REFEREES
Saint Paul Blackhawks Soccer ClubREFEREE FOR BLACKHAWKS
We are always looking to add youth and adult referees to our roster. Our goal is to provide excellent officiating at each game, while assigning our pool of referees the games that fit their skills and schedule. We offer competitive pay, upgrade bonuses, and mentors to help new referees improve.
Becoming a referee is a great way for youth to earn good money, while learning valuable time managment and communication skills. It’s also common to have parent/child and siblings who referee together. A great bonding experience!
To become a referee for the Blackhawks you must complete these steps:
Certification and Training
Complete online training at US Soccer Digital Learning Center
Complete in-person training with Minnesota State Referee Committee
Background Check
If you are 18 or older, complete the MYSA Background Check and Safesport Training
Create Account
Create a Game Officials account and join the MAT Assigning group using
Group Number 1066
Access Code SSM
Update Your Preferences
Update your preferences and availability in Game Officials so that you can get some games!
Purchase your gear and equipment
Referees must purchase their own uniform and equipment. This can be found locally at Planet Soccer and Scheels, or online at Amazon
Referee Pay Scale
(as of Fall 2022)
Level | Center | AR |
---|---|---|
U17–U19 | $70 | $50 |
U15–U16 | $60 | $40 |
U13–U14 | $45 | $35 |
U11–U12 | $40 | $30 |
U9–U10 | $30 | $ – |

Questions/More Information
Ben Exley
Referee Director
[email protected]
(612) 234-1138
Referee Certification and Recertification Clinics
You must be US Soccer-certified to referee games for the Blackhawks. New referee training is typically held from January through April every year. Usually, training includes a classroom component, but this year it is 100% online. Some optional on-field sessions may also be offered, weather and circumstances permitting.
For more information on becoming a referee, and to sign up visit the Minnesota State Referee Committee website.
Click on the Become a Referee link for a step-by-step guide and short training guide on the process.
Receiving Assignments
The MAT Assigning team is the referee assignor for Blackhawks home matches. MAT uses the Game Officials system to assign referees to Blackhawk games.
Here is the complete checklist of steps to complete after you have passed your referee test:
-
- Read the MAT Assigning Welcome Letter
- Sign up with the Game Officials online assignment system and join the MAT Assigning group with Group Number “1066” and Access Code “SSM” — details are in the Welcome letter. Remember, you must set your availability and preferences before you can be assigned any games!
- If you will be over 18 any time this season (by July 31), complete the MYSA Background check and SafeSport training. The MN SRC website will confirm when you have completed both trainings.
- Familiarize yourself with the differences between MYSA league games and TCSL league games, especially for the U10 and U11 levels.
- Get Games!