To referee for FUSC you must first obtain a United States Soccer Federation (U.S.S.F.) license. This program is run by the Massachusetts Referees Association (M.R.A.). Information on the U.S.S.F. program may be obtained from the Referee Director. By progressing through the U.S.S.F. referee licensing program, a person could progress to the level where they may referee international and World Cup games. There is an annual fee, payable to the M.R.A., for registration and participation in the U.S.S.F. Referee program. This is not reimbursed by the Club.

Game officials who progress and obtain a higher U.S.S.F. license are provided assignments for games of older playing ages. Assignments to games at a higher level are based upon officiating proficiency and experience. All officiating assignments are made by the Club Referee Director or an assistant. Game officials are paid a fee for their services. The fee paid is dependent on the level of game being officiated, and whether the duties are that of referee, or assistant referee. Since the fee structure is open to change, it has not been included in this content. Specific information may be obtained from the Referee Director.It must be remembered by all referees, coaches, players, supporters and Club officials that it takes time and experience to become a good referee, just as it takes time and experience to develop into a competent soccer player. All officials make mistakes. This is particularly true with new referees starting out in the Under-10 and Under-8 level intramural games. Whatever the level of the game, the referee is there to make the decisions. The referee's call is considered correct, even when it may appear that technically the decision is wrong.

One of the many goals of the Framingham United Soccer Club is to offer our players, coaches, parents and visiting teams the very best referees in the area. This takes time, patience, commitment, and dedication. It is not only the responsibility of the referee Director to assign individual games but train, mentor and promote the development of quality referees. The United States Soccer Federation recently enacted a rule that all referee assignors become certified under those auspices of the USSF. A certified Referee Assignor is trained primarily in the facets of assigning the appropriate referees to the correct level of competition. FUSC was one of the first towns within the Boston Area Youth Soccer Association to have its Referee Director become certified with the USSF.

For additional information or questions contact the FUSC Referee Director.