Big Country Soccer Association Introduces District Referee Assistant (DRA) Role
Dec. 30, 2025
Big Country Soccer Association Introduces District Referee Assistant (DRA) Role
Big Country Soccer Association (BCSA) is pleased to announce the introduction of a new leadership role within the district: the District Referee Assistant (DRA).
The DRA is an Alberta Soccer-recognized position designed to support the development, recruitment, education, mentoring, and overall sustainability of referee programs at the district level. Establishing this role represents an important step forward for BCSA in strengthening officiating support across all member communities.
Strong, well-supported referee programs are essential to the delivery of safe, positive, and well-managed soccer experiences for players, coaches, and families. The addition of a DRA helps ensure that referees are not only available, but are confident, capable, and supported as they progress through their officiating pathway.
What the DRA Role Means for BCSA
The District Referee Assistant serves as a key point of leadership and coordination for officiating within the district. Working in collaboration with Alberta Soccer and the BCSA Board, the DRA supports the district by:
Acting as a liaison between Alberta Soccer and the district on all referee-related matters
Supporting the recruitment and retention of referees across member clubs
Assisting with the organization and delivery of referee education and development opportunities
Promoting mentoring, skills development, and growth pathways for officials
Helping ensure alignment with Alberta Soccer policies, Laws of the Game updates, and officiating standards
Contributing to long-term planning and sustainability of referee programs within Big Country
This role also strengthens communication and consistency across the district, helping clubs better understand officiating pathways and available supports while improving the overall referee experience.
A Step Forward for the District
Introducing the DRA role reflects BCSA’s commitment to developing all areas of the game — players, coaches, officials, and volunteers alike. By investing in officiating leadership, BCSA is helping build a stronger foundation for match environments that are fair, respectful, and development-focused.
Additional details regarding the scope and responsibilities of the District Referee Assistant role can be found in the Alberta Soccer DRA Profile document, which outlines the purpose and expectations of the position at the district level.
BCSA looks forward to the positive impact this role will have across the district and thanks its member clubs for their continued collaboration as we work together to support quality soccer experiences throughout Big Country.
District Referee Assistant Appointment
BCSA is pleased to confirm that Andrew Craig has been appointed to serve as the District Referee Assistant for Big Country Soccer Association.
Andrew brings extensive experience within Alberta soccer, having been actively involved in the game for over two decades as a referee, mentor, assignor, and volunteer leader. His background includes officiating at youth, senior provincial, and national-level competitions, as well as service within community soccer administration and referee development.
With Andrew in this role, BCSA gains strong leadership and expertise to support the continued growth, education, and sustainability of officiating across the district. His appointment ensures that Big Country referees are supported through clear communication, development opportunities, and alignment with Alberta Soccer standards.
BCSA looks forward to working closely with Andrew as we continue to strengthen referee programs and support quality soccer experiences for all participants across Big Country.
