Bend fc Referee Group
BECOME A BEND FC REFEREE
Please follow all of these steps to become a Bend FC referee:
- All Referees must be USSF Grassroots Referee certified (formerly we required Grade 8, but USSF is changing in 2020 to a single certification to replace Grades 7, 8 and 9 called Grassroots Referee).
- You MUST have an unexpired badge (2024 or 2025) to referee for Bend FC.
- New Referees
- You must successfully complete a Grassroots training course
- Existing/Returning referees
- You must hold an valid USSF Grassroots Referee Certification for 2025. For most returning referees this means renewing yearly.
- Bend FC uses USSF assignors and USSF mentors for referee scheduling, training. All Bend FC referees will be paid directly by Bend FC, by our assignors, or our assigning platform.
- You may register on our website. By registering on the Bend FC website as part of our referee group, you will receive updated information in regards to Bend FC leagues, tournaments, and other referee news and events. You will also receive updated USSF Grassroots Course information.
- After becoming a licensed USSF referee, be sure to join Bend FC Reftown to receive game assignments. Click Here to access Reftown. You will need to click on Registration for Officials to set up your account and request to join groups.
- Links to access certification requirements as new referees or renewing license:
- New First Time Referee Course Sunday, February 23rd, 2025
- Click Here to register for the course on US Soccers website.
- SafeSport certification required for ages 18 and older, click here to complete.
- THOSE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A USSF REFEREES MAY REGISTER ON THE BEND FC WEBSITE USING THE FOLLOWING REGISTRATION LINK.
https://www.bendfctimbers.com/bend-fc-referee-program
3. For information regarding Bend FC's referee program:
REFEREE FAQ's
Q: I am a youth referee (age 13-17) but don't live in Central Oregon or go to school there. Can I referee for Bend FC?
A: Not at this time. However, you can register to referee our summer tournaments.
Q: I am an adult referee (over 18). Do I need to register on the Bend FC website?
A: Yes. Adult referees who are current with certifications (USSF Grassroots or Grade 8 minimum) may officiate. Adult referees are used to center rec games, AR older youth rec games, and adult league games. Adults also do not need to attend the youth referee meeting, but it is expected that they will review the "Rules and Reference" tab on this site to enforce local recreational rules.
Q: My certification expired (or I just took the class and my paperwork is still in process). Can I referee right now?
A: No, you cannot. Your current USSF certification is also your liability insurance. All referees must also complete Concussion training and referees 18 yrs and older are required to complete SafeSport training. We cannot assign referees to games until completion certificates of the above have been provided to us.
Referees with expired badges can renew by contacting US Soccer through the US Soccer Learning Center. In some situations, they will be required to take a test again, complete concussion training, and, if over 18, complete SafeSport training. There is also a recertification fee. They will be eligible to referee immediately once their paperwork is processed by USSF and received by Bend FC Assignors. This process can take several weeks, so please plan ahead.
Q: Are there local rules? How do I get assigned games? How do I get paid? What do I get paid? How many games can I do? What uniform do I need? What ages can I referee? How will the Bend FC referee assignor communicate with me?
A: Bend FC will hold a yearly mandatory meeting for referees before the spring season to go over recreational and age-specific rule modifications, the assigning process, expectations of referees and to address all other questions. This meeting will be announced by email to all referees in the Bend FC Referee Group (registered with Bend FC). All communication before and during the season is done by email at whichever email you use for this registration.
YOUTH REFEREES MUST INCLUDE A PARENT'S NAME AND EMAIL WHEN REGISTERING WITH BEND FC.
If you miss the pre-season meeting for ANY reason, you will be responsible for reviewing the materials. You MUST contact the Referee Assignor or League Coordinator to get the complete packet of information, or you will not be made active for game assignment. Adult referees who are familiar with Bend FC league rules and have refereed adult league in the previous seasons do not have to attend the preseason meeting.
Q: I am a youth over the age of 13 or an adult who is not a certified referee. Can I register with Bend FC before I become certified?
Yes. Bend FC will allow you to register and will provide information on getting certified through US Soccer.
Additional USSF Referee Resources:
CENTRAL OREGON SOCCER OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION or COSOA is Central Oregon's home to High School Soccer Officials and assists with mentoring, assigning, and training. More information at cosoa.net
If you have other questions, please contact Jessica Passage
