Woolwich Youth Soccer Club

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.

WYSC uses a three-step referee pathway. Your age on March 31 of the playing year decides which step you start at, and once you are old enough for the next step you move up — each step prepares you for the one after it.

Referee Pathway

Step 1

Game Leader

Age 11 or 12, but not yet 12 on March 31

FUN JR (U8 / U9) games
No course required — club-run

Step 2

Small-Sided Referee

12 or 13 on March 31

FUN JR & FUN SR (U8 – U11) games
Ontario Soccer Small-Sided course

Step 3

Entry-Level Referee

14 or older on March 31

Youth JR (U12+) games, plus U8 – U11
Ontario Soccer Entry-Level course

Game Leaders (Ages 11 – 12)

Game Leaders run our FUN JR (U8 / U9) games. At this age there is no formal referee — the Game Leader keeps time, restarts play, helps the players understand the rules, and keeps the game moving and fun. It is the first step on the referee pathway and a great way to gain experience before taking a certification course.

Who can be a Game Leader?

  • You are 11 or 12 years old, but you were not yet 12 on March 31 of the playing year
  • No Ontario Soccer course is required — Game Leaders are trained and supported by the Club Head Referee
  • Game Leaders are paid $25 per game, the same FUN JR rate as certified referees

Game Leader is a step toward certification, not a substitute for it. As soon as you are eligible for a referee course, you are expected to take it:

  • If you are 12 by March 31, you are eligible for the Small-Sided Referee course and must certify — you cannot register as a Game Leader.
  • If you are 14 by March 31, register for the Entry-Level Referee course.

To get started as a Game Leader, email the Club Head Referee at wyscheadreferee@gmail.com.

Get Certified

Before officiating WYSC games as a referee you need to complete a course through Ontario Soccer. There are two certification levels, depending on your age on March 31 of the playing year.

Small-Sided Referee (12 – 13)
  • Permitted to referee approx. U7–U11 games (4v4, 5v5, or 7v7)
  • Age: 12 or 13 by March 31 of the playing year (if you are 14 by March 31, take the Entry-Level course instead)
  • 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
  • Age: 14 or older 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 & Small Sided

$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.
  • These standards are based on the Canada Soccer / Ontario Soccer Grassroots Standards. See the Ontario Soccer Grassroots Resources for the full rules and rationale.

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

Questions?

Email wyscheadreferee@gmail.com.