NEW REFEREE INFORMATION

CONTACTS:

ART SHINABARGAR
816-729-5014

referee@sportingls.org

DAVE LAMMERS
dlam04@kc.rr.com

LUCY
LOTSPEICH
816-547-0800

lucy.lotspeich@sportingls.org

STATE CERTIFIED - 13 Years Old and UP

USSF Referee age requirement is 13 years old to be a certified referee. If you are 12 years old you may become a Provisional Referee. Being a provisional referee you may only referee 3v3 and 1st grade. You are also only allowed to referee at Legacy since you are not a certified referee. For more information on how to become a Provisional Referee please see the Provisional Referee section. The below information is only for becoming a certified referee. 

How to become state certified:
 

  • Check Training tab for updated class information
  • Complete MRDP's Hybrid Grassroots training class and requirements to become a certified referee. 
  • You must register to attend the class, you may not just show up. 
  • To become certified the cost is $80.00 (Uniform not included in price. Price is for referee license only)
  • You will have to create a profile on
    https://mrdp.omgtsys.com/MemberRegister.aspx     before you can proceed. After creating your profile, you will sign up for a clinic, not a specific clinic but just a referee entry clinic so you can get access to the 25 online training modules. ONLY after you have successfully completed all 25 modules will a new button appear that says "Pick a Clinic". That's when you decide what roster you want to be on and where you want to attend the in-person class and hands on field training.
  • If all steps are not completed you will not be certified
  • Once certified please fill out all payroll information and submit it to Carla Rowlett our accountant.
  • Carla Rowlett's information can be found on the payroll tab
  • Before every season there is a pre-season meeting. Make sure to attend. The date and time can be found on the training tab. 
  • Next you will need to create a PlayMetrics account to receive all communications from Sporting LS. If you already have an account you do not need to create one but sign up for Referee Registration. 
  • Once all this is completed make sure to order your uniform. Check out the section "Where to Get Uniform". 
  • You are finally ready to ref! Make sure to submit your availability every Sunday night by 5pm for the next weekend.


When's The Next Class??


  • MUST ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS along with completing online preclass work and exam
  • Please see the training tab for more dates & locations.


PROVISIONAL REFEREE - 12 YEARS OLD

We are partnering with MRDP to help 12 year olds to become provisional referees. A provisional referee is someone who wants to be a referee but cannot yet be certified by USSF. Sporting LS will host a training class that will allow one to become a provisional referee. This provisional referee classification will be valid only at Legacy field and only for 3v3 and 1st grade age groups. Each referee will receive ongoing coaching throughout most of the season. Once one becomes 13 they must become a certified referee. 


Training
Class will be held August 1, 2026 from 9:00am to 12:30pm. Class will be held at Bridge Space in Lee's Summit. After the in person training referees will be required to do on field training at Legacy park from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Each referee will need to bring a whistle with them. After training each referee will need to attend the New Referee Orientation. Orientation will be August 12, 2026 at Legacy. Orientation will be held at lower concession stand (by field 10) from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

Please register for the class in PlayMetrics. 

Cost: $50


How To Get Paid
Once certified as a provisional referee please fill out all payroll information and submit it to Carla Rowlett.
Carla Rowlett's information can be found on the payroll tab

Communications
Each referee must have a PlayMetrics account to receive all communications from Sporting LS.

 



QUICK THINGS TO KNOW


  1. Referee Availability Tab-sign up for appropriate dates by Sunday at 5pm-It is okay to sign up later, but Art begins with those already signed up! Beginning Tuesday, you cannot use the availability tab, you may text Art and you may be added to unfilled games, turnbacks or bench. Most Sundays are for experienced referees only, exception is make up Sundays listed on the calendar when games get cancelled for weather and the seasons two tournaments
  2. It is your responsibility to check posted referee schedule and text assignment confirmation to Art by Wednesday at midnight. You should not have to be contacted as a reminder!
  3. Know Division Specific Rules. This can be found on the Training Tab
  4. Game Day-check in 30 minutes prior to game time at west concession stand in the office on the left side of building by Field # 10. Ensure you have proper gear including plenty of water. Dress for weather (sunscreen, gloves, hat, pants (preferably black) and layers under referee jersey if cold
  5. Check out after game to turn in game cards and/or let Art know how games went
  6. Pay Rates can be found on the Payroll Tab


HOW TO CREATE PLAYMETRICS ACCOUNT


Every referee will need an account to receive communications about upcoming games and important information. Below is the easiest way to create an account. If you or your parent already have account you do not need to create one. If you use your parents account be assured all emails will go to them. 

  • Go to sportingls.org 
  • Programs > Recreational Leagues > Youth
  • Online Registration 
  • Create an account/login 
     *Make sure you are set up as a player even if you do not play
  • Close out of Youth Registration
  • Select Club Programs on left hand side 
  • Select Referee Registration 
  • Select who will be a referee
  • Select Proceed to Registration at the bottom of page 
  • Fill out form 
  • Select Next at bottom of page
  • Select Register at bottom of page
  • Download PlayMetrrics to phone 
  • Login on app

If you have any questions or trouble please contact Lucy via text 816-547-0800 or email: lucy.lotspeich@sportingls.org

 


referee shirt

WHERE TO GET UNIFORM


*** It is best to get a starter kit from Official Sports. You do not need an alternative color unless you plan to continue to ref. Rule of thumb is if you get re-certified then get a green referee shirt.***



UNIFORM:

  • New referee style shirts
  • Black shorts
  • Black socks
  • Fox 40 whistle or louder 
  • Watch
  • Pens and paper
  • Red card and yellow card
  • Flags (Provisional Referee's do not need flags, will need flags once certified as a referee)
  • Sunscreen
  • Plenty of water
  • Dress for the weather at Legacy