How to Become a Soccer Referee
Soccer referees are in charge of making sure the game is being played according to the rules. They stand on the sidelines and watch players and coaches to make sure everyone is following the rules. They also keep track of what happens during each game, and they report their findings after each game.
Becoming a soccer referee requires patience, good communication skills and an ability to work well with others. If you have these qualities, then you’ll be able to become a soccer referee in no time at all!
Step 1: Become Certified
The first thing that you need to do if you want to become a soccer referee is become certified. You can do this by attending classes or taking online courses that teach you about all of the rules for soccer games. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to pass an exam before receiving your certification card from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
How To Become Soccer Referee
Grassroots Entry Referee Courses for new referees are open. Completing a course between July 1st, 2022 and June 30th, 2023 will certify a referee to officiate U.S. Soccer sanctioned matches through December 31st, 2023.
Registration will be valid through December 31st, 2023 after completing the requirements.
If 18 years of age or older, this assumes you keep your SafeSport and NCSI background screening current during this time period.
GRASSROOTS REFEREE REGISTRATION STEPS
1. Sign up in the U.S. Soccer Learning Center (LC)
2. Complete the NCSI Background Screening and SafeSport Certification (if 18 years of age or older)
- Mandatory for all referees 18 years of age or older.
- If the referee turns 18 during the registration year, they will receive an automated email from U.S. Soccer reminding them to return to the Learning Center to complete these requirements. If they are not completed, their license is removed and they will no longer be eligible to referee until completed.
- Check your profile for the status and expiration dates for both of these components. The NCSI background screening lasts for two years. SafeSport training is valid for one year.
Click Courses, click Available Courses, then Supplemental Courses.
- The NCSI background screening may also be completed at the time of course registration.
3. 2023 Entry Grassroots Referee Course – New Referees
REGISTER FOR A NEW REFEREE COURSE
- Complete all of the following assignments in the Assignments tab:
- Online Grassroots Referee Course
- Intro to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments
- 2023 First Time Grassroots Quiz
- 2023 Laws of the Game Update
4. Attend a Field Training Event (FTE)
Attend one (1) field training event (FTE) hosted by the State Referee Committee. FTEs are five (5) hours in length.
- The details regarding time and location are in the Learning Center course.
- Come prepared to run. Bring running shoes, turfs, or cleats as well as water or other liquids for hydration.
- Details on the time and location are in each LC course.
- Do not show up late! Referees should be at each game they are assigned a minimum of thirty (30) minutes before kick-off. Your first course is a good time to get into this habit.
- In the week leading up to the course, the lead Referee Mentor will email additional details that referee candidates and their parents or guardians will need to be aware of.
5. Find a Grassroots Referee Assignor Near You
After completing all of the requirements, you will have a Grassroots Referee license in your Learning Center profile and will be given a 2023 Referee badge at the completion of your FTE. Certified referees may then use the Georgia Soccer Assignor List to locate an assignor near you. Email the assignors in your area to notify them you just became a certified Grassroots Referee, your age, and other pertinent details. Please note the tabs at the bottom to switch between youth clubs, amateur leagues, and tournaments. This document will be updated continuously.
