MSI Soccer

JUNIOR REFEREES

GENERAL INFORMATION

Each season, MSI trains nearly 100 teenagers as Junior Referees, and utilizes their talents and abilities to officiate nearly 700 games for our 3rd and 4th grade program. These games are 7v7 and are played at locations all across the County. Individuals interested in becoming a Junior Referee must be at least 13 years old, and complete a 9-hour training program, consisting of 6 hours of classroom instruction and 3 hours of "on the field" practical training. Experienced ("returning") Junior Referees must complete 1.5 hours of refresher training before each season. Detailed information for these training sessions, as well as a link to the online registration form, is posted on the Junior Referee Training Info and Registration page.

Assigning of games is primarily accomplished by e-mail communication and an online assignment system between the Junior Referee Assignor and the Junior Referees. Before the start of the season, the Junior Referee Coordinator sends a "mass email" to all Junior Referees who have completed the training and asks that they go online and provide their preferences regarding locations, dates, and times for the games they will work during the season. Using that information, the Assignor makes assignments each week. Junior Referees are then asked to provide an online confirmation or decline of their assignment. A confirmation email is then sent to the Junior Referee indicating which games he/she has been assigned.

Being a Junior Referee is an exciting, rewarding and fun way for young men and women to develop maturity and confidence and is a great way to give back to the great game of soccer. It is important to note, however, that it is a difficult and challenging job at times and there are some fine young people who may not be comfortable yet interacting in a competitive game environment with adults. For those who welcome a challenging opportunity to become a Junior Referee, MSI provides strong mentoring and remedial support through the season. Parents and candidates are encouraged to consider this prior to registering for the training.

Thank you to everybody who participates in the Junior Referee Program, including the parents who help make it all possible. Your participation literally makes it possible for several thousand youths to play soccer each season!

FIFA Laws of the Game (2010-2011)

Rec Modifications of FIFA Laws Fall 2010