2026 Referee Clinics

Entry Level Clinic (14+)

The Entry Level Referee Clinic is the entry point into 11 a-side soccer. Once an individual is successful in passing this clinic they will be classified as a Youth Referee (if they are 14 or 15 years old) or a District Referee (if they are 16 years old or older). The goal of this clinic is to ensure that individuals who pass are capable to be either a Referee or an Assistant Referee in 11 a-side soccer.

• Age Requirement: Applicants enrolling in Entry Level Clinics must be 14 years of age on or before December 31 of the current year. This is a firm requirement set by Canada Soccer.
• Registration Deadline: February 20, 2026
• Clinic Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
• Clinic Details:
  • 9 SmarterU Online Modules must be completed 48 hours prior to the classroom & on-field session.
  • One in person session:
    • Classroom Session: 9:00-11:30 AM at SYSA Office (310B Ross ST NE, Salmon Arm)
    • On-Field Session: 12:00-4:00 PM at Blackburn Turf Field (480 5th Ave SW, Salmon Arm)

Clinic Fee: $161.96

Questions or Additional Support?

• Check out the Referee Pathway to help guide your decision on which course to take.
• Review our Referee Course – FAQs for more helpful tips and answers

Small Sided Referee Clinic (12+)

The Entry point of officiating Small Sided Soccer.  Ideal for those looking to officiate age groups up to U13. (5v5-9v9 Match Formats)

• Age Requirement: Applicants enrolling in Small Sided Clinics must be 12 years of age on or before December 31 of the current year. This is a firm requirement set by Canada Soccer.

Once an individual is successful in passing this clinic, they are classified as a Small Sided Referee and may officiate in matches with players between U6-U12

Clinic Dates: Saturday, April 18, 2026
9:00-10:30: Classroom Session at SYSA Office. (Part 1)
11:00-1:00: On-Field Session at Blackburn Park.
2:00-3:30: Classroom Session at SYSA Office. (Part 2)

SYSA Office: 310B Ross ST NE, Salmon Arm
Blackburn Park: 480 5th Ave SW, Salmon Arm
*SYSA Staff will organize carpooling options with parents for participants to get to and from Blackburn Park.

Clinic Structure & Planning:

• 5-7 Hours of Suggested Study Time: Small Sided Rules of the Game
• Exam: 30 Questions, 80 minutes.
• 7 Hours in Person Practical Training

Clinic Fee: $72.71

Registration Deadline: April 11, 2026

NEW REFEREE – HOW TO REGISTER

1. Click Here
2. Select Small Sided or Entry Level
3. Review Course Overview
4. Complete the 5 Registration Steps:
   1. Referee Course Selection
   2. Ref Centre Account Creation
   3. Online Waiver Completion
   4. Referee Course Payment & Approval
   5. Confirm CASL Preferences

Questions or Additional Support?

• Check out the Referee Pathway to help guide your decision on which course to take.
• Review our Referee Course – FAQs for more helpful tips and answers

SYSA REFEREE SCHEDULING

Referee scheduling priority is given to those that have attended the Entry Level Clinic ahead of Small Sided Clinic attendees.

Youth soccer refereeing questions can be emailed to: opsmanager@shuswapsoccer.com