Your First Steps As A Maryland Referee
After you become certified, follow these 6 steps:
Step 1: Get Your Uniform
The primary jersey is yellow.
Start with a short-sleeved yellow jersey.
Black shorts and socks are required. Black shoes are preferred.
Purchase economy packages from any online seller of referee jerseys. Some sellers are Official Sports International and the Referee Store.
Step 2: Find an Assignor
Assignors cover different areas and leagues.
Assignments are sent to you through an assignment platform.
Visit the assignor page to find your local assignor.
Step 3: Contact the Assignor
You must reach out to the assignor first before you can referee matches.
If You Are Under 18 (Required):
Must CC parent/guardian in first email
“Hi, I’m a new referee. I’ve completed certification and have my uniform. I’m available weekends. My parent is copied here.”
You can work with multiple assignors or just one.
Do not wait to be contacted by an assignor.
Step 4: Receive Assignments
Assignments are sent by email.
Blocks come through often in 2-4 game sets.
Must accept the full block.
Each league may have modifications. Always review the league rules provided by your assignor.
Step 5: Accept Responsibility
Confirm your availability before accepting.
Confirm your transportation to and from the matches.
Accepted games are a commitment to a date and time that you are agreeing to referee.
Step 6: Set Up Payment
Pay varies by game and league.
You will need to enter banking info in the assigning platform to receive payments.
Some associations charge very small annual admin fees to referee those matches.
Before You Contact an Assignor
Do you have your uniform?
Do I know which assignor to contact?
Am I available to work games?
Do I have transportation?
For Parents
Parents can help ensure uniforms are ready, transportation is available, and assignment emails are monitored. Referees should only accept games that they can commit to.
Recertifying
The referee certification year runs from January through December.
You must recertify every year, and recertification opens in the summer, so you can prepare for the next year early. More information about how to recertify can be found on the recertification page.
Questions
Email sdag@marylandreferees.com and syra@marylandreferees.com.