Referees
Curious about what it takes to become a match official?
If you’re interested, please complete the expression interest form.
Referee Programs
The Nepean Hotspurs Soccer Club is committed to the training and developing of match officials at the youth & adult level by providing them a positive learning environment that will help both develop their knowledge and confidence in officiating games. We offer game leaders, youth small sided and entry level match official programs. Our club programs focus on the recreational game and the development of fundamental skills for controlling the game.
Becoming a Match Official
If you are interested in becoming a Match Official please contact Chris Wade, Club Head Referee & Assignor: referee@nepeanhotspurs.ca
And/or complete an expression of interest form. Chris will assist you with the next steps to ensure you attend the necessary courses to become certified. Officiating courses are typically held in the spring of each year.
Match Official Pathway
The Nepean Hotspurs offers three levels of officiating which include Game leaders, Small Sided Game officials (U9 to U10), and Entry Level (U11+). Younger officials typically start in the Game leader and Small Sided Game categories, as it allows them to develop both knowledge of the game and confidence in their abilities.
Game Leader (5v5 for U7/8/9)
The Game leaders’ program was launched by Ontario Soccer in 2016, the Game Leader is a coaching designation and is intended to introduce players, coaches, and officials to the game, while encouraging learning, development, and overall enjoyment of soccer. Game leaders are implemented in all U7 and U8 games, and is administered by the Match Official Department. Ontario Soccer implemented this program because they viewed this program as a valuable introduction to being a match official, as well as a coach.
Small Sided Game (7v7 for U10)
The small sided game is for players from U9 and U10 with a modified set of rules designed to encourage skill development in younger players. There are no scores or standings kept at this level the focus is on participation rather than results. The role of a match official at this level is to help educate players and coaches as well as facilitate game management within the Laws of the Small Sided Game.
Entry Level (9v9 for U11/12/13, 11v11 for U14-18 & Adult)
The role of the match official at this level is to ensure that the laws of the game are followed in a safe environment. The Nepean Hotspurs encourages its officials to continue the process of education started in the Small Sided Game environment. Matches played at U11 and U12 are played in a 9v9 format on a modified field using FIFA Laws of the Game. The Nepean Hotspurs encourages all those who are aged 14+ to start their officiating career at the entry level, however if they want to start at the Small Sided Game level they can.
Career Advancement
There are opportunities for officials to upgrade their skills at various competitive levels. In collaboration with the Eastern Ontario District Soccer Association and Ontario Soccer, the Nepean Hotspurs helps provide its match officials more advanced education opportunities for all ages who are looking for opportunities at the regional and provincial level. We encourage all our officials to upgrade their skills on a regular basis. There are also advanced training opportunities available through Canada Soccer programs for qualified candidates.
Referee Resources
- EODSA Referee Resources: Education Sessions, Policies & Forms and "You are the ref" series
- Ref Centre Ontario Course Registration Page
RefCentre
Once you've completed a course, or your annual registration please ensure all refcenter information is up to date so you are properly set up for the season ahead. Follow our Setting up RefCentre for Assignments Guide to ensure that you can receive game offers!
Payment
Payroll will be completed at the end of each month. In 2024 the first payroll will be run at the end of June. Please ensure we have your information on file or fill out the form below.
Match officials for Club-assigned positions in the EOSL will be paid by direct deposit upon completion of the EFT Direct Deposit Form. Completed forms are to be submitted to gm@nepeanhotspurs.ca
Taking the field
Below are some best practices and recommendations. It's a great start to build on and form good habits as you work through your first few assignments, or simply use it as a quick reference.
Weather
The safety of players, coaches, management and spectators is the primary concern in any weather event that occurs during all matches sanctioned by Canada Soccer.
Canada Soccer severe weather policy
Please be prepared for your match assignments and ensure you are familiar with the specific league rules
Eastern Ontario Soccer League (EOSL)
Ottawa Carleton Soccer League (OCSL)
Ontario Soccer Referee Resources
Our Commitment to Match Officials
District and Clubs Join Together to Call Out Referee Abuse
There is a critical shortage of referees for our leagues, putting league play at risk.
Data tells us that the main reason why young referees leave the game is the behaviour of adults toward them. At meetings held recently with Technical Directors of the EOSL Clubs, the topic of Referee abuse was discussed. It was unanimously agreed at the meeting that abuse of referees has to stop.
We are jointly calling on all coaches, parents and other spectators to STOP abusing referees
We have signed our Club Commitment in support of zero tolerance for referee abuse and will sanction any player, parent, spectator, or team official in accordance with our Codes of Conduct for any criticism, harassment, or abuse of match officials.
