Referee Hub

Thank you for your interest in becoming a referee with Guelph Soccer! Refereeing is a rewarding way to get involved in the game, have fun, and get paid while doing it. Before being eligible to register as a referee, you must complete a referee course.

Registration will tentatively open in late-February. (exact date set by Ontario Soccer)

The online component is completed at your own pace. The in-person component includes two classroom sessions and one on-field session.

There are two types of referee courses/certification levels:

Small Sided Referee (12+)

Clinic cost: $110.00 (reimbursable after refereeing 10 games with Guelph Soccer)
Permitted to referee ~U8-U11 games (5v5 or 7v7)
Fields: Howden Crescent, Orin Reid, Centennial Park (smaller fields)
Annual registration fee: $50.00 (1st year registration included in clinic fee)
Certified and hosted by Ontario Soccer
Based on the Ontario Soccer “Small Sided Laws of the Game"
No offsides or assistant referee instruction, disciplinary action (yellow or red cards) for team officials only
Must be 12 years of age or older by March 31st, 2026 to take the course

Entry Level Referee (14+)

Clinic cost: $110.00* (reimbursable after refereeing 10 games with Guelph Soccer)
*Additional $30.00 fee payable directly to Canada Soccer
Permitted to referee ~U12 and up games (9v9 or 11v11), or act as an assistant referee (AR)
Fields: Eastview, Castlebury, Bishop Mac (medium to full sized fields)
Annual registration fee: age 14-17 - $50.00, age 18 and up - $125.00 (1st year registration included in clinic fee)
Certified by Canada Soccer
Hosted by Ontario Soccer
Based on the International Football Association Board (IFAB) “Laws of the Game”
Includes instruction on offside application, assistant referees, disciplinary action (yellow or red cards) for players and team officials
Must be 14 years of age or older by March 31st, 2026 to take the course