Essex County Youth Soccer Association

Becoming A Referee

Who Can Become A Referee

Answer: Anyone 14 years of age or older with a passion for the game of soccer. Men, women, high school aged boys and girls are all potential candidates for becoming a referee.

How Do I Get Started

Step 1: Create an account on the web site for the Massachusetts State Referee Committee (https://www.massref.net/).

        While you're there, peruse the site to find out more about what MSRC does.

Step 2: Enroll in a New Referee - Orientation course.

        Referees with a Grassroots (previously called Grade 8) certification are able to work youth and some adult league matches and tournaments. Grassroots referees make up approximately 90% of the total referee population in the state of Massachusetts.

Step 3: Do any required course pre-work prior to attending the Entry Level course.

        Any new referee course pre-work is typically done on-line, so you will need access to a computer.

Step 4: Attend the course!

Step 5: Important: Complete any remaining required activities

        At the completion of the course and all required activities, you will have achieved a Grassroots certification!

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