When is there a need for referees?

The great thing about becoming an official is that there is always work here in Hawaii. The great weather allows for continual game play!

Fall season is busy with all league play games. (August - November)

Spring Season offers game play

Summer Season offers game play

Oahu League is always looking for good referees (August - May)

Sanctioned tournaments are held throughout the entire year.  Work for these are usually through specific referee assignors.  For a list of tournaments click here.

When should I register to become a referee?

You can start the registration process anytime during the year.  It all depends on when you, as an individual will have the time to officiate.  Understanding the registration period and the time frame that your certification is valid to is key.  Plan accordingly by viewing the chart below to see what certification year you are registering for.

Currently we are in the 2018 certification period.  This certification is valid until Dec. 31, 2018.

The 2018 registration period is now open.  That certification is valid until the end of 2018.

* Registration Period Close is strict to allow Hawaii State Referee Association enough time to process your registration with the US Soccer Federation.

What's the difference between Referee Grade 9 & Referee Grade 8?

Both are entry level referee grades.  Grade 9 allows you to referee ONLY recreational youth matches.  Many of these games may be done at volunteer base.  Hawaii State Referee Association does not utilize/implement the Grade 9 certification course.

Grade 8 allows you to referee all youth games, competitive and recreational.  Grade 8 referees usually get paid.  Grade 8 has a minimum age requirement of 12 years old in Hawaii.

Does Grade 9 & Grade 8 have anything to do with what grade someone is in school currently?

No.  Grade 9 and Grade 8 are simply the classifications that US Soccer Federation uses to designate the different level referees.  Everyone starts as an entry level Grade 9 or Grade 8.  For instructions on how to begin the process of becoming a referee click here.

You do not need to start as a Grade 9 to take the Grade 8.  You choose where to start depending on your comfort level.  As you gain more experience you have the option to try to qualify to upgrade to the next grade level after meeting requirements.

Grade 1 - FIFA Referee

Grade 2 - FIFA Assistant Referee

Grade 3 - National Referee

Grade 4 - National Assistant Referee

Grade 5 - State Referee

Grade 6 - State Referee

Grade 7 - Referee

Grade 8 - Referee

Grade 9 - Recreational Referee

I tried to register but the system took me in a loop, now what?

The system is designed to keep history records.  You or someone in your family was at one-point part of Hawaii State Referee Association (HSRA) as a referee.  Please contact HSRA State Referee Administrator or the HSRA Registrar to retrieve your account login.

How much can a referee make?

Referee pay differs with each league.  The biggest factor depends on the age & level of play you will be officiating.

For League Play:

New referees will get paid as an individual for officiating the game.  Pay range can be anywhere from $0.40 to $0.50 per each minute of the game (for club/adult games).  You will have to make sure to ask what the pay scale is for any league or association you choose to work for.

Who pays the referee?

For season league games, a check is issued to the referee by the 15^th of the following month by that league treasurer.

Will an entry referee start working as a center referee?

New referees will most likely not start as a center unless they have previous experience and confidence.  Referee assignors and leagues usually want to start a new referee as Assistant Referees before setting them up as a Center Referee.

How far do we need to travel for games?

You will be the one who decides this.  Each assignor will ask you how much you are willing to travel for work.  This is completely up to you.  The majority of the matches are held at the Waipio Soccer Complex in Waipahu.

Where can I get work?

Once you are certified and have received your ID and badge it’s time to look for work.  Referees have two avenues from which to obtain games.

1.) Join a referee association. Each association offers you additional training and support. They will have a referee assignor who will ask about your availability to then send you out to games.

For our list of referee assignors please click here.

2.) Contact your local league to see if they have their own pool of referees. Ask about any requirements as some might ask you to volunteer a few games prior to beginning to get paid or offer certification payment reimbursement.

To find local leagues click here.

What if I lose my badge?

If you lose your badge you can order a replacement at a $XX cost. That can be paid by check made out to XXXX. In the memo line please write “Badge Replacement for (referee’s name)”.

What if I lose my Referee ID?

If you lose your referee ID you can order a replacement at a cost of $XX. Checks should be made out to XXXX. In the memo line please write “ID Replacement for (referee’s name)”.

What color uniform do I need to buy?

Uniform colors are your decision. It’s always best to have several colors as the official should stand out from the jersey colors worn on the field by soccer players. Please click here for the standards.

Where do I get my monthly trainings? 

Every official needs to make sure to receive 5 hours of continual training in order to recertify the following year. Trainings are offered by referee associations who each hold monthly lectures/meetings.

For the Referee Associations list click here.

Common Questions/Concerns:

Uniforms - Official Sports Flyer

Advice to Parents of New Referees: Please click here for video

Advice to New Referees Documents - Please review this document