Referees
Contact referee@edenprairiesoccer.org for further questions or information.
EPSA Referee Mission
The EPSA referee mission is to maximize safe, fun and fair play at EPSA. The referee program is staffed primarily by youth and teens from the Eden Prairie community who are learning more about the game of soccer from another vantage point. With help from adult referees, volunteer coaches and support from all families, we can develop another dimension of youth sports engagement.
Referee Development Program
Learning all the skills required to be a referee takes time and practice which is why our referee development program will facilitate hands-on learning during the practice season and will continue to reinforce rules and mechanics on game days. We will focus on building fundamental referee skills in the following areas:
- Building confidence during pre-game sessions to ensure games run more smoothly.
- Understanding and executing game mechanics including managing a game clock, scorecards, water breaks, game setup, and restarts.
- Mastering center referee hand signals and whistling that clearly communicates to players, coaches and spectators decisions made on the field.
- Performing assistant referee (AR) flag signals including possession, offsides, goal and corner kicks, and fouls.
- Communicating with language that youth players can clearly understand to help them continue to learn and ensure games keep moving along.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I become a referee?
Being a soccer referee can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Not only do referees play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the game, but they also gain a variety of benefits from their involvement in the sport. Below are some of the top reasons to become a referee.
- Get paid for doing something you love.
- Develop leadership, decision-making, and communication skills: As a referee, you are responsible for making important decisions on the field and communicating effectively with players and coaches. This experience can help to develop your leadership, decision-making, and communication skills, which can be valuable in other areas of your life.
- Connect with others: By becoming a referee, you will have the opportunity to connect with other referees, coaches, players, and fans. This can be a great way to make new friends and expand your social circle.
- Stay active and healthy: Soccer referees are required to stay active and maintain a high level of fitness. By officiating games, referees are able to stay in shape and promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Give back to the community: Referees play an important role in the community by helping to ensure that soccer games are played in a safe and fair manner. By becoming a referee, you will be able to give back to your community and make a positive impact on the sport.
- Become a better player: Learning the game from a new vantage point gives you advantages as a player as you continue to develop your level of play.
How old does a referee have to be?
We prefer that referees are at least 12 years old (you must be at least 13 years old to be certified).
Do I need to be certified?
No, you do not need to be certified, however we highly recommend it. EPSA will help to offset some the initial costs if you decide and will cover up to half of the costs.
How do I become certified or re-certify?
Please review the details listed under the Minnesota SRC Certification section.
I'm new to this. What do I need to know?
We highly recommend you go through the certification process which provides robust online, classroom, and in-person training.
If you decide not to become certified or are under the age of 13, we have curated some training materials for new and returning referees. In addition, we plan to host in-person training sessions before the beginning of the season. Please review the Referee Training Resources section.
Referee training resources
Here are some resources curated from the Minnesota State Referee Committee (MNSRC) and the International Football Association Board (IFAB)
Please review the documents and videos to become familiar with the Laws of the Game.
- Referee Mechanics (video)
- Assistant Referee Mechanics - Part 1 (video) & Part 2 (video)
- IFAB - Laws of the Game (PDF document)
Referee Training Clinic dates and locations
TBD at Flying Cloud Fields
Each session will cover the fundamentals of refereeing including, but not limited to: referee hand signals, whistle protocol, assistant referee flag signals, league rules by division, and more.
Minnesota SRC certification instructions (new or returning)
There is no reason to delay you becoming a NEW soccer referee, or recertifying as a returning referee. With all the clarifications to the Laws of the Game, it is strongly suggested that you take the course.
New or returning referees: review the instructions here.
Step 1: register
Create a US Soccer Federation account then find a course near you on the MNSRC Grassroots First-Time Referees Course List. (TIP: make sure Minnesota State Referee Committee is selected as the HOST)
The first thing they will want during registration is payment - be prepared to pay by credit card.
Total cost: $80 ($110 if 18 years or older)
New referee cost:
- $60 - MNSRC Grassroots Registration
- $20 - Service fee
- $30 - Background check (if over age 18)
EPSA will reimburse up to half the cost ($40 for new referee certification, $20 for existing referee re-certification) if you work for the EPSA program and referee at least 5 games. More information will be provided on the reimbursement process as the season begins, so keep track of your expenses.
Step 2: Watch the videos
You must watch videos on rule changes before you take the quiz. There are about 7 hours of training videos and a quiz the must be completed, so plan your time accordingly.
• Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments – 1 hr.
• SafeSport (if 18 years or older) – 1 hr.
• Online Grassroots Referee Course Module – 4.5 hr.
• First Time Grassroots Referee Quiz – 45 mins.
Step 3: Take the quiz
You must pass the quiz with a score of at least 75 in order to move on to step 4. Don't put this off!
If you don't pass, you can retake the test until you do.
Step 4: attend in-person training
You must attend a 4 hour in-person training.
All online training modules and quiz must be completed prior to attending the in-person training.
Step 5: Inform the EPSA referee director you are certified
Please email referee@edenprairiesoccer.org to let us know you are certified and interested in being a referee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I can't register my child with his/her grade, what do I do?
Register your child in the division their birth date puts them in then email registration@edenprairisoccer.org with a request to change divisions to play with their grade. During Late Registration there is no guarantee of division change. You should check with registration first to see if the desired division has openings.
Q: How many games do the teams play?
Seasons typically have 14-15 sessions depending on holidays and weather.
Teams typically practice in the beginning of the season then transition to playing refereed games.
The actual season schedule is dependent on age and skill level. Younger divisions continue to practice throughout the season in order to build skill fundamentals and have fun playing soccer-like games. Older divisions transition to game-only sessions. This transition point is also dependent upon division.
Q: How do you decide when to cancel games?
Please refer to the Cancellation Policy. Note that parents, coaches nor team managers can cancel games. Our Game Cancellation Policy provides a clear chain of command prior to a game and while on the field to ensure the highest level of player, coach and spectator safety.
Q: What division is my child in?
Players are assigned to divisions based on their ages. Grade is only an approximate guide. Use the guide on the Divisions page.
Q: When does my child play?
Go to the Division Schedule page.
Q: How are teams formed?
There are no tryouts. Players are assigned to teams based upon their age and gender (some programs are coed) with an effort to balance the teams equitably. A group of up to three coaches may request that they work together, but we do not accept multiple player requests nor do we form “neighborhood” teams.
Q: How often do you play?
Teams meet twice per week, usually on a weekday evening and on Saturday. The high school division plays on Sunday instead of Saturday.
Q: Can I request that my child play with a friend on the same team?
Request will be considered if and only if the following conditions are met:
1. Players may only make ONE request.
2. The request must be mutual, i.e.both players must request each other.
3. Requests will not be accepted after the last day of regular registration.
NOTE: EPSA is under no obligation to honor friend requests. Our primary concern is to put together balanced teams. Requests complicate that process. We realize that this is a harsh policy, but we feel it is necessary because our program includes more than 1,000 players. Some programs have 50% request rates and “daisy chain” effects often result in more players than can be put on a team.
For those of you who are concerned about carpooling, please remember that most programs play in the same place at the same time. You
should still be able to carpool even if you are not on the same team.
Q: What equipment does my child need?
EPSA will provide the jersey. Players need to have cleats, socks, shinguards, and a soccer ball. Some socks are available for players (while supplies last). Please see the Division Details page for the correct size. Players also need to bring a water bottle to practices and games.
Q: I’m volunteering as a coach. Can I request to work with another coach.
Coaches and co-coaches may request to coach with one other coach. It is recommended both coaches request each other. Not all coach requests can be fulfilled. Enter the name of your coaching request in the coaches request field on your child's registration.
Q: I do not have a child in the program, but would like to volunteer Coach a team. Can I request a specific age group and gender or request to coach a specific child?
We welcome volunteers to coach in our program even if they do not have a child playing in the program. Often, a sibling, relative or friend who enjoys soccer and would like to give back to the sport requests to play on a specific child's team as well. Volunteer coaches can also request to coach a specific age group or gender, although some of these requests cannot be met as we prefer to place volunteer coaches without a specific child's name requested in divisions who need coach help the most. See all coaching requirements under the COACHES tab on the site.
Q: When will I be notified of team assignments and practice locations?
You will be contacted by your coach about one week prior to the beginning of the season. If you have not heard by that time then email your Division Commissioner.
Q: Is proof of age required?
Yes. Proof is required upon request. Any falsification is grounds for dismissal.
Q: May parents question a referee's call?
Referees have total game authority. Many soccer calls are subjective. Parent sideline behavior is expected to set an example for the children. Your team's coach may ask for clarification but you cannot challenge the judgment or question the integrity of the officials.
Q: How are teams picked?
Division Commissioners run the divisions and try to create equally balanced teams based on age and gender.
Q: Any exception to random team picking?
No. The coaches, assistant coaches' and team managers' children will be part of their parent's team unless the coach requests otherwise. Commissioners are under no obligation to honor any other requests for placements on specific teams. Our goal is to achieve balanced teams.
Q: When will my child's team information be available?
Typically one week prior to the beginning of the season, your child's coach will contact you regarding the first practice. At the first practice, the team manager will provide you with a field schedule, picture schedule, jersey, and other information.
Q: What are the policies for dropping off my child?
Please see our Policies page for all policies related to Adult Supervision requirements, photo taking policy and codes of conduct for Adults, Parents and Coaches.
Pictures
Photos schedule and order form.