Become a VAFC Referee
Refereeing is a rewarding way to stay involved in soccer, build confidence and leadership skills, stay active, and earn income. Match officials play an essential role in creating a safe, fair and positive experience for players, coaches and families.
VAFC welcomes new and experienced referees and provides opportunities to develop through certification, regular assignments and ongoing support.
START HERE: BECOME A VAFC REFEREE
1. Complete the VAFC Referee Course Interest Form. This tells us you would like to hear about upcoming course opportunities.
2. Watch for course information. When a suitable course is available, eligible applicants will receive instructions.
3. Register for and complete the appropriate BC Soccer referee course. Referees may take an eligible course hosted by another community and still apply to officiate with VAFC.
4. Join the VAFC referee program. After completing your course, email referees@vafc.ca for the registration information needed to begin receiving assignments.
IMPORTANT: Completing the interest form does not register you for a course or guarantee a place. It lets VAFC know you are interested so we can contact you when appropriate opportunities become available.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY SHOULD I BECOME A REFEREE?
Refereeing keeps you connected to soccer while developing communication, decision-making, confidence and leadership. It is flexible paid work, provides real responsibility, and helps the game in your community.
WHO CAN BECOME A REFEREE?
Eligibility, course options and certification requirements are set by BC Soccer and vary by referee pathway. Review the current BC Soccer information before registering so you choose the course that matches your age and experience.
WHEN ARE REFEREE COURSES OFFERED?
Course timing depends on demand, instructor and facility availability. VAFC generally aims to offer Small-Sided and Entry-Level opportunities when enough eligible candidates are available, but exact dates can vary. Complete the interest form for VAFC updates and check BC Soccer regularly for courses hosted throughout the province.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BECOME A REFEREE?
VAFC normally covers the registration fee for courses it hosts. If you plan to take a course hosted elsewhere, contact referees@vafc.ca before registering to confirm the current reimbursement process. Referees are responsible for purchasing their own uniform and equipment.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
At a minimum, referees should have:
• An official referee jersey, with yellow preferred and black or red as alternate colours
• Black referee shorts and black soccer socks without a club logo
• A reliable whistle, with a Fox 40 Classic or equivalent recommended
• A stopwatch
• Yellow and red cards
• A small notebook or other non-electronic method of recording match information
• Pencils, which are more reliable than pens in wet conditions
• One set of referee flags
WHERE CAN I BUY REFEREE EQUIPMENT?
Equipment is available from local soccer retailers, specialist referee suppliers, second-hand marketplaces and online retailers. You may purchase from any suitable source as long as the uniform and equipment meet the requirements above. Local options include:
-Soccer City in Coquitlam
-Sports Town Soccer Shop in Richmond
-HeyRef.ca
-Second-hand marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace
-Online retailers such as Amazon
HOW MANY GAMES WILL I RECEIVE?
VAFC cannot guarantee a specific number of assignments. The goal is to keep active referees involved regularly, with approximately one game per weekend when schedules and availability permit. Assignments depend on your availability, certification level, experience and the club's match schedule and referee needs.
HOW MUCH ARE REFEREES PAID?
Game fees vary by the age group and the role being performed. Current rates are provided to registered VAFC referees, and payments are normally issued monthly by e-transfer.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I COMPLETE MY REFEREE COURSE?
Email referees@vafc.ca. You will receive the required VAFC registration information and instructions for joining the assignment system. Please include your name, certification level and course completion details.
ALREADY CERTIFIED?
Experienced referees who would like to receive VAFC assignments are encouraged to contact referees@vafc.ca. Please include your certification level, recent experience and general availability.
QUESTIONS?
For course, registration, equipment, assignment or payment questions, email referees@vafc.ca.
