Program Support
Julie Schmitt
jschmitt@wiyouthsoccer.com
414.328.9972, ext. 100
The mission of Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association is to provide valuable services for all our membership through a fun, safe environment and education to promote the growth of soccer. The role of the referee is fundamental to both the environment we create and the experience each of our members enjoys. As such, WYSA has developed the WYSA Referee Mentorship and Retention Initiative. This Initiative will be executed locally, at the Club and District level, in cooperation with WYSA and the Wisconsin Program for Referee Development.
Objective
The objective of the program is to increase the number of available referees across the State through retention of existing officials and registration of new referees. This will be achieved through a program which supports all officials in their referee endeavors.
Program Funding
During the 2022/2023 program year, a WYSA player registration fee allocation of $.50/player will fund the Referee Mentorship and Retention Initiative. ($.50/player is being allocated from all player types, as players across all levels of competition will benefit from the enrichment of referees.) Continued funding of the Program will be assessed after year one.
Eligibility
To qualify for reimbursement, the RMRI Reimbursement Application must be submitted by an affiliated Club or District to WYSA and include documentation of eligible activities. Funding to the Club or District will be capped at an amount proportionate to the applicant’s player registration totals in the previous program year. Reimbursement will be issued to the Club or District; both the Club and District cannot receive the Club’s share.
| Eligible Activities | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|
| Referee Recertification Course fees | $70 |
| Uniforms / Equipment (new or existing referees) | $50 |
| Mentorship* | |
| Tournament Mentor | $20/hour |
| Seasonal Mentor | $20/hour |
| Referee Advancement (assessment) | $65 |
| Referee travel to obtain certification/advancement | At IRS rate not to exceed $50 round trip |
Payments
Expense reimbursements will be made payable directly to the Club or District facilitating the Referee Initiative. Reimbursements will be paid by check and take up to four weeks for approval and payment. Sufficient documentation of an actual expense must be provided to receive program funding. A Club or District’s reimbursement may not exceed the $.50/player contributed to the fund.
Undistributed Funds
All fees collected for the WYSA Referee Mentorship & Retention Initiative will be earmarked specifically for this program. Any unused funds in the program year will be retained in a general fund for future year referee mentorship and retention activities.