WPASOA - About Us

The Westchester-Putnam Approved Soccer Officials Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation comprised of referees certified to officiate Section I high school games in Westchester and Putnam County. These games are assigned by Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (SW-BOCES) operating out of Rye Brook NY. We do not serve any other school organizations.

Our referees officiate games for both Girls' and Boys' soccer at the varsity, junior varsity and modified (seventh and eighth grade) levels. During the course of the regular season, we use a "two-man system."

The WPASOA, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of the State of New York. We are chartered under the New York State Certified Officials of Soccer, NYSCOS.  We provide the course and certification for new referees (see Becoming a Referee) clinics and annual certification testing. 

As a chartered member under NYSCOS, we follow the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) five-point program.  Under the Five Point Program approved officials are those who:

1. Observe the constitutions and bylaws of their local and state officials’ organizations.
   
   
2. Attend interpretation meetings and clinics of the local organization each year. Note: "local organization" means only those organizations serving public high schools that are chartered by NYSCOS, and does not include other organizations, such as private or religious school organizations.  
   
   
3. Give satisfactory evidence of proficiency in the mechanics of officiating and of competent performance related to the specific sport.
   
   
4. Pass the National Federation, State, or other approved rules examination. Currently, the only approved exam is the online NFHS Soccer Rules Part I exam, which must be completed by the early August deadline established by NFHS. The minimum passing score is 80% for new and non-varsity officials; and 85% for varsity officials. 
   
   
5. Are listed with the NYSPHSAA, Inc.