New Referee Starter Packet

1. Essential Equipment Checklist

Every referee should have:

• Fox 40 whistle (finger grip recommended)
• Set of AR flags (foam handle, rotating shaft, clip/Velcro)
• Yellow and red cards
• Referee wallet (“book”)
• Wristwatch with stopwatch function
• Ball pump & air gauge
• Velcro for badge attachment
• Pencils/pens (pencils for rainy days)
• Ziplock bags for keeping league rules dry
• Water & snacks
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer
• Large trash bag (to protect your gear on rainy days)
• Toilet paper (always be prepared)

2. Uniform Basics

Start with a yellow (primary) and green (secondary) jersey. Starter kits are available at:

• Official Sports
• Referee Store
• Capelli Sport
• Amazon – individual items and accessories
• Tursi’s Soccer (Portland Metro) — call ahead for inventory

3. Registering With Assigning Platforms

Most Oregon referees use RefTown, StackOfficials, and RefInsight (for some tournaments). Use the SAME email address as your US Soccer Digital Learning Center (USSLC) account. This ensures your USSF certification syncs properly.

4. Joining Leagues

In RefTown, go to your Profile, scroll to "My Qualifications," and request to join the leagues you want. Ensure your Zone includes Portland – Metro. Assignor information is on the RefTown Home/Main page.

5. Setting Availability

Recreational leagues often use self-assign (Claim), while competitive leagues (including OYSA) review availability. Always confirm expectations with your assignor.

6. Seasonal Overview

• Summer Tournaments: early June → mid/late August
• Fall Season: early September → late October/early November
• Winter: limited outdoor; some indoor/futsal (contact me if interested)
• Spring Season: late February → late April/early/mid-May

Both recreational and competitive games operate during fall and spring.

7. Game Formats

• 7v7: Solo center (U9/U10)
• 9v9: Solo center or 3-person crew (U11/U12)
• 11v11: Diagonal system (3-person crew) (U13–U19)

Always review League Rule Modifications for the league you are working.

8. Where to Find Help

• RefTown Home/Main page — assignors, FAQs, training videos
• OregonReferee.com — new referee guidance
• USSLC — message instructors anytime and the resources tab
• Your assignor — your primary point of contact

9. Communication for Minors

If you are under 18, always include a parent or guardian on all communication with assignors, mentors, center referees, and instructors. This is a SafeSport requirement.

10. Staying Organized

Create a folder labeled “Referee” for league rules, assignor contacts, pay information, tournament schedules, certification documents, and notes.

11. Self-Assigning Rules (VERY IMPORTANT)

These rules ensure fairness, professionalism, and proper game coverage. The general rule is to NEVER leave a single game unfilled, as referees will rarely drive out for just one game.

How to Claim Game Blocks

• 2-game block: Take both
• 3-game block: Take all 3
• 4-game block: Take first 2, last 2, or all 4 — never the middle only
• 5-game block: Take first 2, last 2, first 3, last 3, or all 5
• 6-game block: Take first 3 or last 3 — not the middle

These rules help assignors maintain full coverage and avoid gaps.

12. Requesting Competitive Games

Requesting games does not guarantee an assignment. Assignors schedule based on experience, performance, reliability, and other criteria. Do NOT request games that overlap with games you requested from another organization. If you get assigned and must turn back games, it is considered unprofessional and may jeopardize future assignments. If you want guaranteed games as a beginner, choose leagues that use self-assign.

13. Refereeing Is a Job — Treat It Professionally

Turning back games is frowned upon unless you are sick, injured, or have a family emergency. Otherwise, confirm you have a ride, double-check your availability, and only claim or request games you can 100% commit to.

Most leagues do not allow turnbacks within 7 days of kickoff in the system. Within 7 days, you must message and call your assignor to confirm they received your cancellation request. Include your name, game ID, date/time, and reason.

Your commitment affects assignors, fellow referees, coaches, players, and entire leagues. Your reliability matters.

14. Submitting Game Reports

Submit your game reports as soon as possible after your games. This ensures you get paid and allows leagues to verify scores for standings.

• Misconduct Reports: If you issue a yellow or red card, you must file a separate misconduct report. Ask your assignor for help the first time.
• Supplemental Notes: Include details about injuries, delays, field issues, or any unusual events. These reports protect you and help leagues maintain accurate records.