Used with permission of the Iowa Referee Committee
The following questions should help you in your quest to become a certified referee for the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). If you have questions about the process, you may contact Wayne Wilson, State Referee Administrator/State Director of Instruction (SDI), at sranssa@gmail.com.
What is the United States Soccer Federation (USSF)?
The USSF is the certifying organization for sanctioned club matches in the United States. If you want to work tournaments, local leagues (such as IPSL), or club matches, you will need to be USSF Certified.
Why would I want to become a soccer referee?
1. Earn money working in a sport you enjoy. Yes, that’s right. We said you can earn money!
2. Become more knowledgeable about the Laws of the Game. Did you know that the official rules of soccer are called “The Laws of the Game,” and that the Soccer Laws used in youth soccer are the very same Laws used by the professionals with only a few minor exceptions.
3. Learning all the ins and outs of these Laws will help you to appreciate the game much more and make you a better player (or coach).
4. It’s a great first job. Refereeing teaches commitment and professionalism – while being fun at the same time.
5. Adult referees are always in demand. It’s a wonderful way to give something back to the community and to your home soccer association.
How can I become a soccer referee?
By attending an entry-level referee course.
What are the requirements to take the course?
You should be physically fit, emotionally mature, at least 13 years of age, and have the time available to referee games.
Where do I sign up for the course?
Course dates, times, and instructions are posted on the Calendar link on the top navigation bar. If you have questions about the process, you may contact Wayne Wilson, State Referee Administrator/State Director of Instruction (SDI), at sranssa@gmail.com. All courses require pre-registration before attending.
What course is offered?
We currently offer the introductory "Referee Grade 8" course. This course is explained below.
What is the "Referee Grade 8" course?
The course includes: completing online training prior to the class, a total of 13 hours in the classroom (Saturday and Sunday), and obtaining 75% on a 100-question test. The total cost of the course and registration as a USSF referee is $48.00, which you will pay through PayPal.
What games can I referee once I've completed a course?
You are eligible to be a Referee or Assistant Referee (AR) for all youth games, including recreational and select games. Assignment to competitive youth games depends on the age and experience of the referee. Most all new referees will start out working the younger age groups and progress to the older age groups as you gain experience.
After I pass the course, how do I get games to referee?
Once you pass the introductory class and become a certified USSF Grade 8 referee, your contact information will be provided to all "referee assignors" who will schedule you to be a referee on various games. We also recommend that you contact assignors in your area directly to let them know that you have completed the New Referee course, and are ready to referee games. The most important thing the assignor needs to know is your availability to do games and reliable way to contact you.
How do I continue to referee games after the first year?
All referees must re-certify and register each year by attending a single 5-hour re-certification class. The referee certification is valid for each calendar year; however, re-certifications start as early as July for the following year. There are relatively few re-certification classes offered throughout the state so be certain to plan in advance. Currently, the recert classes that are scheduled can be viewed on the Referee Recertification page.
I WANT TO BECOME A REFEREE!
To start the process to becoming a USSF certified referee, simply follow the steps outlined on the Calendar page. |