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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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 25 games a referee and 15 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. |
