Referees

We always looking for referees! Refereeing is a great opportunity to enjoy the game of soccer while being paid. 

If you are interested in refereeing, please contact Debbie Brazzale at 403-335-3870 or email didsburysoccer@gmail.com.

2024 DMSA Referee Pay Rates

• U7 (mini refs)              $30 per game
• U9 (mini refs)              $30 per game
• U11 (entry level refs)   $35 per game (centre ref) | $25 per game (assistant ref)
• U13                             $55 per game (centre ref) | $30 per game (assistant ref)
• U15                             $55 per game (centre ref) | $30 per game (assistant ref)
• U17                             $60 per game (centre ref) | $40 per game (assistant ref)

Upfront Pay for Courses

DMS will require that you pay upfront for all referee courses at the time of registration. Once you are certified and complete a minimum 4 game commitment through the season then all course fees will be reimbursed to you with your final pay cheque. If you fail the course, DMS will NOT reimburse you for course fees.

If you fail and then pass the retake exam, DMS will only reimburse you for the original course fees but will not refund your retake fees. You will still be required to complete the 4 game minimum in order to receive the refund.

Mini Referee Course

This one-day introductory course is for people 12 years and older, who would like to referee U7 and U9 games. The course covers and provides:

• Referee duties and responsibilities
• The Rules of Mini Soccer
• Onfield practical training
• 7v7 Rules of Mini Soccer
• Referee badge and whistle

Entry Level Referee Course

This one day introductory course is for people 14 years or older (on or before May 15), who would like to referee:

• U11 or U13 8v8 games,
• U15 and older 11v11 games, or
• assistant referee (linesman) at any level.

Details

• This course is required if you have not refereed before or have let your referee registration lapse.
• Youth who turn 14 who previously took a one day mini referee course must take the Entry Level course to transition to the Youth District Level
• If you pass the exam, you will be added to the list of eligible referees in Alberta. Referee designations are based on the referee's age: 
  • 14 and 15 year old = Youth District referee - must be at least two years older than the age group that you are officiating
  • 16 years and older = District referee - may referee and be assistant referee for all age groups
• The annual referee registration fee is included in the cost of the Entry Level course.
• To referee in following years, you must pay the annual registration fee each year thereafter. 

The course covers:

• Referee and Assistant Referee duties and responsibilities
• The FIFA Laws of the Game (11v11 soccer)
• 8v8 Rules of the Game
• Onfield practical training

Students are supplied with:

• FIFA Law Book
• 8v8 Rule Book
• Referee badge and whistle
• Yellow and red card and referee wallet

Note: DMS will loan referee jerseys and assistant flags for the season. 

Refresher Course for Returning Referees

• All referees must attend a refresher course prior to each season they wish to officiate in (does not apply if you have taken the entry level course this year).
• You will not be eligible to officiate unless you have attended a refresher course and completed the pre-refresher questionnaire.
• You will receive the FIFA Laws of the Game at the refresher.

Note: Prior to signing up for a Refresher Course through the Ref Centre, you must have paid your registration for the current year, and must complete the Refresher Questionnaire.

How to Register for a Course

Courses are offered by E2E Soccer Ref Centre. Go to https://www.refcentre.com/alberta/CourseByDate.aspx and search upcoming courses by date. 

Upcoming courses in the local region include: