Who We Are

Founded in 1983, the Calgary District Soccer Referee Association (CDSRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing referees to their full potential.

The organization's objectives are: 

• To foster and promote a high and uniform standard of officiating by its members in accordance with the Laws of the Game as established by the International Football Board and the rules of competition set by local authorities that are approved by the Alberta Soccer Association.

• To improve the status of, protect the interests of, and promote the welfare of, soccer referees.

• To promote an understanding between referees and the Alberta Soccer Association, its affiliates and associated bodies, and to assist that Association in promoting the knowledge of the Laws of the Game, for the best interests of the game.

• To provide opportunities for members to gather on a social basis.

What We Offer

The CDSRA offers several resources to its members including:

• On-field and in-classroom Integrated Referee Training (IRT) sessions

• Assistance with writing misconduct reports

• Answers to refereeing questions

• Referee Video Program

• CDSRA branded equipment

• Discounts & free shipping on referee gear through CDSRA partners

• Social/Networking Events

• & More

The IRT sessions hosted by the CDSRA provide referees with training beyond the entry level instructional course. Classroom sessions provide in-depth training on specific areas of the game as well as video training modules to improve recognition of fouls and misconduct and increase consistency between referees. Field sessions provide practical hands-on exercises that focus on positioning, teamwork between referee and assistant referee, and use of whistle, cards and flags.

Benefits

The Referee Management Operations Committee (RMOC Calgary) look at attendance at CDSRA sessions as a factor in getting a rating upgrade which determines the level of local games you can do. Similarly Alberta Soccer (ASA), takes attendance to education sessions into account when determining referee classification upgrades. Many of our members both within Calgary and around the province are routinely involved in high level appointments (managed by ASA) to matches like the Alberta Major Soccer League (AMSL), Alberta Youth Soccer League (AYSL), University & Colleges (ACAC & USport) and have credited their appointments to their involvement with the CDSRA and having access to high-level education and to the best instructors in the province.

Just like teams, referees are the third team on the pitch. The CDSRA looks to enhance this sense of community, and through our organization, many of our members have developed mutual trust and friendship. This has been especially critical in the retention of newer and younger officials over the years.

If you are interested in levelling up, accelerating your referee development, or simply want to become more involved in the referee community, then becoming a CDSRA member is the best decision you will make today.

Who Can Become A Member & How to Join?

We welcome any registered referee with Alberta Soccer to become a member. If you reside outside Alberta and want to become a member we ask that you get in touch with us to determine if this is the best course of action for your referee development. If you are interested in becoming a member of the CDSRA, please see our membership info page which has all the relevant membership purchasing information.