Becoming a Referee

Thanks for your interest in becoming a referee.

To get started, you will need to complete an Entry Level Referee Course. Canada Soccer has changed the delivery of this course starting in the spring of 2024. It consists of two parts. The first one is online, hosted by Canada Soccer and the second is an in-person clinic, delivered by Soccer New Brunswick. You must complete both parts to become a referee. The minimum age required to enroll for this course is 14 years.

1) Please go to the Canada Soccer Shopify Referee Education page.
2) Select either the French or English course and proceed with the payment of this course.
3) After payment, you will receive a SmarterU access key which will allow you to register with SmarterU.
4) Then go to the Canada Soccer SmarterU Login page, and register for an account with your access key.
5) After registration, complete the online course (takes approx. 6 to 8 hours).
6) For the second part, please refer to the “Calendar of Events” on our home page. We usually organize in-person clinics from May to July. You must complete the online course before attending the in-person clinic.

Level of Referees

Provincial Referee – A Referee who has demonstrated to the satisfaction of Canada Soccer or a Member Association, as required by these Regulations, the ability to officiate at the Provincial Level.
Regional Referee -A Referee who has demonstrated to the satisfaction of Canada Soccer or a Member Association, as required by these Regulations, the ability to officiate at the Regional Level.
District Referee- A Referee who has completed, successfully, the Entry Level Referee Course, having reached the age of 16 years.
Youth Referee- A District Referee between the ages of 14 – 16 years of age who has completed, successfully, the Entry Level Referee Course.
Futsal Referee -A Referee who has completed, successfully, the Futsal Entry Level Referee Course, having reached the age of 16 years