Your Journey to Becoming a NWISR Referee
This document describes each of the steps you must take to become an NWISR referee. Although there are multiple steps in the process, it is not difficult, and you may find being a referee to be a very rewarding pastime.
Register for a Horizon Web Account
To begin registering for your personal Horizon Web account, contact Eric Beck. You can reach him by email at toservethegame@gmail.com, where he will be happy to assist you with any questions or information you may need regarding the registration process. Alternatively, if you prefer to speak directly, feel free to call me at (503) 705-3151. We are looking forward to helping you set up your account!
Complete on-field Training
Once you’ve successfully completed the registration process, the next step is to enhance your skills through on-field training. For the best experience, I recommend scheduling your training by calling Eric at 503-705-3151 during business hours, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Alternatively, you can reach out via email at servethegame@gmail.com. This training is a great opportunity to grow and excel!
Most referees embark on their officiating careers by officiating youth games, which are primarily held on weekends—specifically Saturdays and Sundays—during daylight hours. These youth leagues typically run from October through the end of March.
It is important for new referees to understand that weeknight games are mainly part of adult leagues, which often demand a higher level of experience. Assignments for these adult matches are generally based on the referee's skills and confidence.
As you advance in your refereeing career, the assignments you receive will be determined by your level of experience and your performance in prior matches. Additionally, demonstrating availability and flexibility in working at various facilities, including Futsal and Indoor venues, will contribute to your growth and boost your confidence as a referee.
Sign up for Leagues
Each indoor or futsal facility is considered a separate league within Horizon Web. When you log in to Horizon Web for the first time, you will not be a member of any leagues. The first thing you should do is join the facilities (leagues) you want to work at using the Horizon website.
As an Independent Contractor, you can sign up for as many or as few facilities as you wish, but the more you are willing to work in, the more likely you are to get games. If you only sign up for one facility, and that facility only has one floor, and has games on only a few nights a week, you are not likely to be assigned to many (or any) games at that facility.
Submit you availabilities
Once you have joined the leagues you wish to work in, the next step is to choose when you are available to be assigned. You may submit your availabilities as far in the future as you wish, but most referees provide availabilities for the next four weeks. You will need to keep your availability updated regularly.
Futsal and indoor games for adults are scheduled seven days a week. Youth games take place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the daytime. From October to the end of April, referees can update their availability by going to **Additional Forms** and clicking on Indoor/Futsal Referees. During the Fall and Winter seasons, when youth games are ongoing, referees who work on weekends will receive priority for assignments during the week.