If you're under 18 and want to officiate middle school, C-squad, or JV-level soccer through the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), here’s exactly where to start:
Click this link to go straight to the correct registration page:
👉 https://app.arbitersports.com/registration/official?org=1709&role=3
2025-26 School Year (Lower-Level ONLY)
Sun Sep 01 2024 – Fri Jun 05 2026
This will enroll you as a Student/Minor Official, allowing you to work sub-varsity contests (including some JV assignments), and gives you access to:
MSHSL rule training
On-field mentorship
Insurance coverage
$30 registration fee
Monday, July 14th
Reimbursement Policy:
GRASC will reimburse MnSRC & US Soccer certification fees and 1 uniform kit for any certified official who works 3+ games per season (Summer or Fall). Must provide receipts.
Final Reminder for Summer Reimbursements:
Submit receipts via the form at:
👉 https://www.the3rdteam.org/more-info/pre-post-match-items-forms
Bonus Pay for Certified Officials:
+$10/game for certified Centers
+$5/game for certified Assistant Referees
Paid out in a lump sum at the end of the season
I have already taken care of this request. Checks in mail over next couple of weeks.
Referee Standards & Expectations
Appearance: Full referee kit (shirt tucked in, badge worn). Hats/sunglasses only if needed for sun—prefer low-key (e.g. all black).
Mechanics: Stay sharp as Referee or AR—use proper signals, movement, and teamwork.
Center Mechanics: https://youtu.be/sfjhOsuqNpg?si=8SDOL8NlOdllvfkq
AR Mechanics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBNdEM7okrM
Sideline Conduct & Reporting: Maintain professionalism; report incidents as needed.
Fall Season Preview
In-House 6v6 (September):
50+ games, Sundays, solo refs.
AYSA Travel (U12 & U14):
20+ games, mostly Sundays, 3-person crews.
MSHSL (High School):
34 home games (JV/Varsity Boys & Girls), starts mid-August.
Youth refs (15+) can be used for JV. Headsets are available—contact Sean if interested.
Hibbing has also requested MSHSL ref help.
Availability & Assignments
We are transitioning to Crossbar for assigning!
✅ Step 1: Sign up at https://www.accounts.crossbar.org/signup
✅ Step 2: Register here: https://www.grsoccerclub.org.app.crossbar.org/registration/official/45231/
LOTS of matches available—especially Sundays. Those who register early will get priority.
All officials—new and returning—start here:
👉 Register on Arbiter
When asked to select your association, choose:
Soccer
PRIMARY: 114217 – The Third Team Officials Association
Once registered, you'll complete online training modules and a rules test when they open. We’ll coordinate a group session again this year to help complete the test together.
Last year, we partnered with Grand Rapids High School to staff full officiating crews for all matches, including JV—and we're aiming to expand that success to more schools this fall.
Who Can Officiate?
Varsity Officials: Must be 18 or a high school graduate.
Student/Minor Officials: Ages 16+ can officiate lower-level matches (like JV) with training, materials, and insurance. We’re also open to working with younger individuals on a case-by-case basis.
Lower-Level Only: You can also register just for sub-varsity contests with standard requirements like the concussion module and background check.
Have questions or need help registering? Contact us—we’re happy to assist!
218-259-3129 or seanmartinson@gmail.com
Dear Referees,
I hope you’re all doing well and getting ready for another great soccer season!
We’ll be holding a referee meeting for The Third Team on Tuesday, April 29th at 7:00 PM at West Rapids Elementary School (901 SW 22nd Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744). The meeting will run for about an hour. If you’re coming from out of town, you can join us via Google Meet.
This meeting is for both new and returning officials, and we’ll cover a number of important topics to get everyone on the same page before the season begins:
• Introductions and communication methods for the season
• Field locations and logistics
• Assignments and scheduling
• Pay structure and how payments will be handled
• Uniform standards and expectations for match day
• Expectations for professionalism, timeliness, and game conduct
• Pre-game and post-game responsibilities
• New rules for this season
• Key points of focus at the start of the season
• Solo vs. full crew assignments (for in-house and visiting travel teams)
• Incident and game reporting procedures
• Optional mentorship/shadowing opportunities for newer referees
Also: if you’d like to add the association logo to your gear, please bring a plain black shirt or black pants to the meeting. I’ll have the iron-on press available, along with the 3-inch patch-style logo featuring the updated year 2025. You’ll need to bring your own item of clothing, but I’ll take care of applying the logo.
Looking forward to seeing everyone there—either in person or online. If you have any questions ahead of time, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sean Martinson
Assignor, The Third Team
Cell: 218-259-3129
Email: seanmartinson@gmail.com
Website: www.the3rdteam.org
The 2024 soccer season is approaching, and all referees must complete their certification before officiating any matches. Whether you're a new referee or recertifying, be sure to take care of your requirements on time!
To become a certified referee, follow these steps:
✅ Register with U.S. Soccer & Complete Online Coursework – This must be done before attending in-person training. Start now!
✅ Attend an In-Person Training Session – Final step to receive your certification.
📅 Grand Rapids Training Date:
📍 West Rapids Elementary School
🗓 Saturday, April 12
⏰ 12:45 – 3:45 PM
🔗 Get started & register today: Minnesota SRC – Become a Referee
If you are a returning referee, follow these steps to recertify:
✅ Complete Online Recertification Course – No in-person training required.
✅ Recertification Deadline: End of June (but matches start in May, so complete it ASAP!).
✅ Complete Required Safety Courses (SafeSport, Background Check, etc.).
🔗 Recertification Details: Minnesota SRC – Recertification Info
⚠️ REMINDER: You cannot officiate a match until your certification is complete! ⚠️
For questions about certification, contact:
📞 [Your Name] – 218-259-3129
For assigning & game schedules, contact:
👤 Sean "Marty" Martinson – Referee Assignor, The Third Team
📧 seanmartinson@gmail.com
📞 218-259-3129
🌐 www.The3rdTeam.org
🏆 Thank you for supporting youth soccer! We look forward to seeing you on the field! ⚽
2025 New Referee In-Person Training
Saturday, April 12, 2025
901 SW 22nd Ave Grand Rapids, MN 55744
In person training for new soccer officials. More information coming with possible time changes, date is confirmed.
The Third Team Officials' Association invites all members to attend the Annual Meeting as we gear up for the 2025 season!
📅 Date: Sunday, January 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: West Rapids Elementary School
This is a key meeting to ensure we are prepared for the upcoming season.
High-Priority Items:
2025 Season Updates: Rule changes and points of emphasis.
Training & Certification: Important deadlines and requirements.
Game Assignments: Scheduling and availability updates.
Gear Check: Review uniform and equipment needs.
Discussion & Feedback: Open forum for improvement suggestions.
We encourage all members to attend. Your input and participation are vital to our continued success!
RSVP by January 2, 2025 at [Insert Contact Info].
For additional details, visit https://www.the3rdteam.org/.
Let’s make 2025 a standout season—together!