Referees
Becoming a soccer referee in Alberta is an invaluable contribution to the community, fostering a thriving local sports culture and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Referees play a crucial role in ensuring fair play and upholding the integrity of the game, which helps to build a strong sense of community, respect, and sportsmanship among players and spectators. Their presence supports youth development by providing mentorship and encouraging teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills. Moreover, referees serve as role models, demonstrating commitment and honesty, which positively influence young athletes and the broader community. Overall, referees are vital to maintaining the safety, fairness, and enjoyment of soccer in Alberta, nurturing community spirit and promoting collective well-being.
WHO IS WHO AND WHAT IS WHAT
Once you have taken a beginner course, you are now a certified referee under Alberta Soccer. This allows you to officiate in any ASA sanctioned event at the level and requirements your classification designates.
As your skill and knowledge improve, you have the ability to be assigned to higher levels and ages. For those with higher aspirations, the option of upgrading to higher classifications once requirements are met is an available pathway.
Classifications of officials in Alberta currently range from “Mini Referees” to “FIFA.” No matter the level, all referees play an important role in making the sport successful.
Who is who?
Support systems play an important role in the referee ecosystem. Resources to help officials can be found not only in educational material, but through experienced referees in multiple roles:
Referee Assignors – Provide referees to games in local leagues and can assist with information and basic questions. Click here to see the Alberta Referee Assignors List.
Referee Directors/Coordinators – Provide information and support to all officials within a particular league. Work with assignors to ensure consistency and feedback.
District Referee Assistant (DRA) – Provide information and guidance to the local district as a whole. Works with all Assignors, Directors and Coordinators to provide answers to questions they may have. Help to set up referee courses as needed in each area.
Referee Development Team (RDT)– Work with the DRA’s to assist in guidance for provincial level tasks and improvements. Act as an advisory panel to the RDL and assist in areas such as assessments, instruction and development of referees across the province.
Referee Development Lead (RDL) – Provides operational support to all levels. Works with RDT to create development, retention and recruitment strategies. Provides learning material for ASA courses through assistance with Canada Soccer. Liaison for Canada Soccer to provide educational or policy related information to the province.
GET STARTED
The first step in your future referee career is finding the correct beginner course. The course descriptions will help provide the level of classification that best suits you.
FIRST STEPS
Refereeing is a rewarding way to stay active, support your community, and gain valuable life skills.
- Registering and pre-course requisites.
Once a course is selected, proceed to the following link – www.refcentre.com/alberta – and use the prompts to see course information. A list will be provided at the end with the current available courses throughout the province. Registration for each course is completed directly through this section.
2. Refcentre and other provincial systems
Refcentre is the centralized database for all ASA officials within the province. This website will be used to register for courses, complete the annual renewal process and complete the module portion of the CSA Entry Level Course.
3. Completion of course and next steps
Each course will have multiple components, including classroom and on-field practical sessions. After all requirements for the course are met, graduation will take place through the personal Refcentre account created at the beginning of registration.
To see the Referee Registration and Eligibility Guide, please click here.
Registration
All referees returning in their second season and beyond must complete the annual registration.
This generally opens in the first week of February and should be completed at any time before March 31st. Annual registration will allow you to update any personal information and complete the registration payment for liability coverage as an official under ASA. Unregistered officials will not be used for assignments under any ASA sanctioned event.
- Started by logging into your personal Refcentre account and following the prompts that will show once setup in the system (first week of February).
- This can also be found under the ‘Registration’ tab of your personal Refcentre account.
To see the Referee Registration and Eligibility Guide, please click here.
AVAILABLE COURSES
Referee Resources
Alberta Soccer provides referees with the tools and information needed to succeed at every level. From registration guides and course details to upgrading support, rule interpretations, and access to Referee FAQs, you’ll find everything you need to stay informed and confident on and off the field. For additional help, our Referee Development team is here to support you.
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