Basic Referee Information

The governing body for referees in the greater Austin area is the Capital Area Soccer Referee Association (CASRA). The CASRA website provides all the information you need to become a referee in the Austin area. Visit casra.net.

Referees are a valuable commodity, so if you have been kicking around the idea of becoming a referee, act now! If you're unsure how to start, contact a coach in your club, a trainer or an administrator. If that fails, talk with one of the referees you see on the field. There is usually a referee coordinator present while games are being played, so ask around until you find that person. If all else fails, go to the CASRA website and send an e-mail to one of the local assignors.

For basic referee information in Austin, you can also visit the CAYSA website.

Some things you should know about being a referee

Being a referee is tough and you have to have thick skin.

You must have a passion for the sport or you will quickly find yourself in over your head.

The most important thing to remember is that the referee is a patron of the game.

The ref should seldom be noticed and does not control the game, but facilitates the continuation of play according to agreed-upon rules.

The point of the game is to play-on. The referee should be viewed as merely an independent, third party consultant who is called upon only when absolutely necessary.

Each game has a "flow" and, for the game to stay on track, the referee must instill confidence in the players through consistency.

Some games are about speed. Some are about technique. Some are about passing. And some are about brute force. Inconsistency in calls is the quickest way to allow a game to get out of hand. if a certain tackle is called foul every time, players will pick up on this and will begin to self-regulate. It is only when players do not make these adjustements that a referee should impose his/her authority.

Most calls a referee makes are based on his/her interpretation of the situation, cross-referenced with a stated rule. This in turn leads to spectators and players believing that each referee's judgment is opinion, which tends to lead to some form of verbal dissent.

As a referee, you will be verbally abused by parents, coaches, trainers, club officials, players and just about anyone else who watches a game. While you are independent, these individuals are not—and many times, your judgment will get in the way of their interests. You must remember that you are a patron of the sport and the only thing that matters is that the correct call has been made.

Watch a professional game and observe how the referees behave. Try to rate good and poor performances. Listen to the commentators for clues as to how the referee has affected the game. Look at the total number of fouls in relation to the total number of cards issued.

Always remember that the players will look to you for protection. If you do not do your job, they may take matters into their own hands.