Referees
Ottawa City Soccer Club
Match Official Education
Ontario Soccer is pleased to announce the Match Official Accreditation for Clinics. Below you’ll find course details, registration steps, and participant requirements.
Ontario Soccer Course Details
| Course | Student Age Requirement | Game Type |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | 14 years old as of March 31 of the current year | 9v9 and 11v11 |
| Small Sided | 12 years old as of March 31 of the current year | 5v5 and 7v7 |
Ottawa City SC Clinic Dates
May 2, 2026
Course Participant Registration
- Participants must be 14 years of age as of March 31st of the current year to attend the Entry Level Course.
- Participants must complete the online theory component of the course before attending the in-person practical component.
Registration Steps
- 01Register for the course
Visit the Ontario Soccer site to learn about and register for Match Official courses. Select Ottawa City Soccer Club as a home club. For a private course code, contact OCSC Head Referee Osman Saatci.
- 02Purchase access key
Buy your access key through the Canada Soccer shop.
- 03Create an account
Register for a SmarterU account through Canada Soccer.
- 04Submit payment
Your application will be approved after we receive payment for the course. The cost is $115.
Participant Requirements
Match Official students attending any accreditation course must come prepared to attend the entire course and actively participate. Students are required to:
- Have previously completed the online theory component
- Be punctual at sign-in so the training starts on time
- Wear appropriate clothing — including but not limited to a tracksuit, shorts, shirt, and footwear. Footwear must be turf, indoor, or outdoor soccer shoes depending on the venue
- Bring a supply of drinking water and snacks as required
- Bring material to record notes — pen, pencil, and notebook
OCSC Referee Refresher Course
All OCSC referees must attend this clinic hosted by the club. There is no charge. Osman will provide further details about this event.
| Course | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCSC Refresher Course for All Referees | TBD | Trend Arlington Community Building | No Charge |
Contact our Head Referee, Osman Saatci
Become A Match Official
Why Become A Referee?
Officiating is more than calling the game — it’s a way to stay connected to the sport, develop life skills, and give back to your community. Here’s what officiating offers.
Love For The Game
True passion for the game is where it all starts. To truly appreciate what it takes for an athlete to excel, you have to understand the unique skills each sport demands — size and strength, speed and agility, coordination and technique.
Respect For The Players
The game exists for the players. When the game is officiated according to the rules, giving every player an equal chance to compete, the referee has done their job well. We owe it to the athletes to give our best, every game.
Give Back To Your Community
Referees often have the chance to donate their time to the community. It’s a rewarding way to give back, and it provides a real sense of personal satisfaction.
Stay Involved
Many referees have played their sport at some point. While they may not compete at the same level anymore, officiating keeps them connected to the action. It’s the next best thing to playing.
Physical Conditioning
Some sports require referees to keep up with the pace of the players to maintain the best position for calls. Staying physically fit is crucial to being a top-notch official.
Mental Conditioning
Officiating demands sharp focus and mental toughness. Blocking out distractions and staying focused on the athletes is a mental challenge that can often be more demanding than the physical side.
Challenge
Refereeing is filled with challenges — passing exams, advancing to higher levels, securing top assignments, and performing well under pressure in big games. Achieving these goals brings great satisfaction.
Friendship
Referees form a unique bond with one another. Unlike players who have coaches and fans for support, referees rely solely on each other. This teamwork creates a deep camaraderie that goes beyond the game.
Earn A Game Fee
Earn a fair game fee for your time and commitment. Officiating is meaningful work — and it pays.
Personal Development
Officiating builds life skills — independent thinking, leadership, teamwork, fortitude, self-confidence, and the ability to make quick, important decisions. These skills translate well into other areas of life.
Meet Your Head Referee
What Is The Role Of The Head Referee?
The Ottawa City Soccer Club Head Referee is responsible for developing and proposing recommended programs in accordance with the principles of Ontario Soccer’s Long Term Player Development model and Referee Program.
The Club Head Referee manages matters directly relating to club referees — including recruitment, education, and development/training within the Club.
Responsibilities Include
- Providing and organizing OS mini and entry-level Referee clinics
- Scheduling pre-season ERSL Assistant Referee clinics
- Organizing Referee Education courses and seminars
- Educating club referees on Club rules of play to ensure consistency
- Offering several sessions pre-season, one mid-season, and one post-season debriefing
- Developing an assessment process and form for club approval
- Assessing club referees’ performance throughout the season and providing individual feedback
- Mentoring club referees and assessing performance throughout the season
- Being present on-site at all club festivals and tournaments
For any questions, please contact OCSC’s Head Referee, Osman Saatci.
Osman Saatci
Club Head Referee
For Active Referees
Payment & Game Sheets
Everything you need to know about getting paid and submitting game sheets for OCSC and league matches.
Referee Payment
OCSC issues payment on the 15th of every month via direct deposit. If Direct Deposit information is not received, payment will be issued later than the indicated date.
Payments are processed on a one-month lag — May/June games are paid July 15, July games are paid August 15, and so on.
Eligible Games
OCSC only pays for the following completed games:
- OCSC Home House League games
- OCSC Home Exhibition games
- EODL Home games
- ERSL AR Home games
Action Required
Only submit your banking information if it has changed or you haven’t previously submitted it to the club.
Note: Please name your file the same as the Referee requesting payment.
Game Sheets & Refcentre
Procedures vary by league and age group. Find your match type below:
- No game sheet required
- Enter score as 0–0 on Refcenter
- Send game sheets to gamesheets@ottawacitysoccer.com
- Enter actual score on Refcenter
- Log yellow and red cards on Refcenter
- Notify headreferee@ottawacitysoccer.com about any red cards
- No game sheet required
- Enter score as 0–0 on Refcenter
- Send game sheets to gamesheets@ottawacitysoccer.com
- Enter actual score on Refcenter
- Log yellow and red cards on Refcenter
- Notify headreferee@ottawacitysoccer.com about any red cards
- Send game sheets to gamesheets@eodsa.ca
- Enter score as 0–0 on Refcenter
- Log into Refcenter
- Follow the game report link in your assignment
For Active Referees
Helpful Referee Resources
Quick-access links to everything you need on game day and beyond.