VISTA — The children of Vista Soccer Club are making the calls on the field as part of the club’s Junior Referee program.

The 2,300-member club is open to all children ages 4 to 18. Though it draws primarily from Oceanside and Vista, there are members from as far away as Fallbrook and Escondido.

Ten years ago, the club hit upon the idea of having its experienced young players referee the Division 6 and 7 noncompetitive games for children under 8. These games have a simplified rule set that is more easily grasped by young players. Junior Referees run the games by themselves as opposed to the competitive games which have three referees.

The role of the Junior Referee is not just to make sure games are conducted properly, but also to raise a new generation of good soccer players.

“You show them what to do. If they mess up, you tell them what to do so they learn,” said Junior Referee Mandy Goya, 11.

“They do more than just referee a game,” said Holly Costell, the club’s recreational manager. Costell said the Junior Referees check the players in, have them tap on their shin guards to make sure they are on, ask to see a cleat and ask players if they have any jewelry on.

“We look at it as a developmental opportunity for the kids. Most of the Junior Referees are players, so getting to referee the younger recreation games gives them an opportunity to learn about more about the game,” said parent Tom Goya.

“I didn’t have any appreciation for the refs at all until I starting reffing. I see how hard it is now,” said April Goya, 13, who has been refereeing for four years.

Children with Junior Referee experience have been more likely to move on to positions of greater responsibility in the club. Some go on to be Field Supervisors, who supervise the Junior Referees and younger players. Others get Grade 8 certification, which allows them to run the club’s competitive “STORM league” games.

“One of the things I think all soccer clubs around the county could use is more Grade 8-certified referees,” Goya said. “Referees are pretty scarce. There is a large pool ... but the pool is pretty shallow.”

Tryouts for the Vista Soccer Club will be held May 17. For more information on joining the club or the Junior Referee Program, contact Club President Chris Robbins at (760) 940-8804.