I want to become a referee. What do I do?
Some important points:
To become a qualified referee, there are a few easy steps everyone must go through. The first is to attend a mandatory classroom training session. These "Entry Level Clinics" are offered in many locations around the state each year, most often during the prior to the Spring playing season and the Fall playing season. Eight-hour (Grade 09 and 09 to 08 Bridge) clinics are usually offered as one day events; sixteen-hour clinics (full Grade 08) are often held as either weekend courses (Saturday and Sunday) or weekday courses (3-5 weekday nights) or a combination (Friday night, Saturday, Sunday afternoon).
At the conclusion of the instructional classes a written examination will be given to all who have completed the course. The examination is 50 questions for Grade 09 and 100 questions for 08 to 09 Bridge and full Grade 08 clinics. The examinations use objective questions (True-False, Multiple Choice). Candidates must get at least 75 correct to pass the test.
There are two fees associated with clinics. The first fee, that to attend the clinic, is set by the hosting organization. The second fee, registration with United States Soccer Federation (USSF), is $40 for all entry level grades (09 and 08). Another expense is the uniform package (shirt, shorts, socks, shoes and referee equipment). Many uniform manufacturers and retail stores offer a money-saving starter package. Neither clinic nor USSF registrations include the cost of referee uniforms.
If you would like to become a referee, contact a member of the State Referee Committee, your local playing association
or a referee in your area. They can usually put you in contact with the right person for information about upcoming clinics. You can also check out the clinic schedule to see what's happening in your area.
What are the different Grades?
USSF has authorized several entry level referee grades depending upon the interests of the candidate. The grades
and their clinic requirements are:
The Grade 8 Referee clinic (often called the Entry Level Clinic) is a 16-hour course. The purpose is to
train referees in the skills necessary for managing and conducting all youth level matches.
Candidates are required to attend all sessions to be eligible to take the written examination; if a session is
missed at one clinic, it may be taken at another clinic.
Several different instructors may be used to teach during the Grade 08 clinic. The course is comprehensive, and covers
everything from the size of the ball to who calls the coin toss and overtime (if needed).
Grade 9: Recreational
Bridge Course
General At the conclusion of the instructional classes a written examination will be given to all who have completed the
course. The examination is 50 questions (Grade 09) or 100 questions (grade -8 and 09 to 08 Bridge). The questions
are objective (True-False, Multiple Choice) questions and candidates must score at least 75 correct to pass the test.
Candidates who score less than 75 may audit clinic sessions and/or take the exam again at any of the Entry Level Clinics
at no additional cost.
The Grade 8 Referee is a fully qualified soccer official who can act as a Referee or Assistant Referee on youth games
of all sizes and ages, although they usually start out with the younger age groups and advance based on experience and
skill. This advancement is normally accompanied by an advancement in Grade as well.
Grade 9 courses are for candidates wishing to referee full-sided (11v11) and short sided games. They are limited to
working as a Referee at the recreational level of age groups Under-14 and younger and as an Assistant Referee (AR).
This course should be used to train Recreational Referees (Grade 9) who want to upgrade to Grade 8 to begin
working competitive youth games of all levels. The instruction from this course will provide the skills necessary
for properly managing soccer matches at the youth level and higher. It is also intended as a basis for developing
officials to move to higher levels of the game.
The fee charged for a clinic covers the cost of the instructors, booklets, and logistics for the clinic. There is no
minimum age for participants, but it is important to understand that this is intense instruction over a very short
period of time and it may be difficult for younger participants. It is recommended that participants be at 12 years of age
or older.
Candidates who pass the exam will be given the option to register with USSF. There is an additional fee beyond the fee
for the clinic (instruction) to register with USSF that must be paid at the time of registration. This fee must also be
paid annually to maintain USSF registration status. The current fees (subject to change at the discretion of USSF) are:
Some referee or playing associations may pay your fees. If this is the case, then they should have a representative
present at the clinic to pay all fees. If no representative is present, the candidate is responsible for the clinic
and registration fees.
Interested applicants should contact the person whose name is listed for that course. Because the clinics are intense
and streamlined, class sizes are kept small.
I'm a new Referee. How do I know if I'm properly registered with USSF?
If you attended a new clinic the instructor will handle your initial registration with the State Referee Administrator.
When your registration is accepted and complete, you are considered registered with USSF. Your name will appear in
the USSF database and will also be available to assignors statewide. The list of registered referees is updated and
distributed multiple times during the year.
How do I know if I'm registered for the current year?
To access your referee registration information click here.
You will need to have your 16 digit USSF ID number and password to enter this site.
All USSF registered Referee Grades are required to have annual refresher work. This is often accomplished by attending
meetings with your local referee association. In the future, more of this refresher work will be available online, making
it even easier for everyone to keep up to date and expand their understanding of the Laws and how to apply them. An
annual recertification will also be required. This test will only be available on-line and must be passed in order to
be permitted to reregister. Additionally, you will need to complete a Risk Management Form with LSA. This information will
all be available on the referee website once recertification registration is opened. Typically, this happens in late
September or early October. Once you have passed the recertification test and completed your Risk Management requirement, you
will be able to register with USSF through https://www.ussoccer.info.
You'll need the 16-digit USSF ID you receive with your registration card and a credit card to compete this final step.
If you've been unregistered for two or more years, you will need to contact the State Referee Administrator. You
won't be able to re-register or referee without completing all or some portion of a referee clinic.
First, contact your local assignor to see if you are
actually registered. If you are not registered, the assignor will usually be happy to assist you in getting
registered. It can take a month or more for your book and badge to get to you once you complete the registration
process. If it's been longer that that, contact the State Referee Administrator for assistance.
I have been out of refereeing for some time and wish to re-register.
How do I get re-registered?
If you have been unregistered for two or more years, you will need to retake a referee clinic in order to
register again. Contact the State Referee Administrator for assistance.
How do I upgrade as a referee?
The decision to referee soccer can be rewarding and fulfilling. To choose to officiate at a higher level of
competition is a "Career Choice." If a referee wants to progress through the various grades, which correspond
to the level of game competition, he/she should plan for the work and time required to rise through the
ranks. The higher the progression the greater the time requirement, planning and commitment.
Some information is required to complete your upgrade. Click
here for additional information.
How do I get selected for Regionals?
To attend Regionals, the referee must have a referee grade of 5, 6 or 7. Typically, the only
grade 8s allowed to attend are the Youth Referees of the Year. Notify any member of the State
Referee Committee on your interest. To be selected, the referee must work youth games on a regular
basis and work games at the State Cups. Contact any member of the committee to let them know of
your interest. The Committee starts looking at potential candidates in the Fall of each year. Regionals
normally occur in late June/early July. All travel, food and hotel expenses are paid by the state.
A playing association or a referee association may request a clinic from the State Referee Committee by contacting a
member of the committee. This request will be forwarded to the State Director of Instruction.
First select the type of clinic you wish to host. This should be based on the needs of your association and referee pool.
Then select a location and several possible dates. Remember, there is a high demand for early Spring and Fall clinics.
Requesting a clinic at a non-peak time may be an option you can pursue. It is recommended you make contact at least 30
days before your organization wishes to have the clinic. You will be expected to provide an acceptable classroom setting and
also outside access for activities associated with the clinic instruction.
If your organization wishes to sponsor a clinic, you will need:
What does our referee association need to do to host a clinic?
Referee Associations which desire to have a clinic would hopefully have access to an instructor within the
association. This streamlines the process considerably. The instructor can request approval to hold a clinic with permission
of the State Referee Administrator and the State Director of Instruction.
How do I handle misconduct toward a referee (Me!)?
There are two types of misconduct toward game officials (referees, assistant referees or fourth officials), abuse
and assault. You do not have to be able to distinguish between the two yourself.
Abuse and Assault do happen, even to experienced referees. If such misconduct is to be stamped out, referees must
follow a sensible and consistent course of action that will enable their State Associations to punish offenders,
and to discourage potential offenders from such acts. A referee should react to misconduct directed toward him/her
in a manner that will permit administration and enforcement agencies to do their jobs.
It is important for the referee to remember that any such misconduct is not his/her fault! There is no excuse for a
player, coach, or spectator resorting to abuse, threats, or physical attack, no matter how upset he/she is with the
referee. Such actions cannot be tolerated and must be reported!
If you believe you have been abused or assaulted,
I have other questions. How do I get answers?
Contact any of the members of the State Referee Committee. The Committee Member will be able to answer your question or put you in contact with someone who can. Clicking here will take you to the Referee Committee page.