PoCo FC Referee Program
Date & Location
Referee's
PoCo FC
Program Overview
Referees are an essential part of our soccer community. They help create a safe, fair, and respectful playing environment for every player, coach, and family on the field.
At PoCo FC, we are committed to supporting, developing, and protecting our match officials. Refereeing is not just about enforcing the Laws of the Game. It is about leadership, confidence, communication, and integrity.
Our goal is simple: provide clear standards, strong mentorship, and a respectful match-day culture so referees can grow with confidence and feel valued in their role.
Refereeing at PoCo FC
Referees at PoCo FC are leaders in our game environment.
They manage the flow of the match, ensure player safety, and uphold the spirit of the game. We expect our referees to approach each match with professionalism, fairness, and composure.
In return, PoCo FC is committed to providing:
Clear expectations
Ongoing support and communication
Mentorship and feedback
A respectful and safe working environment
Development takes time. Mistakes are part of learning. What matters most is integrity, effort, and a willingness to improve.
Development & Mentorship
Referee development is a priority at PoCo FC.
New referees are supported as they build experience and confidence. Our Head Referee works closely with officials to:
Assign appropriate matches
Provide guidance and mentorship
Offer constructive feedback
Support growth in positioning, communication, and game management
We want referees to feel prepared when they step onto the field — and supported when they step off.
Respect for Referees
Respect for referees is not optional. It is part of our club culture.
Players, coaches, and spectators are expected to treat match officials with dignity and respect at all times. Disagreement may happen in sport. Abuse will not be tolerated.
PoCo FC follows a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, intimidation, bullying, or discriminatory language toward match officials. This aligns with our Safe Sport, Anti-Bullying, and Code of Conduct policies.
Many of our referees are young members of our community. Protecting them protects the future of our game.
Referee Pathway
Refereeing is a meaningful pathway within soccer.
Officials gain:
Leadership and decision-making experience
Confidence under pressure
Communication and conflict resolution skills
Responsibility and accountability
A flexible, paid role within the game
For those interested in advancing, there are clear opportunities for continued education, certification, and higher-level match assignments through BC Soccer.
How to Become a Referee
To become a referee in British Columbia, individuals must complete the required certification course through BC Soccer.
The general pathway includes:
Registering for an Entry-Level Referee Course through BC Soccer
Completing the required training and certification process
Being approved and registered within the provincial referee system
Once certified, referees can begin accepting match assignments through PoCo FC and will operate under the guidelines outlined in the PoCo FC Referee Handbook.
For certification details and course registration, please visit:
For questions about working matches with PoCo FC once certified, contact:
Marco Arruda - Referee Manager
Official Referee Handbook
For detailed standards, match procedures, operational expectations, and development information, referees must review the official:
This handbook outlines expectations, assignments, reporting procedures, and the operational framework for referees working within PoCo FC.
Questions & Contact
Head Referee – Marco
We are grateful for the leadership and commitment our referees bring to the field each week.
Together, we continue Growing Our Game in a safe, inclusive, and respectful way.