Capital Referees is seeking new officials to referee High School Soccer.

Capital Referees is looking for referees to register to officiate middle and high school matches across Central Texas. Officiating soccer provides an excellent way to be involved in the game, work on your fitness and make some great money with a flexible schedule.

To register for Capital Referees, please visit the registration page of our website: http://www.capitalreferees.org/register. For any questions or inquiries, please complete the contact form on our webpage: http://www.capitalreferees.org/contact.

Capital Referees is the Austin, TX Local Chapter of TASO (Texas Association of Sports Officials). They Provide officials to local TAPPS and UIL schools. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What experience do I need to join Capital Referees?

Soccer players, coaches and fans can become excellent officials. Individuals who have officiated other sports can also be excellent candidates to become soccer officials. If an official wishes to become a Varsity center referee and officiate more competitive matches, it is recommended that they take a US Soccer Referee course in the future. This is not a requirement to get started.

When + Where are matches played?

High School and Middle School matches take place from August through May. The busiest part of the season is between December and the end of March. During the peak season there are matches every day but Sunday, with the most matches on Tuesday and Friday afternoons/evenings. Capital Referees provides officials throughout the Austin Metro area. Over 85% of games are within 25 miles of the city of Austin.

Can I set my own schedule?

Yes, we use an electronic scheduling system, ArbiterSports, where you set the days that you are available and unavailable to officiate. You can block the days and times where you have conflicts. The system also matches officials with games that are in their geographic area as much as possible.

What is the pay for each match I referee?

The first match of the day pays $100 for a referee and $80 for an assistant referee. Additional matches are Referee $80 and $60 for an assistant. Matches are usually played in two or three game sets, referees can expect to make between $140 - $225 for an evening of officiating. Working a full day tournament can net around $300 per day.

What are the costs to become an official?

  • TASO Registration - $85 before September 5th, $115 after September 5th - This covers training, insurance and certification necessary to become a high school soccer official.

  • Local Dues - $0 - We waive this fee for your first season. The second season, the cost is $30.

  • Assigning Fees - Normally $100 to start - Each game you are assigned, you pay a fee to the assignor.

What uniforms are used and how can I order my Uniform?

TASO uses the same referee uniforms worn for US Soccer Federation matches, including AMSA, ECNL, WDDOA, and other affiliated leagues. For officials that referee these matches, you can wear your existing uniform.

If you do not have a referee uniform, Capital Referees works with Capelli Sports to provide uniforms at a reasonable cost to officials.

 The recommended starter kit for a new official is:

  • Long-Sleeve Yellow and Green referee jerseys

  • Referee Uniform Shorts

  • Referee Socks

  • Primarily Black Soccer Shoes or Primarily Black Running Shoes

  • A referee kit including a whistle, red and yellow cards, flags, and a notebook

How does Capital Referees develop officials?

Capital Referees has numerous current and former professional referees, as well as current and former referee assessors and coaches who can help you develop. We also have a mentor program that will pair referees with our most experienced referees to help them grow and develop on a nightly basis.

Are there any dates that I should save?

Capital Referees holds a new Referees meeting the week after Thanksgiving in preparation of the High School season; the exact date and location will be announced in the fall.

How old do I need to be to referee high school soccer?

TASO requires members to be 16 years old to become a soccer official.

Do I need transportation to be a soccer official?

We have had officials who were UT students and were able to utilize public transportation options to work matches inside the City of Austin at AISD schools. We have also had college teammates become officials together, work together, and carpool to most of their matches. It does, however, limit the number of matches you can officiate and the locations you can easily access.