Becoming a Referee

Becoming a Referee with Mount Pearl Soccer Association

*Information provided in partnership with the Newfoundland Soccer Association. 

What is Required to Become a Referee?

The NLSA provides two options to get you started as a referee, the Small Sided course, and the Entry Level course.

Small Sided Referee course

The Small Sided course is open to those aged 12-16 (must be at least 12 years old at the time of the course). This course focuses exclusively on refereeing “small-sided” games - from 4 to 9-a-side, with no offside law applied. This course DOES NOT qualify you to referee 11-a-side games or to act as an assistant referee. If you do not have a strong background in soccer or want to try refereeing at a lower level before fully committing, this is the course for you.

Entry Level Referee Course

The Entry Level course is open to those aged 14 and older and QUALIFIES successful candidates to referee 11-a-side games anywhere in Canada, and to act as an assistant referee. Current or former players are encouraged to take this course rather than the Small Sided course, but it is also designed for those who do not play.

Here are the key points regarding the Entry Level Course: 

• Participants must be at least 14 years of age (by March 31st of the current year).
• The course is split into two components:
• Online program: A 4 to 6-hour course focusing on the theoretical knowledge of refereeing.
• Practical session: A one-day, in-person session focusing on developing practical skills for game management. It includes:
• 2 hours in the classroom
• 3 hours on the field
• 2 more hours in the classroom with the final exam

Below are the instructions on how to register for the online part of the course: 

1. Visit the Canada Soccer Shopify page: Canada Soccer Shopify page link
2. Click the "Referee Education" link at the top of the page.
3. Choose your preferred language (English or French) for the course and proceed with payment.
4. Upon payment completion, you will receive a SmarterU access key.
5. To register with SmarterU:

• Option 1: Go back to the Shopify page and click "Training Login" next to "Referee Education."
• Option 2: Visit SmarterU registration link and follow the instructions.
• Look for the text "If you have an access key, register for an account" under the login details.
• Complete the SmarterU registration process.

6. Once registered, you will have access to the Online Entry Level Referee Course.

Please note that there is a $30 fee for the online course, which is NOT covered by the Entry Level Course fee you submit for the practical part.