How Can I Volunteer or Become a Referee for Black Hills Rapids?

Updated

Black Hills Rapids Soccer Club provides two separate entry points for people who want to get involved beyond playing or spectating: a Volunteer Tracking Form for general club volunteering, and a Become a Referee link for those interested in officiating. Both are listed on the club's home page navigation, so the first step is simply deciding which role fits you and then following the corresponding link on the site.

Volunteering With the Club

The club's home page includes a Volunteer Tracking Form link. This is the starting point for anyone who wants to help with club activities.

  • What it's for: Logging your volunteer interest and activity with the club so it can be tracked.
  • How to start: Open the Volunteer Tracking Form from the home page and complete it with your details.
  • What to expect: Because the form is a tracking tool, it's likely used to record who is volunteering and for what. If you're unsure what roles are currently needed, contact the club before or after submitting the form.

Volunteering is often tied to team and event support in youth soccer clubs, but the specific openings are not detailed on the page — so treat the form as your registration of interest rather than a confirmed assignment.

Becoming a Referee

The home page also includes a Become a Referee link with a "Click Here for More Info" entry. This is the club's route for people who want to officiate matches.

  • Where to start: Use the Become a Referee link on the home page.
  • What it leads to: Additional information about the referee pathway — the page directs you to "more info" rather than listing requirements directly on the home page.
  • What to check: Referee eligibility, training, and certification requirements are typically set by the governing bodies that assign officials, so review whatever the linked page specifies before committing.

If the linked information doesn't answer your questions about age minimums, prior experience, or scheduling, email the club to confirm.

Contacting the Club With Questions

For either path, the club provides a direct contact option:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing address: Black Hills Rapids, PO Box 273, Rapid City, SD 57709
  • Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8am–2pm. Mondays and Wednesdays are by appointment only, and Fridays are closed or by appointment only. The club notes that times may vary and recommends emailing to set up an appointment.

Email is the most reliable first step if you're unsure whether volunteering or refereeing is the right fit, or if you need details the website doesn't spell out.

Quick Comparison

Role Entry Point on Site Best For
Volunteer Volunteer Tracking Form Helping with club operations, events, or team support
Referee Become a Referee link ("Click Here for More Info") Officiating matches, often with training/certification involved

Practical Tips

  • Start with the form or link, then follow up by email. The home page gives you the entry points but not full requirements, so a short email to [email protected] can clarify next steps.
  • Check office hours before expecting a phone or in-person response. With limited hours and appointment-only days, email is the safer channel.
  • If you're new to the club, the site also offers a player pathway and program overview (First Kicks, Recreational, Center of Excellence, Indoor League, Pre-Academy, Premier & Academy, Northern Hills Program, and Camps) — useful context if you're volunteering as a parent or family member.