Whether you are an experienced referee new to British Columbia or if you are new to officiating, BC Soccer has a clinic and pathway for you. The minimum age to become a Referee is 12 years old in the current year, as a Small Sided Referee, or 14 years old in the current year as an Entry Level Referee.

For those who are 12 years of age or older in the current year and are interested in officiating Small Sided soccer, the first step is to enroll and complete a Small Sided Referee Clinic.  

For those who are 14 years of age or older in the current year and are interested in officiating full-field soccer, enroll and complete an Entry Level Referee Clinic.

The Referee Pathway includes two streams at the provincial level; the Community and Performance Pathway. Each has its own grading process based on various criteria and requirements. The Referee Pathway was developed to provide classifications and clear direction for officials who aspire to pursue their individual career goals. The National and FIFA streams are supported through Canada Soccer.

The Grading Protocol is a document that identifies and defines the grades along each pathway and describes the requirements to obtain, maintain and upgrade. The purpose and objectives of the BC Soccer Referee Grading Protocol are to:

1. Better support Referees and Referee Assigners to ensure Referees are being appointed in the best environment for their level and ability.
2. Provide effective tools for identifying Referees for Clubs, Leagues, Districts, Assigners and members of the Development Support Team.
3. Define the requirements for upgrading and maintenance of each grade.
4. Standardize assigning across the province.