Referees
We are looking for referees and all NEW aspiring referees must be certified by U.S. Soccer before they can work.
The Arkansas Referee Program provides the registration and on field training session and U.S. Soccer administers the online course work. All new aspiring referees must complete the online work and pass the test and complete the on field training session in order to be certified.
Referees must be at least 13 years old.
Re-certification is required every year and begins July 1 for the following year.
To get started, please click on this link: Become a Referee.
After passing the certification test, you can contact Jeff Woodall (assignor.jeffw@gmail.com)to get assigned to games at Maumelle Rolling Oaks, Natural Steps, Murray Park, or Riverdale.
Contact Kyle Shunkey (kshunke@gmail.com) to get assigned to games at Burns Park.
New referees usually start out as an assistant referee (AR) on younger games.
Arkansas Rising's Referee Fees and Compensation
1.) Improved Game Experience for Players and Parents: Ensuring that all games are covered by qualified referees leads to smoother gameplay, better enforcement of rules, and a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Happy players and parents are more likely to re-register for future seasons.
2.) Increased Referee Retention and Recruitment: The bonus structure and referral incentives will motivate current referees to take on more games and refer others, helping to build a stronger and more reliable referee pool for future seasons.
3.) Reliability and Commitment: By rewarding referees for early sign-ups and consistently completing assignments, we create a culture of reliability, ensuring fewer last-minute cancellations and better game coverage overall.
4.) Long-Term Financial Benefits: By reducing the number of games without referees, we minimize the risk of complaints or negative experiences that could lead to lost registrations. A positive game-day experience encourages families to continue with the program, securing future revenue streams.
Arkansas Rising's Referee Incentive Plan:
1.) Tiered Bonus for Game Coverage
- 10 games: $50 bonus
- 20 games: $100 bonus
- 30 games: $150 bonus
- 40+ games: $200 bonus
2.) Referral Program
- $50 bonus for each new referee (after completing 10 games)
3.) Game-Week Completion Bonus
- $10 bonus per game for referees who complete all assigned games in a single weekend (at least 3 games)
4.) Early Signup Bonus
- $50 bonus for referees who confirm availability for at least 5 games in the first two weeks of the season.
5.) Recognition and Awards
- End-of-season awards for top-performing referees in terms of punctuality, sportsmanship, and games officiated.
CARL/ACSL Referee Fees
| Level | Referee | AR (each) | AR (each) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9u/10u | $40 | NA | NA |
| 11u/12u | $40 | $30 | $30 |
| 13u/14u | $50 | $35 | $35 |
| 15u/16u | $60 | $40 | $40 |
| 17u/18u | $70 | $45 | $45 |
*Friendly games to be paid at the ACSL rates
Boys & Girls ECNL-RL Referee Fees
| Level | Referee | AR (each) | AR (each) |
|---|---|---|---|
| U13 | $70 | $45 | $45 |
| 14u/15u/16u | $75 | $45 | $45 |
| 17u/18u/19u | $85 | $55 | $55 |