Where to Referee during SummerPrintable

Where are the Games?
The weather is getting nicer and you want to get out there and referee at a game or two. You sign on to the LWYSA web site and find --- nothing! Does this mean there are no games needing referees? Nope. Here is a summary of where and how to sign up for games.
LWYSA Assigned Games - LWYSA is No Longer Assigning Referees to Games - All Games are Assigned by EKCSRA
LWYSA assigns referees to recreational matches through U12 and some assistant referees for select games through U12. Matches played by older players are usually assigned by EKCSRA. Games occur as follows:
EKCSRA Assigned Games
EKCSRA assigns referees to all levels of game, from young recreational, through highly competitive adult amateur games. They are the primary organization that assigns referees to U15+ games in the Eastside area. Note that EKCSRA (at www.ekcsra.org) is a different organization than LWYSA. If you want to work on those games, you must sign up at their website and follow their administrative procedures. LWYSA administrators cannot do that for you. Games occur as follows: Go to [a1]www.ekcsra.org and start the sign up process ASAP if you are interested in any of the above.
Tournaments
Throughout the year, but especially during summer, there are many tournaments being played. Large tournaments are ALWAYS grateful to have another referee. If you have a valid USSF license, you can find work, though you may need to travel. Some events in more remote locations will even provide you with a hotel room or gas money. However, you need to be aware that every one of these tournaments is different. They will have their own pay rates, their own pay policies (do they send you a check or hand you an envelope with cash, etc.), their own paperwork you may need to complete, and their own method of signing up for games (some you will use a web site. Some, you show up and they will only tell you at the field, one game at a time.) The ONLY way you can figure out which tournaments are right for you is to do research - which may including internet searches, email, or phone calls. Here are some helpful (I hope) hints. Is the tournament right for you? It is a miserable experience to go to a tournament and find that you are over your head for almost all the games there. Similarly, if you are an advanced referee looking to take on a challenge, you probably don't want to sign up for the U7-U10 "Kickaround" (though those games can be really fun to work). So, when you look up a tournament, look closely at the level of play. Words like "recreational" or "jamboree" generally mean that a newer referee will find assignments appropriate for them at the event. Words like "competitive" will usually mean a newer referee will be limited to AR positions - appropriate to their experience. They can be great growing opportunities to see how more experienced referees handle tougher games, but don't expect to be assigned to too many center referee positions if you are new. Words like "Premier", "Elite", or "Showcase" generally mean that there will be very few, if any, opportunities for new referees - and the selection of experienced referees may even be pretty restrictive. Be prepared to jump through hoops to get assignments at those tournaments. It is for you own protection. You really don't want to be assigned to a Showcase game if you've never worked Premier League games. Finally, look at the age levels and game format. You will find everything from 3v3 U7 to competitive U19. Some events have very narrow age ranges, some are more wide open. Once you have found an event that interests you, contact the assignor and find out if they need you (they may not if it is a smaller event or more of an "in house" event) and make sure you ask what paperwork they may want you to provide. Have fun out there!!!

READ AND HEED! If you are working for an assignor, event, or organization for the first time, the assignor will likely ask you what kind of games you have worked and what games you are comfortable doing. BE HONEST! Do NOT exaggerate your game count or experience. If you do, it will be apparent pretty quickly. Assignors talk to each other and if you say "Oh, I've done dozens of U16 Premier games" - and the assignor finds that is inaccurate, you'll find your opportunities quickly dry up. The assignor WANTS you to work the highest level of game you can be successful at. If you have never worked a U16 game (or U12 or whatever), but feel you are ready... just say so. That way the assignor can SUPPORT you by assigning stronger ARs, or maybe even providing a mentor to provide tips along the way. They will also know which coaches to keep you away from! --Nuff said---