Referee Uniforms +
The Club pays for uniforms for DS resident referees — please contact the Referee Assignor to order and receive your uniforms.
Referee FAQ +
If you don't find the answer to your specific question, contact our Referee Assignor.
I'm interested in becoming a referee, where do I start?
To become a referee you need to be 14, or turn 14 before the next soccer season starts. Since Dover Sherborn is part of BAYS, which is affiliated with the Massachusetts State Referee Committee/US Soccer, you'll need to qualify by taking the Grassroots Referee course. All necessary steps to become certified can be found at massref.net. DS Soccer Club will reimburse your fee for this initial certification course — email the receipt to the Club Treasurer. Upon completion, you're eligible to work Grades 3–8 games for the Club.
Can I download the Laws of the Game?
Yes — the Laws of the Game plus several other useful resources can be found here.
I've taken the Grassroots Referee course, when do I get games?
Congratulations! Please register as a referee on the BAYS website, then apply to work in Dover Sherborn.
Tell me about continued referee mentoring after I'm certified for BAYS games.
The Club invests in continued referee education through an in-house mentoring program. Once certified, Mass Ref also offers on-field external mentors for a game — if you schedule one through Mass Ref, please let the Club referee assignor know so a Club mentor isn't also assigned to that game.
Tell me about in-town referee training.
We have a number of younger trainee referees, age 13 or younger, who continue their training under mentor guidance at our Grade 2 intramural small-sided games on Saturdays. We run an initial training session for trainee referees a few weeks before the start of the Spring and Fall seasons — contact the Referee Assignor for details. Trainee referees are paid a $20 training stipend per game, mailed as a check at the end of the season.
High-school-age mentors help trainee referees with on-field training at the Grade 2 games. To work as a ref mentor, email the Referee Assignor for more information. Note: mentoring at Grade 2 games shouldn't take precedence over referee work — to be paid for mentoring, you must work as many BAYS games as mentor sessions over the season.
How are games assigned?
The referee assignor assigns games via the BAYS system. You'll receive an email and have the choice to confirm or decline. If you confirm, you're expected to work that game — many players, coaches, and families depend on your reliability. No-shows are unacceptable and, if repeated, will result in not being able to work for the Club.
How do I get the necessary referee equipment?
The Club purchases your first uniform and set of equipment, including a watch, whistle, wallet, and flags. You may purchase replacement uniform and equipment at The Natick Outdoor Store. Questions can be answered by the Referee Assignor.
How do I get paid?
For every game worked you'll fill out a game report on the BAYS website. BAYS sends checks via direct deposit three times per season.
The Club also pays a frequency bonus: 10 games worked = $100; 15 games = $150; 20 games = $200.
Referees who work during their busy high school senior year receive a $300 scholarship check (minimum 5 games).
Dover Sherborn Soccer Club is happy to write references for our referees for National Honor Society, college applications, and/or job applications.
What are the requirements for recertification?
Each winter you'll need to re-certify for the subsequent year. Instructions can be found here.
Referee Principles +
1
Know the Law and the rules.
2
Be professional — on time, in proper uniform, prepared, fit.
3
Study the game and the spirit of soccer.
4
Attend meetings, clinics, and seminars.
5
Show respect to players, coaches, parents, and spectators.
6
Explain rules, when needed.
7
Help less experienced referees.
8
Play the game to better understand it.
9
Seek evaluation from coaches/players.
10
Be assessed regularly.
11
Smile and enjoy the game.
12
Be firm, fair, and honest.
13
Be consistent.
14
Accept only the number and level of assignments you can do well.
15
Be neutral.
16
Know and use proper procedures.
17
Always remain calm.
18
Take each game seriously.
19
Implement good management techniques.
20
Show confidence.
Test Yourself +
Check out these game situation quiz weblinks: