If you are interested in becoming an Ohio High School Soccer Referee (OHSAA),
1) Contact FSRA OHSAA Secretary Matt Planisek at / 440-371-1890 or OHSAA Assignor Joe Blackham / 440-320-5220.
2) Visit OHSAA Officiating and select Become an Official.
OHSAA Soccer Referee classes:
Typically scheduled for late July/early August.
Location: Lorain County Community College.
Day and time: Online only. Two classes from 9:00am to 5:00pm – attendance at both days is required.
Cost: $105.00. This fee includes your first year OHSAA fees ($55.00) and all instructional material.
No prior experience is needed to become certified as a OHSAA soccer referee and all current USSF referees are welcome.
FRSA suggests new OHSAA referees be high school graduates or older, or have proven to be reliable, mature referees.
High School varsity games in NE Ohio typically pay $70-$80 for a center referee and $50-$65 for an assistant referee (AR).
High School JV games in NE Ohio typically pay $60-$70 for a referee.
High schools typically use a 2 referee system for JV matches and a 3 referee system for the varsity match.
When appropriate, a referee may be assigned to a JV match, and then “stay” to run a line (assistant referee) for the varsity match.
Upon completion of the class, you are encouraged to participate in a High School Preview event, a round robin, preseason tournament for HS Boys and Girls teams – usually held in early August. It’s a kick start to the High School soccer season and will help you “cut your teeth” with some experienced referees and real High School soccer action!