SFYS STAR Program: Supporting our Referees on the Pitch

Youth sports are high-intensity by nature, and while we all feel that "game day energy," our mission at SFYS is to ensure that energy stays positive for everyone...including our referees.

Our STAR (Specially Trained Assistant Referee) Program was designed to bridge the gap between the whistle and the sideline. Because many of our officials are youth themselves, they are still developing their leadership "voice." Our STARs act as their game day support system by:

• Supporting the Logistics: Helping with player check-ins (jewelry, shinguards, etc.) when needed.

• Providing On-Field Support: Assisting with throw-in calls or an offside call when a solo referee needs an extra set of eyes.

• Serving as a "Social-Emotional" Anchor: Being a calm, encouraging presence for a young ref who might be feeling the pressure of a loud sideline or a difficult game.

A Note on Mentorship: As parents, you have a wealth of experience in guiding children through big emotions. We encourage our STARs to use those "parenting muscles" to support our refs. 

If you have a suggestion for a youth referee - not about a specific call, but about how to better manage the "temperature" of the game, please handle it with care. A quiet, encouraging word at halftime or a "great job" after the whistle goes a long way.

Remember: The goal isn’t to tell the referee how to call the game; it’s to serve as a mentor for a young leader who is still finding their footing. When our refs feel supported, they stay in the game longer, costs stay lower, and the environment stays fun for our kids.

Thank you to all of our volunteer STARs! You make a difference!