Become a Referee

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

Age Requirement

Small Sided - 5v5 & 7v7 - Must be 12+yrs of age or older by March 31, 2026

Entry Level - All Competitions - Must be 14+yrs of age or older by March 31, 2026

Training Required 

Small Sided - Complete self guided modules on RefCentre and then a 7hr in person training day with in class and on-field components 

Entry Level - Complete self guided modules on SmarterU and then a 8hr in person training day with in class and on-field components

Reimbursement

PECSA agrees to reimburse the Referee for the cost of their training, at the end of the first half of the season, provided the following conditions are met: 

  1. The Referee has officiated or coordinated a replacement referee for all of their scheduled games up to the date of reimbursement. 
  2. The Referee has officiated a minimum of X games during the first half of the season.
  3. The Referee has adhered to all PECSA policies and procedures, including but not limited to punctuality, professionalism, and adherence to the rules of the game. 

6 Steps for New Refs on how to get started!

  1. Register for the appropriate clinic depending on your age- Small sided clinic or Entry level clinic
  2. Pay the Club- Select a in person training day at a club and pay to secure your spot
  3. Complete Self Guided Modules- Once payment has been received as above complete online modules. Small Sided- 11 modules on RefCentre. Entry level- 9 modules on SmarterU. Please note these MUST be completed prior to in person training day!
  4. In person Training Day- Small sided students 7hr in person training day with in class and on-field components. Entry level students 8hr in person training day with in class and on-field components. 
  5. Feedback form on RefCentre- Must be completed before leaving your in person training day.
  6. Graduation- Proceed with the graduation process on RefCentre to save your certificate and then start referring!


Ron Stakes Excellence in Refereeing Award

While players get the cheers and coaches get the credit, refs often face the heat with little recognition. But without them, there’s no game. They show up rain or shine, make tough calls in real time, and carry the weight of the game’s integrity on their shoulders.

To each PECSA referee, We thank you! For your dedication, your patience, your thick skin, and your love for the sport – we see you, and we appreciate you.


This award recognizes a referee’s commitment to excellence in refereeing, while promoting sportsmanship, fair play and respect among PECSA players.

PECSA is proud to recognize two outstanding referees for 2026:

  • Noah Thompson (small-sided)
  • Arielle Couture (entry-level)


Thank you both for your dedication, reliability and great attitudes throughout the season. Your commitment to PECSA and to creating a positive experience for our players is truly appreciated.