West handles risk management clearance for referees who work youth games.

How to get certified

1. Register for an entry-level referee course through WNYSRA. Age and eligibility requirements are listed on their sign-up page.
2. Attend the in-person field training session.
3. Complete the online Laws of the Game session.
4. Complete U.S. Soccer’s online safety training.
5. Get New York State West risk management clearance so you can be assigned to youth games. Referees 18 and older also complete SafeSport training through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.

Questions? Contact your district referee administrator

• Buffalo: buffalo@wnyreferee.org
• Rochester: rochester@wnyreferee.org
• Syracuse: syracuse@wnyreferee.org
• Elmira and Ithaca: elmira-ithaca@wnyreferee.org
• Binghamton: binghamton@wnyreferee.org
• Southern Tier: southerntier@wnyreferee.org

Want to host an entry-level referee course at your club? Email sra@wnyreferee.org.

Already a referee? Recertification, upgrades and referee risk management are on the WNYSRA website.

Every referee deserves respect. Read our Referee Abuse Prevention Policy.