NEW REFEREE COURSE
Newly certified referees are designated by US Soccer as “Referee”. (Formerly Grassroots Referee)
If you have never been a referee before, this is the course for you.
How old do I have to be?
The minimum age is 13. By mandate of US Soccer, all new referees must be age 13 at the time they register for their course. There are no exceptions
COURSE COMPONENTS
Referee Online Course
This course by US Soccer provides new referees with knowledge of the Laws of the Game as well as what it takes to be a referee in the modern game. The course is taken in the US Soccer Learning Center.
SafeSport Training
Training to recognize and report abuse in youth sports. Mandated by US Soccer for any referee age 17 and above.
Additional SafeSport Information:
The U.S. Center for SafeSport was established under the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017. This act gave The Center the scope and authority to resolve abuse and misconduct reports throughout the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. It also charged The Center with developing and enforcing policies, procedures, and training to prevent abuse and misconduct.
The Center’s SafeSport Code governs all participants in the Movement, including U.S. Soccer Federation. Under federal law, U.S. Soccer and other NGBs are required to adhere to the SafeSport Training policies.
As part of those prevention policies, adult participants – including referees – are required to complete a yearly SafeSport training to receive and maintain a referee license issued by U.S. Soccer Federation. The course training modules are created and maintained by The Center and are therefore subject to change according to The Center.
Providing a Safe Playing Environment
This training prepares referees to deal with player injuries and emergency situations. Mandated by US Soccer for all referees.
Final Exam
This exam will be taken after completing the “Grassroots” Online Course. The exam is completed in the OMS system, where you register and pay your fees.
Field Course
The last step to becoming a referee is to attend a Field Course where you will work with instructors on drills designed to prepare you for your first games as a referee.
