Grassroots Referee
The Grassroots Referee is trained to officiate in the competitive youth game. Grassroots referees are also permitted to officiate in the adult amateur game after successful completion of the standards below.
| Certification Requirements | |
| Age | Minimum Age 13 |
| Previous Game Experience | None |
| Previous Grade Experience | None |
| Training | Complete Grassroots Referee Course Online and In-Person Sessions |
| Laws of the Game Test | Complete the LOTG quiz with a minimum score of 80% |
| Safety & Compliance | Safesport Trained (18+) |
| Fitness Test | Not Applicable |
| Practical Evaluation | Not Applicable |
| Annual Recertification Requirements | |
| Training | Minimum 5 hours Training Online or Classroom |
| Laws of the Game Test | Pass the Grade 8 Referee Test (Min. 80%) |
| Fitness Test | Not Applicable |
| Practical Evaluation | Not Applicable*** |
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Grassroots Referee – Amateur Adult Certification
The Grassroots Referee is permitted to officiate at the amateur adult level after completing the below requirements.
| Certification Requirements | |
| Age | Minimum 17 |
| Previous Game Experience | No set minimums |
| Previous Grade Experience | Minimum 1 year as Grassroots Referee |
| Training | Complete the Advanced Referee Course |
| Laws of the Game Test | Pass the Regional Referee Test with a minimum score of 80% |
| Fitness Test | None required to work as an AR To work as a Referee, pass the FIFA Spring & Interval Test |
| Practical Evaluation | None required to work as an AR To work as a Referee, one passing evaluation must be completed as a Referee* |
| Annual Recertification Requirements | |
| Training | Complete the Advanced Referee Course |
| Laws of the Game Test | Pass the Regional Referee Test with a minimum score of 80% |
| Fitness Test | None required to work as an AR To work as a Referee, pass the FIFA Spring & Interval Test |
| Practical Evaluation | None required to work as an AR To work as a Referee, one passing evaluation must be completed as a Referee* |
- *Minimum of 1 passing assessment that meets the sufficient test criteria (from affiliated games with a minimum of 40 minute halves).
- *Assessment cost is $80 and must be paid prior to assessment.
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Regional Referee
The purpose of the Regional Referee Course is to prepare officials for the most competitive matches within their state and region. Based on the level of training provided, U.S. Soccer recommends that these officials be assigned accordingly to best service the game.
| Certification Requirements | |
| Age | Must be at least 18 |
| Previous Game Experience | Minimum 50 games a referee and 25 games as assistant referee at the amateur adult level |
| Previous Grade Experience | Minimum 3 years as Grassroots referee |
| Training | Complete Advanced Referee Clinic |
| Laws of the Game Test | Pass the Regional Referee test with a minimum of 90% |
| Safety & Compliance | Safesport Trained |
| Fitness Test | Pass the FIFA Sprint and Interval Tests |
| Practical Evaluation | Minimum of two (2) passing evaluations as a referee at the amateur adult level. Minimum one (1) passing evaluation as an assistant referee at the amateur adult level. One referee evaluation can be at the highest youth level (U18-19). |
| Annual Recertification Requirements | |
| Training | Minimum 5 hours Online and Classroom |
| Laws of the Game Test | Pass the Regional Referee Test (90%) |
| Fitness Test | Pass the FIFA Sprint and Interval Tests |
| Practical Evaluation | Minimum of two (2) passing evaluations as a referee at the amateur adult level. Minimum one (1) passing evaluation as an assistant referee at the amateur adult level. One referee evaluation can be at the highest youth level (U18-19).Notes |
