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 three (3) passing assessments as a referee. Two (2) assessments must be on an adult amateur match of 90 minutes. One (1) assessment must be a 90-minute match at the highest youth level. All three assessments must be performed by three different Regional Assessors/Referee Coaches/National Coaches
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. One (1) assessment must be at the adult amateur level of 90 minutes. One (1) assessment must be a 90-minute match at the highest youth level.