How to Become A Soccer Referee In South Africa

The soccer referee does more than administering the Laws of the Game. He or she is responsible for the entire event which includes activities before, during and after the game. The referee is the final decision maker in matters relating to the play and his decisions are biding.

What is the role of the referee?

A referee is an official, in a variety of sports and competition, responsible for enforcing the rules of the sport, including sportsmanship decisions such as ejection. Referees may be assisted by umpires, linesmen, timekeepers, or touch judges.

What do football referees do?

The referee: enforces the Laws of the Game. controls the match in cooperation with the other match officials.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a soccer referee?

The main duty of a referee is to watch over the game and enforce fair play. Referees have a right to sanction players with yellow or red cards, stop or terminate the game due to risk factors, and assess fouls and penalties. Referees are also in charge of keeping time and providing a game report to league officials.

Below are steps to Become A Soccer Referee In South Africa

Step 1: Find an organization or association

There are a few different ways to go about finding an organization or association to referee soccer for. You can start at the local level or you can reach out to a national organization. 

Local:
Reach out to local soccer leagues to find out where they are sourcing their officials from. Another option is to attend local soccer games and talk to the officials there to find out who they are working for. You can also try searching for a local sports official association. 

National:
A few popular soccer organizations that you can try reaching out to are SA. Soccer, AYSO, and SAY Soccer. 

Alternatively, you could download the Go Silbo app for free on the App Store or Google Play. Silbo will connect you to training opportunities and will allow you to officiate for multiple leagues in your area. 

Once you’ve selected an organization, you’ll want to confirm their requirements including what training or certifications you’ll need, if you’ll need a background check, and other similar requirements. 

Step 2: Complete training

There are a variety of training options available including digital training and in person training sessions. Most organizations or associations will either offer training or be able to connect you to training options.

Training and certification requirements typically vary from organization to organization. Soccer has some of the most standardized training for referees, but you’ll still find variation from organization to organization. Some trainings will be free and others may require a fee. 

SA Soccer’s Grassroots training is a popular option for first-time referees. It’s worth noting that they recently changed their referee certification program from a 9 grade program to a 5 level program. 

Step 3: Get equipment

Equipment includes your soccer referee uniform which consists of a jersey, shorts, socks, and shoes and gear including your whistle, a wristwatch, red and yellow cards, and flags.

Equipment will likely cost around R 1500.53. Your uniform is an important part of the impression you make when you first step on the field so make sure you follow all league rules and make yourself look presentable. 

Step 4: Start officiating games

Once you’re trained and have equipment, you’re ready to start officiating games. If you’re officiating for an organization that uses an assignor, they will assign you games based on your schedule.

If you’re officiating through the Go Silbo app, you can select your own games. You might be nervous and make mistakes in your first game, but just like playing soccer, officiating is all about getting better each time you get on the field. 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BECOMING A SOCCER REFEREE:

Types of Soccer Referees

Soccer is played with anywhere from 1 to 4 referees. One referee is usually used in low stakes games such as games with very young players or adult recreation games. Two referees are, again, typically used in lower stakes games, but as the referee shortage becomes more serious there may be just 2 referees for even high school level games. Three referees is considered ideal for most situations. Four referees is typically reserved for higher levels of play.

Head/Center/Middle Referee: Typically, the head referee keeps track of the time, calls penalties, stops play for an injury, checks that the ball meets the proper requirements, and provides a match report after the game.

Assistant Referees: Assistant referees, also called linesmen, make calls regarding whose ball it is when the ball goes out of bounds as well as offside. Each assistant covers one of the touch lines. They often use a flag to signal calls. 

Fourth Official: Fourth officials are typically only used in professional level games. The fourth official’s duties consist of assisting the other referees, managing the substitution process, helping with administrative tasks, and monitoring equipment.

Pay

Refereeing soccer can be a great way to earn some extra money. Pay is influenced by the level of the game, geographic region, and the number of referees working. Also, usually the head referee is paid more than the assistant referees and fourth official.  

Pay for entry level referees varies. In some cases, referees are volunteers and don’t get paid anything. Entry level Silbo soccer referees make anywhere from $10-$37 per game with the average being around $18 per game. As you gain experience and can work higher level games, pay should increase. 

Cost to Get Started

Training/Certification fees: Some certification programs require you to pay a certification fee. For example, US Soccer charges $20 for their online Grassroots course and an R 1200.43 in-person clinic fee.

Background Check: Some programs require a background check for those over 18. That will typically cost roughly R 450.16-R 525.19

Registration fees: Some referee associations and assigning organizations charge registration fees. These vary in cost from as little as R 300.11 to R1500.53or more depending on the organization. Of course not all organizations charge this fee. Silbo does not charge any registration fees to work games through the Go Silbo app. 

Equipment: Equipment includes your referee uniform which consists of a jersey, shorts, socks, and shoes and gear including your whistle, a wristwatch, red and yellow cards, and flags. Equipment will likely cost around R 1500.53.  

Age Requirements

How old do you have to be to referee soccer? It depends. Age requirements vary based on the state you live in, the organization you get certified through, and the association you work for.

US Soccer mandates that you be a minimum of 13 years old to get certified through their program. Some states require that you be at least 14. Silbo requires that you be at least 13. Other programs allow you to be as young as 12. 

Your age will dictate what level you’re allowed to work with younger referees typically officiating games for younger teams.

Fitness

Soccer referees run 6-8 miles to officiate the world cup. You likely won’t run quite that far to referee a U7 game, but you will be doing a lot of running to keep up with action.

The older and more competitive the players are, the more likely you are to cover a lot of ground while refereeing the game. With this in mind, you’ll want to make sure you’re in good physical fitness to be a successful referee. 

Employment Type

Nearly all referees are independent contractors. As an independent contractor, you’ll need to file a 1099 if you make R 9003.20or more. Your employer will be responsible for sending you the 1099 if you’re eligible. 

What qualifications do you need to be a referee in soccer In South Africa?

Anyone can become a referee with The FA granted that you are at least 14-years-old and a resident of England. To train as an FA-qualified referee, you need to undertake a basic referees course with your local County FA. To find a course near you, click here. Alternatively, you can contact your County FA directly.

How much do South African soccer referees earn?

R174,181 (ZAR)/yr.

Can a 13 year old be a soccer referee In South Africa?

To register for an Entry Level referee course, a student needs to be 14 years or older, on or before May 15th of the current year. To register for an Mini referee course, a student needs to be 12 years or older, on or before May 15th of the current year.

How long does a referee qualification last In South Africa?

New referees are automatically registered by the County for one year and the cost is included in the cost of the Basic Referee Training Course. Will I need a new CRC? When you register you will be asked whether you intend to referee in youth football.

How long does it take to become a soccer referee In South Africa?

This process will generally cost anywhere from R 225.08-R 450.16 and take up to 14 days to complete, so it is recommended that you prioritize this step the minute you decide to become a referee.

How do you become a Grade 7 referee in soccer In South Africa?

Pass the Grade 6 State Referee Test Pass the Grade 6 State Referee Test Pass the National Test Pass the National Test MRDP Pass the Grade 7 Referee Test, 80% min. Pass the Grade 7 Referee Test, 80% min. Pass the Grade 6 State Referee Test,80% min.

How long does it take to become a FIFA referee In South Africa?

World Cup referees are chosen under FIFA regulation. The process lasts 3 years and is managed by the FIFA Refereeing Department and FIFA Referee Assistance Program (RAP). Referees are chosen in teams of 3, with one designated head referee and two assistant referees.

Is it hard to become a FIFA referee In South Africa?

Being a soccer referee isn’t a cakewalk. Referees undergo extensive practice sessions before every game, just like the players, to be able to run up to eight miles during a game. Without proper physical fitness, officiating in a game can turn out to be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

What language do international soccer refs speak In South Africa?

At international level, FIFA has four official languages: English, Spanish, French and German. Again, international referees must be able to speak good English.