FAQ - Referee

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are provided as a resource to our members to help them resolve issues prior to and during the season. The CSA rules and laws of the games take precedence over the FAQs if a discrepancy arises.

How do I get involved?

How are you associated with Calvert County Parks and Rec?

We are not associated with county government CCPR. We are a separate non-profit volunteer organization that has been around since 1984. Our program is focused solely on soccer and making the program great for your child.

A coach complained of a poor referee at the last game. There will be no protest, but the coach wants to know who to talk to?

The coach should inform the head of officials.

No referee was available for my game or the assigned ref is unable to officiate the game, what do I do?

As this is a recreational league and we have a very tight schedule to get in all of the games, a referee "no show" will NOT be a reason to cancel the game. The teams shall try to find another referee at the park. If no replacement referee is found within 15 minutes after the game start time, the opposing coaches will mutually agree to an emergency referee(s) who will officiate the entire game, the game shall be played and the results of the game shall be official. Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, games will NOT be rescheduled or replayed due to a "referee no show". A game not played due to a "referee no show" will be recorded as a forfeit to both teams.

Addressing referee abuse

If you feel intimidated or abused by any player or coach or spectator, even if you did not issue any cards, please notify the head of officials about the incident. People occasionally become irrational and overzealous. We need to be aware of these incidents and address the behavior. Your input is required and will be handled sensitively.

Game Reports

A written game report must be sent to the head of officials if you eject any player, coach, or spectator or if you are informed by either coach that they are filing a protest.

Score Reporting

As the referee for the game, you must maintain the official score. Presently scores are being reported by the coaches to the age group commissioner. In case of any discrepancy, you will be required to provide the official score for the game.
NOTE: In the case of a game that has a score differential of 7 or more (ie 9-2), you must report that game to the head of officials within 24 hours..

How do I sign-up and get started?

There are two sign-ups. You must register, once certified, with CSA to referee with us. You also must sign-up for the initial referee class, on the USSF website.

Will there be a Referee class next summer/fall?

The referee classes are established by the Maryland USSF organization. There is no guarantee that a class will be held in Calvert County next fall. Check online at http://www.marylandsoccer/referees

How will CSA add new referees to the referee roster?

New referees will be added based on first come, first served basis. However, there will be two lists. High school age/adult and youth (12-14).

Will CSA guarantee me a job, if I become certified?

Sorry but we can't guarantee. We try to keep our experienced referees, to keep the quality as high as possible by assigning the most experienced referees a reasonable number of games per season. That said, many games are turned back in during the season by referees that are unable to officiate that day.

How much does a ref uniform cost?

It varies. $50 to $120. You should check prices online.

How much will it cost to become a certified referee?

The class costs $25 and the license costs $25.

How much does CSA pay for the referees?

The pay is different for each age group and postion (AR or Center). Pay ranges from $8 to >$25 per game.

How many games (refereeing positions) are there each season?

800-900

How many referees does CSA use each season?

CSA will need about 60 referees each season.