WNY Soccer Referee Association

05/14/2026

⚽ Busy Season is Here!

We’re entering the busiest time of the year for matches:

📊 7,500+ games coming up in WNY
📍 ~4,000 in Rochester
📍 ~2,600 in Buffalo
➕ More games are still being added!

❗ Not Getting Assignments?
If you’re not getting games (or not as many as expected), here are the most common reasons:

✅ Follow the tips below
📈 Trust me—your match count WILL go up!

👤 1. Adult Referees (if you are currently 17 but turn 18 shortly, this applies to you on your 18th birthday)
✅ Ensure Your Referee license is in GREEN in AssignR - If it is not, your license is suspended because (keep keep reading)
✅ Ensure Background Check is updated in GotSport - common mistake is to start it BUT not pay the $35 fee
✅ Ensure SafeSport is current in US LC
🚫 If either is missing, AssignR will block assignments automatically

🧒 2. Minor Referees
✅ Ensure Your Referee license is in GREEN in AssignR
✅ Make sure your Parental Attestation is current in GotSport

📅 3. Availability
✅ Open up your schedule as much as possible
❌ Do NOT block partial days Monday–Friday ⏰ There are no games before 6 PM - If you have these, delete them NOW.

🚗 4. Travel Distance
✅ Increase your travel distance (or remove the limit)
📍 Most games will still be close to home

📍 5. Venue / Age Group / League / Position Preferences
🚫 Delete any you have added. Why limit yourself?
⚠️ This is a common mistake and SIGNIFICANTLY limits your assignments
🧹 Go into AssignR and delete all preferences
✅ Use a mileage limit instead (or leave it open or make it as big as possible)

❓ Still Not Getting Games?
📞 Contact your local assignor
📍 Don’t know who that is? Reach out to your local DRA

05/13/2026

2026 Recertification CLOSES 5/18/26.
Meaning….
All 2026 Recertification requirements MUST be fully completed NO LATER THAN 5/18/26. The requirements are: 7 online lessons in OMS & and have an up to date Background Check or Parental Attestation.

Do not procrastinate!!!! There is no more time!!!! 

05/01/2026

Both of our National Officials are working matches this weekend. Great work, gentlemen!

04/15/2026

Congrats Dan!

04/11/2026

WNY Again is represented at the World Cup!!!! One our own!!! Congrats

NEWS: FIFA has appointed a record eight U.S. Soccer Referees for this summer's FIFA World Cup second most of any country in the world.

Among them, Tori Penso is one of only two women referees appointed and along with Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, makes up the only all-woman referee trio selected for the tournament.

Congrats to all eight of our World Cup-bound match officials!

04/03/2026

GREAT NEWS, we have delayed $40 Late Registration Fee to tax day, 4/15/26. Remember, you don't have to complete the courses by 4/15, you just need to log into OMS and pay the fees to lock your rate in. Again, simply log into OMS by 4/15/26 to begin the recertification process. If anybody has any questions, please reach out to your local DRA or you can shoot me an email at [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

03/17/2026

SAVE MONEY & Recertify by 4/1/26. After that your total registration fees will increase by $40.

Log in using the link at the end, then click in this order:
* Registration - in that drop down menu, click “Register for Clinic/Fitness test”

* verify personal data (if asked)
* answer felony question
* make sure “Referee” and “Recertification” are both checked

Scroll down and hit “Submit Request”

* Select the District you live in.
* Click “Continue to Next Step”
* Click “Checkout”
=> pay fees

* Click Home at top of screen, then scroll down to the bottom and click on “Online Lessons”.

Complete all lessons & complete new Background Check or Parental Attestation in GotSport (if needed)

DONE!!!

Here is the link to log in:

03/17/2026

New Referee Clinics are filling up FAST and they are ending SOON.

Use the link at the end to create your accounts and register for the clinic (once there, pick a clinic and checkout, otherwise you won’t be registered for the clinic.)

After you register for the in New Referee in-person clinic (4 hrs) don’t forget to register for the ZOOM clinic (2hrs) and complete online lessons.

???? Send email to [email protected]

02/16/2026

Spring games are being assigned now!! Recertify today & open your availability in AssignR for March and April.

Verify you are FULLY certified. ALL of your certifications need to be in GREEN and say “ACTIVE” (see below.)

Confused or need help, contact your local DRA.

02/12/2026

Calling all 2025 USSF referees who have not yet recertified. Recertify TODAY...Registration fees increase by $40 on 4/1/26. Recertification is 100% online to work youth matches. If you want to work adult matches, you must recertify online AND attend an in-person clinic. Most course work is completed in OMS.

Here is the link and please remember to choose your correct District.

STEP 1 COMPLETE RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (IN OMS US LC) STEP 2 COMPLETE BACKGROUND CHECK OR PARENTAL ATTESTATION (Completed in GotSport ONLY) STEP 3 ARE YOU