Referees About Refereeing
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19 Oct 2011
Oakville Soccer Club is committed to the training and development of soccer referees by providing an environment that allows them to maximize their potential within the profession. We offer a multi-tiered program focused on the various levels of soccer offered through OSC. These include mini soccer, youth and adult categories. Club programs are focused on the recreational game and the development of fundamental skills for controlling the game.
Opportunities also exist for referees to upgrade their skills to officiate at various competitive levels. Working in concert with the local district and the Ontario Soccer Association, we provide a platform from which referees of all ages can progress through the regional and provincial programs available to them.
How to become a Referee at OSC
Depending upon age you are required to attend a Referee training program. The categories are as follows:
Mini Soccer (minimum age 12 as of April 1). A six hour course focused on the Mini game. You will gain an understanding of the rules of the game and how to manage situations that may develop during play. Mini soccer referees are required to recertify on an annual basis. This is an OSA certified program
Entry Level Youth and Adult (minimum age 14 as of April 1). A 16 hour program usually spread over a three day period focused upon the ‘laws of the game.’ This is an interactive course that is designed to give the new referee a thorough understanding of the components that make up the 11 a side game. Pre-course study is required and there is a test at the end of the course on the various subjects covered. The course is made up of both theory and practical components. This is a CSA Certified Program.
Note: there is a minimum two year age difference between the referee and the age group being covered. For example a 14 year old referee can officiate 8 -12 year old players.
Please click here to view the training schedules for 2012.
After training is complete you will be set up in our referee assignment system and able to set up your preferences for fields and days to officiate. In addition you will be notified on a regular basis of games that become available. You can also contact our Referee Coordinator Irena Jelecanin for extra help.
Please note: to officiate adult recreational games you will need a minimum of one year of experience at the senior youth level and have acted as an assistant referee on a regular basis under the supervision of a mentor.
Ongoing Training
Once you have completed one of the mini or entry level programs we have a support network in place to help you become comfortable in your new role as a referee
Workshops
You will be required to attend an annual refresher course as well as a series of workshops on game management.
Surviving the Bench
This is a 90 minute workshop on how to manage coaches, parents and players in difficult situations. This is a compulsory workshop for officials of all ages designed to provide you with some tools for dealing with issues that could arise on the field as well as before and after the game
Laws of the Game – Refresher
Offered in cooperation with the local district this is a five or six hour workshop featuring guest speakers and a practical component. A great warm up for the outdoor season!
Indoor Soccer Certification
OSC will be introducing an Indoor Soccer Workshop for all Referees wishing to officiate at the Pine Glen Soccer Centre. This includes both youth and adult officials. The indoor game is expanding rapidly and referees need to develop additional skill sets in order to be able to manage these games efficiently. This two hour workshop will be introduced in 2012.
Youth Competitive Upgrade
Targeted at youth referees between 13 and 16 who want to prepare for the district ‘laws of the game’ upgrade and adults looking to upgrade from youth to adult games. This is a four hour in-class program offered to those referees we believe are up to the challenge.
Mentoring
For referees needing additional on field help we have a group of senior referees ready to come to your assistance. Mentoring is an integral part of our Referee Development program and is available for all ages by contacting Irena Jelecanin. Our Chief Youth Mentor is Richard Kuchta who is always available to assist you.
Video Support
A series of instructional videos will be available to you to help you learn the game – please follow the links below. We are using various sources for information and will also be loading materials exclusive to the OSC as we progress.
A review of specific aspects of the game. You can select various weeks of MLS play from the site.
3. Offside
FIFA Presentation on the offside rule. This is probably the least understood Law. The presentation shown in the link is designed to help you in your understanding.