*How to Become a Referee

Certification to become a First-time Referee is done through a combination of online course work and an in-person course. Participants are required to complete both the First-time Referee Online Course and In-Person Field Session to be officially licensed with U.S. Soccer as a Referee. 

Important: IF YOU ARE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, YOU MUST ALSO COMPLETE THE U.S. SOCCER BACKGROUND CHECK.

Referee License: Qualified to officiate competitive, small-sided or recreational youth matches and amateur adult matches

Registration requirements:

1. Minimum Age: 13

2. Training: Online AND in-person component

3. Laws of the Game Quiz: Online Quiz

4. SafeSport & Safe Soccer Training: Ages 18 & older only

5. Background Check: Ages 18 & older only

Fees:

1. Clinic fee: $20.00 (non-refundable)

2. USSF registration: $60.00

3. Background check fee: $23.00 (non-refundable; valid for two years)

CREATE A PROFILE

Registration is performed online through U.S. Soccer’s Learning Center https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee    There are fees to complete the required course work so be sure to have ready your credit or debit card available when registering. Payment will be due at time of registration. All candidates must be 13 years or older to create a profile in the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.

NOTE: Email addresses used must be validated within 24 hours or the account will be locked. Please avoid using a school email address. If you are UNDER the age of 18 years old, you must add a parent/guardian email, which must be validated within 24 hours as well.

FIRST- TIME REFEREES ONLINE COURSE

This incredible, self-paced, 4.5 hour e-learning experience utilizes a variety of videos and learning modules for an exciting educational experience and prepares the candidates for their assigned tasks and responsibilities as a Referee

The online coursework also includes:

1. Safe Sport training (if 18 years old or older – required by Federal Law)

2. Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments

3. Referee Certification Quiz

For more information you can also visit the North Texas Soccer website https://www.ntxsoccer.org/referees/become-a-referee/

ONCE you complete the course or you have any questions about being a referee with Cooke County Soccer please email the association directly .