Meeting Summary – The Third Team Officials Association

The Third Team Officials Association met with Grand Rapids Area Soccer Club leadership to review the 2025 referee season and outline expectations and updates for 2026.

2025 Season Highlights

• The 2025 season was highly successful, with zero match cancellations due to referee shortages.

• Officials collectively covered 271 total matches across in-house, AYSA travel, and high school assignments.

• Over 20 referees participated, creating a strong core group supported by developing and student officials.

• The use of three-referee crews increased significantly, improving call accuracy, reducing fatigue, and strengthening mentorship opportunities.

• Multiple officials advanced into first-time center roles at U12 and U14, and new referees were successfully onboarded through U6–U10 in-house matches.

• The program demonstrated strong reliability, professionalism, and flexibility during busy periods and last-minute schedule changes.
  
  

Certification & Development

• The US Soccer Grassroots certification process remains the standard, including online coursework, in-person training, and testing through the US Soccer Learning Center.

• Adults (18+) are required to complete SafeSport and background checks.

• GRASC will continue its policy of reimbursing certification costs after officials complete three GRASC matches.

• Certification bonuses for 2025 were distributed, with discussion of future incentive structures tied more closely to ongoing professional development rather than one-time certification.
  
  

Looking Ahead to 2026

• In-house league structure (U4–U10) is expected to remain similar, with possible expansion at U10.

• For U12 and above, a hybrid schedule is anticipated, combining AYSA league matches with locally scheduled club games.

• GRASC is exploring the possibility of a June invitational tournament, which would provide additional paid assignments.

• High school officiating will continue to rely on student officials for JV matches, with adult availability remaining a statewide challenge.

• Beginning in 2026, The Third Team will implement a $10 annual official fee to help support administrative costs, training, and equipment.

Overall, the meeting reinforced the strength of the referee rogram, the importance of continued development and mentorship, and a shared commitment to maintaining a high-quality officiating environment moving forward.

The full “2025 Referee Wrap-Up & 2026 Preview” document is available in this post for complete details.  

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.

Are you interested in officiating high school soccer this fall? Whether you're a returning ref or just getting started, now’s the time to register with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).

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

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!