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Email m.mac@airdriesoccer.com

Referee Information

Becoming a soccer referee is a great way to stay involved in the game, build leadership skills, and earn income. Follow the steps below to get started.

How to Become a Referee

ADSA hosts an Entry-Level course and boarded conversion course in the fall in preparation for the indoor season. You must be 14 years of age on or before the date of the course. Courses are posted to refcentre.com/alberta once they become available.

Registration & RefCentre

RefCentre is the official registration system for referees in Alberta. It is used for:

• ASA-approved referee course setup and registration
• Annual registration for returning officials (once an account is created)

Website: www.refcentre.com/alberta

Course Availability

March – May (Outdoor Season)

• Mini Referee
• Entry Level Referee
• Outdoor Refresher (returning officials)

September – November (Indoor Season)

• Indoor Boarded Conversion
• Indoor Boarded Refresher

Entry Level Referee Course (CSA)

The CSA Entry Level Referee Course is designed for new officials 14 years of age or older (on or before the course date). No prior refereeing experience is required. 

Course Format

• Online learning modules
• One-day in-person practical session

Minimum Age Requirement

• Must be 14 years old on or before the course date

Online Learning Requirements

• Completion of CSA Laws of the Game modules via SmarterU
• Access provided through RefCentre once registration is approved
• Online modules must be completed before attending the in-person session
• Estimated completion time: 4–7 hours

In-Person Practical Session

• Duration: 1 day (approximately 7 hours total)
• 4 hours of classroom instruction
• 2 hours of on-field practical training
• Includes post-course feedback and graduation confirmation

Youth & District Classification

Referees are classified based on age:

• Ages 14–15: Youth Officials
• Ages 16 and older: District Officials

Your classification can be viewed in your RefCentre account under the Profile tab.

Officiating Eligibility

Upon successful completion of the CSA Entry Level Referee Course, officials are eligible to:

• Officiate 11v11 soccer
• Serve as a Middle or Assistant Referee
• Officiate at any level or age group (including Mini Rules), based on skill and experience
• Apply the IFAB Laws of the Game

How to Get Started

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Must be 14 years or older on or before the course date
• No prior refereeing experience required

Step 2: Create a RefCentre Account

• Visit www.refcentre.com/alberta
• Create an account to register for ASA-approved referee courses
• RefCentre is also used for annual registration once certified

Step 3: Register for the Entry Level Course

• Select the CSA Entry Level Referee Course
• Courses are offered seasonally:
• March – May: Outdoor (Airdrie to host courses)
• September – November: Indoor

Step 4: Complete Online Learning

• Complete the Laws of the Game modules through SmarterU
• Modules are accessed through RefCentre after course approval
• Estimated time commitment: 4–7 hours
• Must be completed before the in-person session

Step 5: Attend the In-Person Practical Session

• One-day course (approximately 7 hours)
• Classroom instruction
• On-field practical training
• Includes feedback and graduation confirmation

Step 6: Start Refereeing!

• Eligible to officiate 11v11 soccer
• Can referee as a Middle or Assistant Referee
• Game assignments are based on age, skill, and experience

Need Help or Have Questions?

Melissa MacEachern – m.mac@airdriesoccer.com

District Referee Assistant (DRA)

The District Referee Assistant provides information and guidance to the local district:

• Answering referee-related questions
• Supporting referee development
• Helping set up referee courses within each area
• Assigning games & mentors