Office Hours - Tue – Thurs – 10am – 4pm
Referee
About The Program
Welcome to Elk Grove Soccer Referees! We’re thrilled to have you join us on your referee journey. With a wide selection of games year-round at all levels—ranging from competitive to recreational and tournament play—we offer nearly 4,000 matches annually, providing ample opportunities for your growth and development. Whether you’re seeking your first-time certification or are already certified and ready to join our team, there’s a place for everyone here. Thank you for becoming a part of our community!
Become A Referee
Interested in becoming a soccer referee? Elk Grove Soccer welcomes new referees ages 13 and older. Refereeing is a great way to earn money, learn the game from a different perspective, and build confidence, communication, and leadership skills.
How to Become a Referee
Complete the U.S. Soccer First-Time Referee certification process (New referees must complete the required online coursework and attend an approved field session).
You can find upcoming courses here: Upcoming First-Time Referee Courses
Complete all certification requirements and become a referee, once you do, complete the steps below to referee at Elk Grove Soccer:
- Once certified, contact the Elk Grove Soccer Referee Assignor – David Kincannon.
- Obtain the required referee uniform and equipment.
- You will need the standard referee uniform and basic officiating equipment before working matches.
Please note -if you are a current referee and your referee certification is current, you can officiate matches for Elk Grove Soccer. Contact us!
After your certification is complete, email referee@elkgrovesoccer.com to begin the process of joining the Elk Grove Soccer referee pool. Information about upcoming certification opportunities may also be shared directly with Elk Grove Soccer families throughout the year. If you have questions about the certification process after reviewing the information above, contact referee@elkgrovesoccer.com for assistance.
Already Certified and Want to Join Our Team
Already have a current U.S. Soccer Referee License and interested in refereeing with Elk Grove Soccer?
Before registering with our referee platform, contact the Elk Grove Soccer Assignor and introduce yourself. Please include:
- Name
- Age (if you are a minor, please CC a parent or guardian on the email)
- Years of referee experience
- Do you currently play soccer? If so, at what level?
Once we receive your information, we’ll send you the registration link to join Elk Grove Soccer on Notch Sports, our referee assigning and management platform.
Please do not create an account or register through another link. Contact the Elk Grove Soccer Assignor first so we can make sure you are properly added to our referee pool.
Notch Sports Referee Quick Guide
Make sure to join the Elk Grove Referee WhatsApp Group to ensure you don’t miss any urgent communication: Elk Grove Soccer Referees
“Referee Rules & Resources
All Elk Grove Soccer referees are expected to be familiar with the Elk Grove Soccer Referee Handbook, applicable competition rules, and the current IFAB Laws of the Game.
Before accepting an assignment, referees should review the rules that apply to the specific competition and age group they will be officiating.
Elk Grove Soccer Resources:
Competition Rules
- NorCal Premier Soccer League Handbook
- NorCal Premier Soccer League Match Rules
- NorCal State Cup Rule Modifications
- NorCal N1 Rule Modifications
- NorCal ECNL/RL Rule Modifications
Laws of the Game
NorCal Match Reporting
Referees should submit a NorCal Referee Match Report when a match includes an incident that needs to be reported, including game abandonment, mass confrontation, sideline issues, discriminatory behavior, serious injury, or other significant incidents.
You can access that report here: NorCal Incident Report
Red cards are reported through the NorCal App and do not require a separate red-card report. See how to report that here: Post-Game Event Report
Referees should also notify the Elk Grove Soccer Assignor of any significant match incident.
For all NorCal App questions, visit the guides here: NorCal App User Guides
Referee Pay & Compensation
Elk Grove Soccer values the time, commitment, and professionalism of our referees. Referee pay varies based on the competition, age group, and position assigned.
Our current pay rates can be viewed using REFEREE PAY SCALE (click link)
Elk Grove Soccer also offers a tiered incentive program that rewards referees who consistently work matches throughout the season. Details regarding current pay rates, incentives, and eligibility can be found in the Referee Pay Scale.
Getting Paid
Referee payments are processed through Notch Sports. Referees must complete their payment setup in their Notch Wallet before receiving payment. Payment information, earnings, and payout options can be viewed directly through your Notch account.
Questions regarding referee pay can be directed to referee@elkgrovesoccer.com
Referee Assignor Contacts
For questions regarding referee assignments, scheduling, development, pay, or officiating with Elk Grove Soccer, please contact:
Elk Grove Soccer Referee Assignor
Match-Day Emergency Contact
If you have an urgent issue on match day and are unable to reach David, you may contact:
Dan Templeton
Please use Dan only for urgent match-day issues when David is unavailable.
FAQ
Where do I get my uniform?
Elk Grove Soccer does not sell referee equipment, but we recommend purchasing a starter referee kit from Official Sports. A complete equipment list can be found in the Elk Grove Soccer Referee Handbook under section 3.1. The dress code and attire guidelines are covered in sections 11.1 and 14.5 of the handbook.
What if I am nervous?
It’s natural to feel nervous when starting something new. Elk Grove Soccer is dedicated to supporting new referees. We typically begin new referees as assistant referees alongside experienced officials so they can learn. As you gain confidence, we’ll gradually transition you to the center referee role, if that’s something you’re interested in.
Is there a Notch Sports help guide?
Once you are signed into Notch, the chatbot provides you with links to any process you will need to know on Notch.
How Do I receive Match Assignments?
Available matches can be found in the Open Games section of Notch, where referees can request eligible assignments.
Some matches may also be assigned directly by the Elk Grove Soccer Referee Assignor based on referee experience, ability, availability, and the needs of the match.
Direct assignments will appear in your Notch account and should be accepted or declined promptly.
I did not get a Form 1099 for my taxes.
Notch Sports is responsible for providing a 1099-K. They only provide this form if you’ve reached $20,000 or more in gross payments AND you’ve hit 200+ transactions within the calendar year. These are issued in January. If you’ve earned more than $600, but do not meet the 1099-K threshold, Notch provides you with an “Annual Earnings Summary” for your tax records. It is your responsibility to confirm this with your accountant.
Can I ref with my friends and family?
How do I get paid?
Referees must link a bank account or eligible debit card to their Notch Sports account. Once a match is completed, any required post-game report is submitted, and the match is approved for payment, earnings will be available through your Notch Wallet.