| Register

Westport Soccer Association

Home
ABOUT US
PROGRAMS & REGISTRATION
REFEREES
- WSA Blackshirt Referee (REC games)
- USSF Certified Ref (Rec & Travel Games)
GALLERY
FIELDS
WIN TOURNAMENT

WELCOME WSA BLACKSHIRT 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.

If you're interested in becoming a Blackshirt, you must register on www.westportsoccer.org (click on "register" in the top right corner of the homepage) and then select the Blackshirt Referee Program Waitlist. Those on the waitlist will be notified when a spot becomes available.

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 Program is Running a Waitlist.

If you are interested in becoming a WSA Blackshirt, you must register (free) on www.westportsoccer.org for the "Blackshirt Waitlist".
Once registered, you will be notified by the assignor when a spot becomes available.

The next BLACKSHIRT FIELD TRAINING is in fall 2026: September 2026, date TBD
Field: TBD
Required Equipment & Attire: set of flags, whistle, dress for field instruction and the weather.
Purchase equipment at ASF Sports & Outdoor in Westport

Training Leaders:
Chris Good – USSF Referee & Certified Mentor, [email protected]
Robby Casey – USSF Referee & WSA Program Advisor, [email protected]
Kathleen Galley - Westport Soccer Referee Assignor, [email protected]

Training Materials

Review: Chris Good’s Blackshirt PowerPoint Presentation

All Referees Must Understand: WSA BASIC REC GAME RULES & PRE-GAME REFEREE PROTOCOLS

. . .

WSA - MELIO MOBILE APP PAYMENT PROCESS

- WSA pays all referees through the MELIO direct deposit mobile app (instructions, CLICK HERE )
  
  First-time users: Do not create a Melio account until you receive a WSA/Melio payment email, typically 7–10 days after working your first game. The email will be sent to the address listed in your Assignr account, so please check your spam/junk folder.
  Use the secure link in that email to set up your payment method:
  - Direct Deposit (enter your bank information), or
  - Paper Check
  Once your payment method is established, future payments will be processed automatically.
  Important Notes
  - Referees are responsible for maintaining current email and payment information and for tracking their own payments.
  - WSA does not collect or store bank account information.
  - Paper checks may take up to 14 days to arrive.
  - Direct deposit typically takes 5–10 business days for the first payment and 2–3 business days thereafter.
  - Changes to your Melio payment information may delay future payments by up to two weeks.
  - Any missing or disputed payments should be reported to the WSA Assignor ([email protected]) within 90 days of the game date. Claims submitted after 90 days may not be investigated or eligible for reissuance.
Required:
- All referees must complete a W-9 form and send it to:
  - Kathleen Galley: [email protected]
  - or mail to: Westport Soccer, PO Box 2561, Westport, CT 06880 (Attn: Ref Assignor)

UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT

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 (for age 13 +)

REFEREE FEES & PAYMENT POLICY

WSA BLACKSHIRT PROGRAM - FAQ

Age Requirement: Must be 12 or older

Register (free): Sign up on www.westportsoccer.org → WSA Blackshirt Referee Waitlist

Training

Field training before each season (April & September) + study Laws of the Game, REC game rules and Pre-game Referee Protocols.
New refs paired with experienced refs, mentoring offered during season when possible.

Game Assignments

After training, referees will be contacted by the WSA Ref Assignor with a user ID to activate an account on assignr.com
Games open for requests on Assignr.com each Monday
Assignments confirmed Wed/Thurs by email
Accept assignments immediately
If declined, request another game
Accepting = commitment
No-shows not tolerated; notify assignor in advance if unavailable

REC Schedule: Saturdays, 8am–6pm, Spring: April–June | Fall: Sept–Nov

Uniform & Equipment: WSA Blackshirt Uniform photo & attire details

Payment: Paid through Melio (direct deposit or check) within 2 weeks of game worked.
Payment Policy & Referee Fees: Click Here

W9 Forms - Required for All Referees

- 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

REC Game Incidents,Send to:
Referee Assignor: Kathleen Galley – [email protected]
USSF Referee Advisor: Robby Casey – [email protected]

UNRULY SPECTATORS or COACHES

ZERO TOLERANCE

REFEREE PROTOCOLS for spectator or coach misbehavior

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

RESPECT THE CALL POLICY

SAFETY POLICIES

Each soccer goal must have 2-3 filled sandbags securing the goal. No sandbags, No Play, No Exceptions!

Sandbags can be found in the storage bins on the side of each field. When in doubt, contact WSA Referee Assignor, Kathleen: [email protected]

WEATHER

IMPORTANT MUST READ!

CJSA Lightening/Thunder Policy (Inclement Weather) -- What to do on the field:

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