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Westport Soccer Association

WELCOME REFEREES

Welcome to the WSA "Blackshirt" Soccer Referee Program (for REC games only):

Westport Soccer's "Blackshirt" (non-certified, Rec games only) referee program is a terrific opportunity for our youth (age 12 and older) to get involved, gain valuable experience, build confidence and make money too! Blackshirts are entry-level, non-certified referees and can only officiate WSA REC intramural games on Saturdays (no Travel games ). Pre-season referee training is held in April and September and led by adult USSF certified referee mentors. No experience is necessary, however, it's essential to understand the Laws of the Game and enjoy what you're doing. There's lots to learn and never a dull moment in each game. Check out more details below.

To receive game assignments in Westport, you need to contact WSA Referee Assignor, Kathleen Galley, [email protected]

We look forward to working with you.

Robby & Chris & Kathleen

WSA Referee Program Advisor & USSF Referee, Robby Casey, [email protected]
USSF Referee Mentor & Training Lead, Chris Good, [email protected]
WSA Referee Assignor, Kathleen Galley, [email protected]

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

WSA BLACKSHIRT REFEREE TRAINING:
(Boys & Girls age 12 and up are welcome)

1) Zoom online Training (1.5 hr fall & spring)
2) Field Training (1.5 hr fall & spring)
3) Understand FIFA Laws of the Game

Trainers:
CHRIS GOOD, USSF Referee & Certified Mentor ([email protected])
ROBBY CASEY, USSF Referee & WSA Program Advisor ([email protected])

SPRING 2023 TRAINING - Mandatory for brand new referees, recommended for all Blackshirts.
Date: Early April - TBD
Location: Westport field - TBD

Check out Chris Good's PowerPoint Presentation from spring 2022

Interested? Contact Westport Referee Assignor, Kathleen Galley, [email protected]

UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT

WEATHER

IMPORTANT MUST READ!

INCLEMENT WEATHER. CJSA Lightning/Thunder Policy:

Lightning – Recognizing the threat.

Apply the 30-30 rule: When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds or less, seek proper shelter. If you can’t see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good back-up rule.

Wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last thunder before leaving shelter. Referees must protect the safety of all participants by stopping game activities quickly, so that participants and spectators may retire to a safer place before the lightning threat becomes significant. Remember, if you can hear the thunder, you are within reach of lightning

WSA BLACKSHIRT PROGRAM - FAQ

Age Requirement: Blackshirt Referees must be age 12 or older.

How to Sign Up: Contact WSA Referee Assignor, Kathleen Galley, [email protected] to receive a userID to activate a referee account on assignr.com

Blackshirt Training: Blackshirts have instructional Zoom online & field training before each season (April/spring & Sept/fall).
Scroll up to see dates and times for training. All Blackshirts must study and understand the FIFA Laws of the Game. Mentoring is offered throughout the season. All new referees will be paired with experienced refs on each game.

How to Receive Game Assignments: Contact WSA Ref Assignor, Kathleen Galley ([email protected]) to receive a userID to set up a referee account on assignr.com where weekly games are posted for referees to request each Monday in the fall and spring seasons. By Wed/Thurs of each week, referees will receive an email confirming the status of their request. If a referee is given an assignment, he/she needs to accept as soon as posible. If a request has been declined, don't worry, go back in and request another game or try again next week.

REC Game Schedule: Saturdays between 8am - 6pm in Westport. Spring (April - June). Fall (Sept - Nov).

UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT: CLICK HERE

Payment Process: WSA pays referees thru MELIO payments (direct deposit or paper check)
- All payment notices will be sent to the email that is on the referee's assignr.com account
- All referees must complete a W9 form and send to Westport referee assignor, Kathleen Galley: [email protected]
or send by snail mail to: Westport Soccer, PO Box 2561, Westport, CT 06880, att: Ref Assignor

Ref/Game Fees & WSA payment policy: WSA payment policy 2021

Who should I contact if I need to report a game incident?
For player injuries, coach or parent issues, game cancellations, team no-shows, etc:
WSA Referee Assignor, Kathleen Galley, [email protected]
WSA USSF Referee Advisor, Robby Casey, [email protected]

REFEREE ESSENTIALS:

FIFA LAWS OF THE GAME

WSA REC GAME RULES & REFEREE PRE-GAME PROTOCOLS

REFEREE HANDSIGNALS

BUILD OUT LINE RULE (for 7v7 games - 3/4th grade Rec & U9 & U10 Travel)

"BLACKSHIRT" UNIFORM (WSA Non-certified)

"YELLOWSHIRT" UNIFORM (USSF Certified): www.officialsports.com

CT STATE REFEREE SITE for USSF REFEREE CERTIFICATION

REFEREE FEES & PAYMENT POLICY

UNRULY SPECTATORS

COACHES MUST ASSIST IN CONTROL OF SPECTATORS (INCL. PARENTAL COACHING)

When in the opinion of the referee spectators become disruptive, the referee may suspend the match and request that the coach or coaches restrain their respective fans/spectators. Coaches are duty-bound to assist in this process. If the referee is unsatisfied that calm is restored or believes that fair play is unlikely to resume, he/she may abandon the match and must inform their assignor and file a report with the District.

If coaches refuse to cooperate promptly and effectively, referees should dismiss them immediately and abandon the match if there is no other adult present who is listed on the roster. There must be an adult who has passed the CJSA background check present with the players on their side of the field. If not, then the match must be abandoned. No one else is acceptable. Not a player parent, etc.

Any questions,
contact CJSA/SWD Referee Assignor
Frank McGarey, [email protected]