Thank you for your interest in becoming a referee with Woolwich Youth Soccer Club! Refereeing is a rewarding way to get involved in the game, have fun, and get paid while doing it. Whether you’re a high school student looking for your first job or an adult who loves the game, we welcome you.
Before officiating WYSC games you need to complete a referee course through Ontario Soccer. There are two certification levels, depending on the age group you want to officiate.
Get Certified
Small-Sided Referee (12+)
- Permitted to referee approx. U7–U11 games (4v4, 5v5, or 7v7)
- Minimum age: 12 by March 31 of the playing year
- Certified and hosted by Ontario Soccer
- Based on the Ontario Soccer Adapted Match Formats Laws of the Game (formerly Small-Sided LOTG)
- No offsides or assistant referee instruction; disciplinary action for team officials only
- Online component (self-paced) + in-person classroom and on-field sessions
Entry-Level Referee (14+)
- Permitted to referee U12+ games (9v9 or 11v11) or work as an assistant referee
- Minimum age: 14 by March 31 of the playing year
- Certified by Canada Soccer, hosted by Ontario Soccer
- Based on the IFAB Laws of the Game
- Includes offside application, assistant referees, and full disciplinary action (yellow / red cards) for players and team officials
- Online component (self-paced) + in-person classroom and on-field sessions
Register for an Ontario Soccer Referee Clinic →
Referee at WYSC
Once you’re certified, contact the club to be added to our assignor’s list. Game assignments are sent out ahead of each week of play.
Club Head Referee: Hayri Aslan — wyscheadreferee@gmail.com
Season: Outdoor house league runs approximately mid-May to the end of July.
Fields: Elmira, Breslau, and St. Clements.
Pay
WYSC referees are paid per game, by age division:
$25
U8 / U9
FUN JR
Game Leaders
$30
U10 / U11
FUN SR
Small Sided
$35
U12 / U13
Youth JR
Entry Level
2026 WYSC Grassroot Standards
Quick reference for referees officiating WYSC house league games:
| FUN JR (U8 / U9) | FUN SR (U10 / U11) | Youth JR (U12 / U13) | |
| Playing Format | 5v5 (incl. GK) | 7v7 (incl. GK) | 9v9 (incl. GK) |
| Game Duration | 2 × 20 min | 2 × 25 min | 2 × 35 min |
| Ball Size | Size 3 | Size 4 | Size 4 or 5 |
| Substitutions | On the fly or any stoppage | Any stoppage (except PK) | Any stoppage (except PK) |
| Touchline Restarts | Pass in or dribble in | Pass in or dribble in | Throw-in |
| Corner Kicks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offside | No | No | Yes |
| Retreat Line | Halfway line | One third | No |
| 4-up-1-up | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Kicks | All indirect | All indirect | Direct or indirect |
| Distance | 5 m / 6 yd | 5 m / 6 yd | 9.15 m / 10 yd |
| Penalty Kick | No | Yes | Yes |
| Game Fees | $25 | $30 | $35 |
| Slide Tackles | Allowed (fair nature) | Allowed (fair nature) | Allowed (fair nature) |
| Heading the Ball | Allowed but discouraged | Allowed but discouraged | Allowed |
| Max. Players on Bench | 12 | 14 | 18 |
| Max. Coaches on Bench | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Notes:
- A goal cannot be scored directly from a dribble-in or pass-in. If the ball enters the goal without touching at least two players, play is restarted with a goal kick.
- For all youth competitions, a coach must be present in the team’s technical area. If there is only one coach and they are sent off, the referee must abandon the game and submit a Special Incident report.
Game Day Reminders
- Arrive 15 minutes before kickoff to check the field, nets, and player gear.
- Jewelry must be removed — per FIFA, Ontario Soccer, Southwest Soccer, and WYSC rules, all jewelry must be removed to play. Jewelry cannot be taped or covered. This includes newly pierced ears.
- Check shin pads — mandatory for all players, fully covered by socks.
- Bring your gear: referee uniform, whistle, watch, cards (if applicable), notebook.
Resources
- Ontario Soccer — provincial governing body
- Ontario Soccer Officials — courses, registration, and resources
- Referee Clinic schedule
- FIFA / IFAB Laws of the Game
Questions?
Email wyscheadreferee@gmail.com.
