The 2023 Indiana Soccer’s Small Sided Referees Course kicked off to a great start with more than 138 participants getting certified. This would not have been possible without support from member clubs that graciously hosted the events. Special thanks to these clubs for hosting the course, Indiana Southwest FC, Noblesville United SC, Komets FC, Washington FC, Blue River SC, Orbi FC, Putman County YSA and Union County Youth Soccer. 

The course is facilitated by Steve Franklin, Director of Coaching Education and George Perry – ISL Commissioner. The Indiana Soccer’s Small Sided Referees Course program was launched by the association in 2020 to help mitigate the shortage of officials and to create a referee training environment with fewer moving parts, a move that is already beginning to pay dividends as the game continues to grapple with a shrinking pool of officials. 

Parents & coaches commended the association for launching the Small-Sided Referee Certification program, a move that is already beginning to pay dividends as the game continues to grapple with a shrinking pool of officials. 

The newly certified referees will be able to assist with games as the season is getting ready to start. 

We continue to encourage parents, coaches & players to demonstrate positive sideline etiquette towards officials to help our players and everyone else enjoy the beautiful game of soccer.  

A well-deserved “Thank You” to all the stakeholders that made this small-sided initiative a success!