Looking for a referee class? 
New referees click here. 
Returning (recertifying) referees click here.

Class registration for new referees for 2021 closed on May 1.  Certification for new referees for 2022 will begin on July 1. 

Online training and field sessions for those who registered by April 30 will be available through May 31.  New referees who complete the online training and field session by May 31 will receive a 2021 referee badge at the field session.  These referees will need to pay the 2022 registration fee and complete a recertification clinic before December 31, 2021, to receive their 2022 badge.

US Soccer published a new position paper on, "Denying a goal or obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO)."

This paper clarifies that a send-off (Red Card) is warranted when a goalkeeper commits a foul outside of the penalty area and the goal is unprotected. In recent high-profile games, referees have been penalizing with a caution (Yellow Card) for Stopping a Promising Attack (SPA).  

Posted: June 6, 2021

The MDCVASRP Policy Manual received significant updates in April 2021.  Look for it under the Resources tab.

Our May virtual instruction session will be hosted by three National Officials from D.C. and Virginia.  

On Monday, May 24, 2021, at 7:30 PM, Danielle Chesky (FIFA Referee), Max Smith (National Referee) and Meghan Mullen (National Referee) will discuss the importance of teamwork in the referee crew. Topics include how to provide assistance in making calls (referee to AR and AR to referee), communication (what, when, how), and getting the call right (piecing it together). The presentation will last about one hour with an opportunity to ask questions.

We have increased capacity in our Zoom account so we expect to accommodate everyone who is interested in this training event.

Email mdcvasrp@erols.com for a Zoom invite.

An all-female crew officiated a USL Championship game for the first time when Tampa Bay Rowdies hosted Charlotte Independence on May 8, 2021.

Tori Penso refereed the game from the center alongside assistant referees Brooke Mayo and Virginia's Meghan Mullen, with Alyssa Nichols taking the role of fourth official.

FIFA officials Penso and Mayo both made their MLS debuts last season and worked together during two games in February’s 2021 She Believes Cup, while Mullen and Nichols have officiated across USL and NWSL competitions since 2019.

Charlotte Independence fell to the Tampa Bay Rowdies 3-0.  Two yellow cards and no red cards were shown to each team during the match.

SafeSport training for adult referees does not run concurrently with your referee license - it expires one year from the date you most recently completed SafeSport training. 

Referees with expired SafeSport training are disqualified from officiating, so complete the free 20-minute online refresher before your SafeSport expires to maintain your referee license.   

Referees turning 18 this year will complete the SafeSport core course online after their 18th birthday.   

Acacia Ellis was recently appointed to the DCV State Referee Committee as the SRC Referee Assignor Liaison. Acacia replaces Patrick McFall, who moved out of state.

As Assignor Liaison, Acacia facilitates communications between the SRC and certified assignors. She is the first point of contact for resolving issues between referees and assignors, and facilitates coordination among assignors to achieve the objectives of the State Referee Program.

Acacia officiates soccer and futsal and serves as the State Cup assignor for Prince William County. She is a very active volunteer in the referee and assignor communities for Virginia, regional, and national events. She recruits and assigns volunteer referees for the Virginia Special Olympics Championships and provides operational support each year at the Region 1 United States Adult Soccer Association SoccerFest Tournament.

Having lived in both Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads area, Acacia has forged relationships with many officials and assignors within the state and looks forward to promoting discussions among the SRC, assignors and referees in her new role as the state Assignor Liaison.

Posted January 21, 2021

The State Referee Committee appointed Chuck Watts as our new State Director of Assessments (SDA).  Chuck took over the reigns as the SDA on 1 July from Don Torrenti, who is stepping down after serving as the DCV SDA for the past 15 ½ years.  

Although stepping down from the SDA position, Don will continue serving the DCV Referee community as a National Referee Coach.  Throughout the years, Don has assisted numerous referees in their progression from the Grassroots level to the FIFA Panel.  Thanks Don for your many years of service as the SDA and for continuing to serve and mentor DCV referees. 

Chuck is a current National Referee Coach and most recently served as the Area Director of Assessments (ADA) for the Central area.  Prior to that, he was the ADA for the North area.  Chuck began his referee career in 1980 and achieved the grade of National Referee before retiring from active officiating. 

Posted July 1, 2020

Greg Hauck was recently appointed to the DCV State Referee Committee as the Area Referee Administrator for the Central Region of Virginia.  

Greg is a USSF certified Referee Assignor, Assessor, Instructor/Coach, and Regional Emeritus Referee.  He also served as the Commissioner for the Rappahanock Soccer Referee Association.  

Area Referee Administrators form the integration hub of assessors, assignors, and instructors.  They  focus on the success of referees in their local geographic areas, while assisting the State Referee Administrator in a variety of activities.

Greg replaces Bob Martin, who has served the soccer referee community for 38 years.  Welcome, Greg, and a fond farewell to Bob, with our sincere appreciation for all you have done to promote excellence in officiating for so many years.

Postd July 1, 2020

Our new MDCVASRP website is supported by volunteers like you.  We are committed to making this website valuable and informative for everyone in our program.  Please contribute your ideas by clicking here.

Modified Nov 4, 2020

Apr 26 - Zoom with our National Referees

May 22-23 - President's Cup Finals

May 22-23 - USYS League Championship

May 24 - Zoom with our National Referees

Jun 5-6 - State Cup Finals

Jun 21 - Zoom with our National Referees