Become a Referee
Earn extra money every weekend.
Must be 12 years of age or older to become a referee or an Assistant Referee.
Vancouver Athletic FC is in the process of updating the Referee Program. This new, updated program is focused on engagement, recruitment, education, mentorship and on-field experience for the advancement of any aspiring referee with any level of experience.
BC Soccer provides Referee clinics through a hybrid delivery model that enables students to engage with material through self-guided learning and in-person practical training to reinforce learning objectives highlighted in each clinic. You’ll find detailed information on each clinic, and how to register for each, below.
Small Sided Referee Clinics
The Small Sided Referee Clinic is the basics of refereeing and is offered to individuals who are no less than 12 years of age. Once an individual is successful in passing this clinic, they are classified as a Small Sided Referee and may officiate in matches with players between U6-U12
The latest Small Sided Rules teaching materials, and delivery of the clinic has been revised to consist of:
- IMPORTANT: This course is 15hrs long and consists of an online exam and a practical session. Registration will close 5 days prior to the course start date. Immediately after you register, please:
- On-field practical component: (one) 2 hour on-field session.
- Please Register – Ref Centre, select Small Sided and follow the 5 registration steps to create your Small Sided Ref Centre account.
Registration Information
Prerequisite: Minimum 12 years old
Course Length: 6 hours
Clinic Fee: $44.46 (includes $4.46 user/system processing fee).
Classroom: 9 AM – 11 AM
On-field: 11 AM – 1 PM
Classroom: 1 PM – 3 PM
In Person: Yes
Location: Hillcrest Community Centre
Address: 4575 Loranger Way, Vancouver
Max # of Students: 30
How to register for the “Small Sided” referee clinic?
VAFC Registration Process : Small Sided Referee Clinic
1). Send an email to George Mrsic (Operations Manager) – Email Link
2). Provide your child’s first and last name and birth year.
3). An email with additional course information and the private course code to register, will be sent in return.
4). Limited space, first come first serve.
Additional Information : BC SOCCER SMALL SIDED REFEREE CLINIC
Registration will close 1 day prior to the course start date and at that point you will be emailed instructions regarding Zoom access and other course information. If you have questions about the course or you need to gain access to Zoom, please reach out to VAFC directly. To receive full credit for this course, you must attend all (3) sessions NO EXCEPTIONS. Transferring courses after the first session has been completed is not allowed so please confirm your availability for all sessions before registering.
(BC SOCCER) * If you do not complete full payment ($44.46) upon registering, you will automatically be removed from the class list, no exceptions.
Entry Level Clinic
The Entry Level Referee Clinic is the entry point into 11 a-side soccer. Once an individual is successful in passing this clinic they will be classified as a Youth Referee (if they are 14 or 15 years old) or a District Referee (if they are 16 years old or older). The goal of this clinic is to ensure that individuals who pass are capable to be either a Referee or an Assistant Referee in 11 a-side soccer.
The updated delivery of the 2024 Entry Level Referee clinic will focus on the latest FIFA teaching materials, and delivery of the clinic has been revised to consist of:
1. Online theory component: 17 self-guided law-based modules with questions via RefCentre, (one) 2.5-hour webinar (zoom) session, and online exam followed by;
2. On-field practical component: (one) 3.5-hour on-field session.
Students will be given a minimum of 7-days to complete the online training.
Registration Information
Re-requisite: Minimum 14 Years old by or on the day of the clinic
Clinic Length: 17 Hours
Clinic Fee: $135.71 (includes $4.46 user/system processing fee and GST).
Webinar Date: TBA
In Person: TBA
Location: TBA
Status: Cancelled
Private Code: TBA
Max # of Students: 30
BC Soccer : How to register for the “Entry Level” referee clinic?
1). If you’re interested in starting the certification process in taking an Entry Level referee clinic and are currently a Small Sided Referee and/or already have a RefCentre account, please follow the steps in this document.
VAFC Registration Process: Entry Level Referee Clinic
1). Send an email to George Mrsic (Operations Manager) – Email Link
2). Provide your child’s first and last name and birth year.
3). An email with additional course information and the pass code to register, will be sent in return.
4). Limited space, first come first serve.
Additional Information: BC SOCCER ENTRY LEVEL CLINIC
Registration will close 1 day prior to the course start date and at that point you will be emailed instructions regarding Zoom access and other course information. If you have questions about the course or you need to gain access to Zoom, please reach out to VAFC directly. To receive full credit for this course, you must attend both sessions NO EXCEPTIONS. Transferring courses after the first session has been completed is not allowed so please confirm your availability for all sessions before registering.
(BC SOCCER) * If you do not complete full payment ($135.71) upon registering, you will automatically be removed from the class list, no exceptions.
Coach Certifications & Clinics
Become a VAFC Volunteer Coach
Canada Soccer strongly encourages all coaches to complete ongoing coach education modules as part of the coaching pathway and professional development.
COach CertificationsReferees Pathway & Information
BC Soccer
The Refereeing Pathway highlights opportunities to grow within the game, through regional competition, all the way to global events.
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