This website will not be updated after January 14, 2008.  For current information on training opportunities (training sessions, refresher courses, entry level courses and fitness tests) go to the referee page of the Soccer Nova Scotia website. 

New Rules and Regulations for 2008  
Soccer Nova Scotia will follow the new rules & regulations for the management of referee programs established by the Canadian Soccer Association.  

The registration year will run from April 1st to March 31st each year.  Your 2007 registration expires March 31st, 2008.  

You will receive a registration package in the mail in February or March.

In the package you will be notified of your new classification (District, Regional or Provincial Referee) and the Leagues in which you are qualified to officiate as a centre referee.  There will be no such designation for assistants.

All returning referees must attend a refresher course as part of the annual registration process.  All courses will be posted on the Soccer Nova Scotia website.

In addition to the mandatory refresher course the HDSRA will be offering training sessions for any of our members who are interested in developing their officiating skills. 

The rules for promotion from District to Regional, and Regional to Provincial have changed.  District Referees wishing to enter the promotion scheme must complete a game log.  You must referee a minimum of 20 qualifying games (11-a-side games Tier 2 U18 and above) and pass the fitness test.  You may then apply for admission into the promotion scheme (deadline March 1st, 2009).  Additional requirements include coursework, an exam and assessments.  The HDRSA will be holding a workshop for Referees wishing to enter the promotion scheme later in the Spring.  You will receive an email notifying you of the time and place.

Officials play an integral role in the sport of soccer and they must recognize their impact on the game, its participants, and their fellow officials.  Nova Scotia officials are expected to demonstrate excellence in conduct and ability at each match in which they participate. This covers the time from arrival until departure from the field. 

·        Do you know the official uniform for a NS referee?

·        Do you know what your responsibilities are, when you are offered a game?

·        Do you know the maximum number of games you may referee each day?

·        Do you know when you might be in a conflict of interest?

·        Do you know when you are required to report to the field?

·        Do you know when a dismissal (formerly misconduct) report must be filed and how to fill one in?

Check your answers

Revised Dismissal Forms (formerly called misconduct forms) are Now Available to Download from the SNS Website

Soccer Nova Scotia has established a new internet resource for information about the various Referee Development Committee programs.