Anyone who is twelve (12) years old as of January 1st and is interested in becoming a referee may arrange to attend an entry level referee clinic. These clinics are put on throughout the year, although most are held in the spring. They are normally organized by the larger soccer clubs in each local soccer district. Sometimes a district will put on a clinic on its own.

The clinics available are listed on the Ontario Soccer Association websitewww.soccer.on.ca.

If the Ottawa Royals are offering a clinic at a convenient time, get in touch with the person designated on the OSA website as the clinic contact. Each clinic is limited to 25 candidates. With the Ottawa Royals, registration is on a first-paid, first-registered basis. You will be asked to send in full name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, and a cheque for $50 (Please make your cheques payable to Ottawa Royals Soccer Club).

If we do not have space in our in-house clinics, a candidate may arrange to attend a clinic through any other club or district. You may also contact the head referee and he may arrange a clinic through any other club.

Each clinic consists of 16 hours of class and field time with one or two instructors assigned by the OSA. There is usually a representative of the club or district in attendance who will help the instructor(s) and referee candidates, particularly with details concerning how officiating for that club works. With the Ottawa Royals, the Head Referee attends each clinic.

Upon passing a quiz at the end of the clinic, each graduate will have become a Class 4 referee. Each new referee will need a uniform and equipment. Once properly equipped, the referee will be able to contact the Ottawa Royals, other clubs, and other leagues to obtain assignments to games.

Each new referee will operate in the first year with an identification card provided at the end of the clinic. In each subsequent year, the referee must register with the OSA and will receive a new identification card. In subsequent years, each referee may be eligible to upgrade to a higher classification through the development process.