Referee

Step One – Find A Class

The new Grassroots Referee course is split into two parts: Online Course and In Person Field Training Session.

On the available CLASSES page, you can find a list of Field Training Sessions currently open for registration. Find the date and/or location that fits your schedule and click on the link to create your Learning Center profile and register for that In-Person session. (If you are 18 years or older, you must compete Step #2: NCSI Backgroud Screening before the Learning Center will allow you to enroll in a specific course.)

Each referee profile must use a unique email address. Siblings, parents and/or their children may not use the same primary email address to set up their Learning Center profile. The Learning Center does allow everyone to add a secondary email address, so if parents can add their email address there to receive the same email updates going to the account’s primary email address.

Step Two – Complete a Background & SafeSport Training

US Soccer requires all referees and referee candidates who are 18 years and older to complete an NCSI background screening. Once submitted, the background screening can take up to 10 days to complete. The US Soccer Learning Center will not allow you to enroll in any referee course until the background screening has cleared. You will not be allowed to attend an In-Person Field Training Course until your NCSI background check has been approved at US Soccer.

The background screening costs $30 (plus a $1-$2 processing fee) and is valid for two years from the date it is completed.

While your US Soccer background screening is processing, you can complete the mandatory SafeSport training in the US Soccer Learning Center. SafeSport is Federal Law passed by the US Congress.

In the Learning Center, under Courses, go to Available Courses and then SafeSport.

SafeSport online training takes 1-2 hours to complete.

Step Three – Enroll & Begin Online Course

Now that you’ve created your Learning Center profile (and NCSI background screening if 18+) you can enroll in the Grassroots Online Course and In-Person Field Training Session you want to attend. If you are not automatically directed to the In-Person schedule you want, in the Learning Center click on Courses then Go to Course List and select your course from that menu.

Once enrolled, you must complete all the sections under the Assignments tab to complete the online portion of the Grassroots Referee Certification:

• Grassroots Online Course (4-6 hours)
• Intro to Safe & healthy Playing Environments (30 min – 1 hour)
• Grassroots Certification Quiz (25 questions, multiple choice)
• SafeSport Training (if 18+ years)

Step Four – Attend in Person Field Session Training

The final step in your new Grassroots Referee certification process is to attend the three-hour In-Person Field Session Training. You can find the address, schedule and contact information in the on the Course Information page in the Learning Center. Please arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in.

In the Field Session Training, you will be participating by acting as both a player and referee. Please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions and outside running. Some locations may not have water available, so please bring your own water or sports drink for hydration.

Everyone must bring their own whistle to the Field Training Sessions. If you already have flags and red/yellow cards, bring those as well. If you don’t have these items yet, there will be some available to share.

If you have completed all steps and assignments, the referee badge will be mailed out to your home address.

If you are 18 or older, you will not be allowed to attend the Field Training Session if your NCSI Background Screening has not yet been approved by US Soccer. You must also be enrolled online in the New Grassroots Course to attend an In-Person Field Training Session.

If you are 13-17 years old, or 18+ and your background screening has cleared, you can attend the In-Person Field Session even if you have not completed all of the online training, as long as you are enrolled in the New Grassroots Course, however you will not be approved to referee or receive your badge until all New Grassroots Certification requirements are met.

What to Bring to the Referee Course?

Wear appropriate athletic gear and bring plenty of water. Bring with you:

1. Whistle
2. Athletic Attire/Shors
3. Water