Welcome Letter

Welcome:

All of us at South Coast Referee Association (SCRA) would like to personally welcome you into the membership ranks of the association and briefly go over some important information to get you oriented with our organization as well as get you on your way to getting assigned games.

Introduction:

South Coast Referee Association is a nonprofit mutual benefit organization 300 members strong committed to the education and fellowship of all referees. Membership is open to ALL referees: however, you must be certified by USSF to be assigned to officiate USSF affiliated matches. The primary source of assignments made through SCRA is California Youth Soccer Association-South sanctioned games, primarily tournaments sponsored by Orange County soccer clubs, as well as various youth and adult soccer leagues. SCRA's primary geographical coverage is that part of Orange County that lies within and around the surrounding communities of Irvine to Newport Beach south to San Clemente.

We are committed to improving the quality of our referees by conducting continuous improvement instruction during monthly membership meetings, providing guest speakers when available and also maintaining on-the-field support and instruction. We welcome you as part of our family of referees and hope you will gain a wealth of knowledge to better yourself in everyday life as well as enjoy and experience some of the best youth and adult soccer in the country.

People to Know:

Some of the people you should know are here for your benefit to support, assist and help you grow with the association. The belief that active participation promotes accountability and a common feeling of pride is evidence by these individual’s dedication to making a difference within and outside the soccer community.

  • Chad Muhr – President
  • Pat White - Vice President
  • Don Campbell - Secretary
  • Mark Pannier - Treasurer
  • Leon Zavalkov- Past President
  • Chad Muhr - Director of Instruction
  • Assignor - Mark Paulson

Getting Setup:

Since you have taken the first step to join SCRA, the following points will help you get informed to learn all the ropes of the association.

  • Updating your profile
    • After your application has been approved and processed by our Secretary, you will receive an email with a username and password to access our assigning software Arbitersports.com.
    • Once you have signed in to Arbitersports.com you need to update your personal information. This will allow us to be able to contact you online and keep our records updated. You can also change your password by scrolling to the “Change Password” link if you wish. If you have problems using Arbiter see the website tutorial for assistance.
    • You MUST also upload a (passport-style headshot only) picture AND your USSF Referee ID number to your Arbiter profile before you will be made active to referee.
  • Internal grade level assignment
    • The initial internal rating for brand new referees will be 999. If we already have an idea of your experience as a referee you may get an initial rating that is close to but below your anticipated capabilities.
    • Shortly after your Arbiter profile is completed you should expect to be contacted by an official of SCRA to discuss your refereeing experience and assign you an internal experience/ranking number in conjunction with your already assigned USSF grade. This will allow the assignor to properly assign you games within your current experience and comfort level.
    • For a full explanation of the internal ratings, visit the SCRA website.
  • Tournaments and league games
    • During the year, SCRA participates in several tournaments sponsored by various soccer clubs in and around Orange County. These usually begin in spring and continue through the fall and winter. These games take place over various weekends and are usually local. From time to time we may also support out of the area tournaments, which may require some travel if you are available to do so. 
    • SCRA supports several youth and adult leagues covering all skill and age levels. During the season, most games take place over weekends with game times beginning early in the morning through early evening. We also have adult weeknight and weekend matches.

     How to send in availability to the assignor for games

  • SCRA uses Arbitersports for assigning purposes. Opening up your availability calendar on-line will tell the assignor you are available for matches. Once you are assigned matches, an email will notify you that you have matches and you will need to sign-in and accept your games.  
  •  If you need to contact the assignor, you can contact Matt Sullivan at (714) 585-2335
  • Professionalism and proper uniform attire
    • At SCRA, we take pride in what we do and as professionals, we must always be on our best behavior because our actions both on and off the field reflect directly what people think of you and SCRA. With that said, it is also important to look the part. If you cannot dress appropriately, you will not be assigned games. 
  • Game Day Procedures
    • Most games are assigned a three-person referee team. The referee team meets at the field at least 30 minutes before kick-off. The referee team checks in the teams and goes over pre-game instruction with the center referee. First time referees will be scheduled with a senior referee or mentor to help them through their first matches.
  • Game fees and association dues
    • Games fees earned are split between the referee team as follows: 40% for a center and 30% to each of the 2 Assistant Referees (AR). Most tournament games are paid to you through SCRA. Most tournament checks are usually processed and available to the association members by the following SCRA monthly general meeting. During fall league play, game fees are paid in cash on the field.    
  • General membership meetings
    • General membership meetings occur the first Tuesday of each month generally at the Norman Murray Center in Mission Viejo, CA. Meetings start at 7:00 pm with refreshments served during intermission. These meetings include 1 hour of instruction and an update on the current and upcoming events of the association.
  • Website links
    • Additional information on the SCRA website can be accessed anytime at your convenience. Some helpful links include game day check-in procedures, tournament rules, game mechanics, upgrade information and membership account status as well as the laws of the game etc.

Conclusion:   

Hopefully, what we have briefly covered has assisted you in getting started and on your way through the transition period. We are proud to have you as one of our own and look forward to working together and being a part of some of the best soccer that Southern California has to offer. If you still have any questions, please feel free to contact anyone of our board members or a SCRA member.