Become A Certified Referee

Players age 14+ who complete referee certification through the Massachusetts State Referee Committee (MSRC) can officiate BAYS (Travel) home games in Wellesley.

AGES:
14+

GENDER:
Boys & Girls

PAY RATE:
Earn $35-85/game
Certification fee reimbursed

DAYS / LOCATION:
Saturdays • Various Wellesley fields

CERTIFICATION:
Required

About the Program

Players age 14 and older can become certified referees through the Massachusetts State Referee Committee (MSRC).

Once certified, referees officiate home games for our BAYS (Travel) program in Wellesley, with opportunities to work away games and the Wellesley Memorial Day Tournament (U9-U10) in May.

Certified referees earn $35-$85 per game, and WUSC reimburses certification and recertification costs for high school and college-aged referees.

This program is ideal for older players—typically Grades 9-12—who want to deepen their understanding of the game while taking on more responsibility.

Program Overview

Certified Referee Program

  • For referees age 14+ (typically Grade 9)
  • Officiate BAYS (Travel) home games in Wellesley
  • Certification required; fees reimbursed
  • Free referee starter kit (jersey, socks, AR flags)
  • Earn $35-$85 per game
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Benefits of Getting Certified

Earn money, build leadership skills, and stay connected to the game while supporting Wellesley’s soccer community. Refereeing builds confidence, professionalism, communication, and accountability—skills that stand out in school, jobs, and beyond.

Perks for WUSC certified referees

  • Full reimbursement for new certification (currently $115)
  • Annual recertification reimbursement; 75% for high school, 50% for college (currently $50)
  • Free referee starter kit (jersey, socks, AR flags)
  • Support from adult and peer mentors
  • Eligibility for the WUSC Judy Lucarelli Award
  • Paid assignments in Wellesley upon certification

Certification Reimbursement

WUSC supports referee development by reimbursing certification and recertification fees.

New certification

Full reimbursement after completing the MSRC Grassroots Referee course (currently $115).

Annual recertification

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

(Current MSRC recertification fee is $50.)

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.

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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 process to become a certified USSF Grassroots Referee.

Your certification fee (currently $115) is fully reimbursable through WUSC.

Step 2

Notify WUSC

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

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 certified referees must attend the mandatory Pre-Season Referee Clinic every Fall and Spring.

Certified Referee Program FAQ