Become A Certified Referee

Program Overview

About The Certified Referee Program

Players age 14 and older (typically Grade 9) who complete referee certification through the Massachusetts State Referee Committee (MSRC) can officiate BAYS (Travel) games in Wellesley.

Certified referees earn $40-$100 per game, and WUSC reimburses the certification fee (currently $115) and recertification fee (currently $50 annually) for eligible high school and college-age referees.

How it works:

One to three certified referees are assigned to each BAYS (Travel) game. Referees are paid based on the age group, ranging from $40 for 4th grade games up to $100 for high school games.

  • Referees age 14+ → Officiate 4th-12th grade games ($40-$100/game)

This program is ideal for high school players who want to deepen their understanding of the game while taking on more responsibility.

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At-A-Glance

AGES:
14+

PAY RATE:
$40-$100/game
+ certification reimbursement

CERTIFICATION:
Required (MSRC Grassroots Referee)

Benefits

Why Get Certified?

Becoming a certified referee allows players to stay connected to the game, earn money, and build confidence, professionalism, and communication skills.

Benefits for certified referees at WUSC:

  • Full reimbursement for new certification (currently $115)
  • Annual recertification reimbursement (75% for high school, 50% for college) (currently $50 annually)
  • Free referee starter kit (jersey, socks, AR flags)
  • Support from adult and peer mentor referees
  • Eligibility for WUSC’s annual Judy Lucarelli Award
  • Paid assignments in Wellesley upon certification
Get Started

How To Get Certified

This process should be completed by the referee. If you are 14+ and want to officiate BAYS (Travel) home games in Wellesley, follow these steps:

Step 1

Register with MSRC

Visit massref.net and complete the MSRC Grassroots Referee course.

Your certification fee is fully reimbursable through WUSC.

Step 2

Notify WUSC

Once you receive your referee badge, email Chris Howard at wuscdoc@wellesleysoccer.org to be added to WUSC's Certified Referee assignment list.

Step 3

Create a BAYS referee account

Complete the BAYS referee application and submit your required pay forms before accepting assignments.

Step 4

Obtain remaining referee equipment

WUSC provides a free starter kit (jersey, socks, AR flags). You’ll also need:

  • Black referee shorts
  • Whistle
  • Wristwatch with stopwatch
  • Red/yellow cards
  • Coin
  • Small notebook/pencil

(Recommended vendor: Official Sports)

Step 5

Attend WUSC's Referee Clinic

All new and returning referees must attend our mandatory Referee Clinic in the Fall and Spring.

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Fee Reimbursement

Certification Support

WUSC supports referee development by reimbursing certification fees for active high-school and college referees.

New certification (a $115 benefit):

  • Full reimbursement after completing the MSRC Grassroots Referee course.

Annual recertification (a $50 annual benefit):

  • High school referees: 75% reimbursement
  • College referees: 50% reimbursement

How to request reimbursement:

Email your invoice and proof of completion to Chris Howard at wuscdoc@wellesleysoccer.org.


Note: Fees reflect current MSRC rates and may change. Reimbursements apply to active WUSC referees and should be requested within 30 days of completion.

Need Help?

Certified Referee FAQ

Affiliations
US Youth Soccer
MA Youth Soccer
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