Referee Corner

Match officials are the backbone of soccer in Ontario. They ensure the game is safe, fair, and enjoyable for every player, coach, and spectator. Their decisions, professionalism, and commitment allow the sport to thrive at every level—from grassroots to competitive leagues. Ontario Soccer says it best: “No Ref, No Game.” Without dedicated referees, the sport simply cannot happen.



Interested in Becoming a Match Official?

Ontario Soccer is committed to helping new Match Officials get started. They offer two certification pathways for those looking to become registered Match Officials: Small Sided Clinics and Entry Level Clinics. Each clinic consists of two key portions which are online learning modules and a one day in person practical session (classroom & onfield).

Entry Level Clinic (14+ years of age by March 31st of the current year)

·     Entry Level Match Official Clinic is for those who would like to become an accredited match official for 9v9 and 11v11 games

Small Sided Clinic (12-13 years of age by March 31st of the current year)

·     Small Sided clinic is for those who would like to become an accredited match official on 7v7 games


Clinics are held once a year throughout the Spring (Between March-May) on a first come, first serve bases.

To find and register for courses, select 'Register for a Course'.

Match Official Fee’s & Reimbursement 

Walkerton FC is proud to support the development of our local match officials through a dedicated reimbursement program for all in‑town referees. To help remove financial barriers and encourage more participants to get certified, the club covers eligible expenses associated with annual referee registration as well as the required Respect in Sport certification:

  • Match officials who officiated 8+ matches in a season will receive 100% reimbursement on annual registration
  • Match officials who officiated between 5-7 matches in a season will receive 50% reimbursement on annual registration
  • Match officials will be reimbursed for the completion of their Respect In Sport (RIS) certificate for match officials. Recertification required every 5 years.

New match officials referring primarily in Walkerton will be provided a match official starter kit which consist of (Black shirt, short, socks, whistle, notebook with card(s), assistant referee flag(s).

For more information on how to become a certified match official, please contact our Head Referee, Alex Sourkov, at headrefwfc@gmail.com.

Age Division
Referee Game Fee
Assistant(s) Referee Game Fee
U7

$40

n/a

U9

$40

n/a

U11

$40

n/a

U13

$55

$40

U15

$60

$45

U18

$70

$55

U21

$85

$65

Adult

$80

$60