what to bring to referee course soccer

by Claudine Stroman 9 min read

You need to bring your own whistle, referee flag, and flipping coin to the field session. We cannot share referee equipment during the pandemic. Dress for the weather and for mild activity on the field.

Once you successfully complete a referee course and register with the USSF, you will receive your badge and will need to get appropriate referee gear, including a soccer referee uniform, soccer referee flags, referee cards, whistle, watch and shoes.

Full Answer

What training do I need to become a referee?

Once you successfully complete a referee course and register with the USSF, you will receive your badge and will need to get appropriate referee gear, including a soccer referee uniform, soccer referee flags, referee cards, whistle, watch and shoes.

How do I take the US soccer referee exam?

Water – for field training session, especially if it’s hot. Whistle – a Fox 40 whistle is ideal for the on-field training. Cleats – or other appropriate shoes for the field training session. Referee flags – if you have them. Sunscreen/hat – depending on the weather, you may consider bringing sunscreen or a hat.

How should a referee behave on the field?

Participants are required to bring pencils/pens; paper; whistle, referee cards, flags, running shoes with non-marking soles, for indoor (gymnasium) and cleats, if …

What are the different types of soccer referee cards?

This training prepares referees to deal with player injuries and emergency situations. Mandated by US Soccer for all referees. This exam will be taken after completing the Grassroots Online Course. The exam is completed in the OMS system, where you register and pay your fees. The last step to becoming a referee is to attend a Field Course where ...

What do soccer referees need?

These kits typically include: an economy uniform (shirt, shorts, and socks), flags, whistle, yellow/red cards, flipping coin, velcro disc (for affixing your badge to your shirt), and a referee “book” with score sheets.

What should a referee bring?

Referee ChecklistBe properly dressed:Official referee shirt – Yellow (primary), red, black, or blue (long or short sleeved – if it is cold and you only have a short sleeved uniform, wear a black long-sleeved shirt and layers underneath)Referee badge for the current yea.Black shorts.Black shoes – cleats or sneakers.More items...

What makes a good soccer referee?

This are 5 key factors to become a top referee – things every referee should work on – 5 qualities World Cup referees shoul have: Impeccable performances and the fullest concentration in the matches in the period before the World Cup. Consistency. Be able to make decisions based on uniform and consistent criteria.Oct 25, 2013

What is a Grade 15 for soccer referee?

Emeritus State RefereeGrade 15 – Emeritus State Referee The purpose of Grade 15 is to allow officials to retire from the game at the highest referee grade they attained. Based on the level of training provided, U.S. Soccer recommends that these officials be assigned accordingly to best service the game.

What watch do soccer referees wear?

EPL referees will wear Tag Heuer Connected watches to help them keep track of game time.Aug 15, 2016

Do soccer refs need shin guards?

Covering them with tape does not make them legal.) All players must wear shin guards and socks must be pulled over shin guards. Player's shirts are to be tucked in. Check in players and coaches as per the requirements and the Rules of Competition for that league.

What are 5 qualities of a good official?

Seven Qualities of a Great Sports OfficialINTEGRITY. A great sports official is the last guardian of honesty in athletics. ... HUSTLE. Since officiating is a game of angles and positioning, officiating hustle describes movement and court position. ... JUDGMENT. ... COMMUNICATION. ... CONSISTENCY. ... COURAGE. ... COMMON SENSE.

Do referees wear cleats?

Most professional referees will turn to proper soccer cleats, similar to what soccer players wear. This is because essentially, they are very much like a soccer player on the pitch.

Is being a soccer referee hard?

Being a soccer referee is one of the most valuable job experiences I've ever had, even if it's one of the hardest. The reason might be surprising – refereeing is terrifying. The first time I stepped out on the field, I was 14 and I wanted to run away: far, far away from the players and especially the adults.

What is a Level 7 referee?

Level 7 – Junior (Amateur leagues) Level 8 – Youth (Junior Referee below age of 16)

How long does it take to become a FIFA referee?

World Cup referees are chosen under FIFA regulation. The process lasts 3 years and is managed by the FIFA Refereeing Department and FIFA Referee Assistance Program (RAP). Referees are chosen in teams of 3, with one designated head referee and two assistant referees.

How do you become a Level 7 referee?

If the referees are aged under 16, they become level 8 referees; if they are 16 or over, they automatically become level 7 referees. After completing promotion criteria as a level 7 referee, they may move up to level 6. Level 8, 7 and 6 referees are qualified to officiate only games in local league matches.

What colors do you wear to be a USSF referee?

However, if you advance as a referee, then you will need to add the alternate colors over the next few years. Solid black referee shorts or black shorts with the USSF Referee logo on the leg. Black socks with three white stripes at the top or the USSF referee logo on the top.

How often do referees have to register?

Referees must register each year with U.S. Soccer through their State Referee Administrator. The governing documents of U.S. Soccer state that a referee must be registered for the current year to referee games affiliated with U.S. Soccer directly or indirectly.

What to do if you don't understand the referee?

Make sure you understand what the referee wants you to do in managing substitutions, how long to hold the offside signal, etc. Hold the flag in the proper hand. The flag should be held in the hand closest to the referee.

What should be in a referee bag?

A referee bag that should contain the following: A watch with stopwatch functions – two watches are preferred, one for starting and stopping and one for keeping a running time in case you forget to start the first one. Pens/pencils, Notebook.

How early should you arrive at the field for a baseball game?

You should arrive at the field at least 30 minutes prior to the game. If you don't drive, make sure you have made arrangements for someone to pick you up to take you home. Bring change for emergency telephone calls or a cell phone, as well as the telephone number of your assignor and club contact.

How many digits are needed for USSF?

You may need your 16 digit USSF identification number for tournaments. You will find this number on the ID card you receive in the mail after you have taken the course and registered. You will get a new card each year, but the number will always be the same.

How to be a good game manager?

Make your presence known from the moment you walk on the field - that way players know you are in charge. Stand tall, look people in the eye and smile confidently. Have your pre-game questions down - introduce yourself even if you have worked games with the same coaches before, solicit copies of the rosters, get the game ball from the home team and check it out, check in players. (Do not tell players how you are going to call the game and what you are going to call and not call. This can cause you major problems in the game.) Doing these game management things confidently will carry over into the game.

How long does it take to complete SafeSport?

Everyone must complete Lessons 2 – 7. Lesson 8, SafeSport Training, is required for referees 18 years or older. Lesson 8 will show as Complete for referees who are not 18. The first time SafeSport Training takes about 90 minutes to complete. Subsequent annual SafeSport Training takes about 15 minutes to complete.

How many parts are there in the Learning Center?

There are five Parts to the Learning Center course. You must complete each Part in sequence. As you progress through the Grassroots Referee Course, you must view everything on a page/slide. You will have to click on each option to read or watch a video.

What color is the referee's shirt?

We recommend that you procure a complete referee uniform/equipment kit, which includes a referee shirt (yellow is the primary color), referee shorts, referee socks, referee flags, whistle, yellow and red cards, etc. The kit will provide the best value and all of your referee equipment.

How much does it cost to become a referee?

The registration and clinic fee is $85. You must be age 13 or older on the day you register to become a referee. TO START.

When will referees be certified in 2021?

Referees who certify or recertify now will receive a 2022 badge, may begin officiating immediately and will remain certified through December 2022. Referees with 2021 badges may wear them through December 2021, though we highly recommend that you recertify now to receive instruction on the recent changes to the Laws of the Game.

What are the minimum requirements for a referee?

The minimum match requirements are: 1. One match as a referee on a competitive Youth U18/19 match. 2. One match as a referee on a competitive senior adult amateur Division 2 (D2) level match or above. 3. One match as a referee on a top-level, senior amateur, Division 1 or Premier-level match or above. 4.

How much is the 2022 Path 3 certification?

PATH #3: You were certified for 2021 and awarded a 2021 badge. You need to complete the annual online training for your recertification. Your fee for 2022 is $85. No field or classroom sessions for you.

When does the referee registration period end?

The registration period begins July 1 and ends June 30 for each certification year.

What are the courses for Ontario soccer officials?

Ontario Soccer, along with its many district branches and clubs, is always looking to help new match officials get going! Ontario Soccer offers three courses for those looking to become registered match officials: Small Sided Clinics, Entry Level Clinics and Futsal Clinics.

What are the courses offered by Ontario Soccer?

Ontario Soccer offers three courses for clubs looking to host clinics and enable individuals in the area to become an accredited match officials: Small Sided Clinics, Entry Level and Futsal Match Official Clinics.

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Sections

Making A Good First Impression

  1. Read and know the Laws of the Game and work to learn the correct interpretations.
  2. Know the generally accepted mechanics approved by the USSF and found in the Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and 4th Officials. You should have received this booklet in your ent...
  3. Know the local Rules of Competition.
  1. Read and know the Laws of the Game and work to learn the correct interpretations.
  2. Know the generally accepted mechanics approved by the USSF and found in the Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and 4th Officials. You should have received this booklet in your ent...
  3. Know the local Rules of Competition.
  4. As an inexperienced referee, you will not make all the right decisions. You will learn from experience and from working with more experienced referees.

Pre-Game Responsibilities

  1. Look for holes or depressions that could cause twisted or broken ankles and see if holes can be filled. All rocks, twigs, debris on the field should be removed.
  2. Nets should be securely fastened to the goal posts and netting pulled back so as not to interfere with the goalkeeper.
  3. Goal posts must be securely anchored to the ground. Sandbags on the frame towards the rea…
  1. Look for holes or depressions that could cause twisted or broken ankles and see if holes can be filled. All rocks, twigs, debris on the field should be removed.
  2. Nets should be securely fastened to the goal posts and netting pulled back so as not to interfere with the goalkeeper.
  3. Goal posts must be securely anchored to the ground. Sandbags on the frame towards the rear are acceptable. Posts don't have to be in the ground, but they must be anchored.
  4. Corner flags are in place and are not dangerous to players (at least 5 ft high).

The Game

  1. Pay close attention to the referee during the pre-game conference. If you don't understand something the referee is saying, ask for clarification.
  2. Make sure you understand what the referee wants you to do in managing substitutions, how long to hold the offside signal, etc.
  3. Hold the flag in the proper hand. The flag should be held in the hand closest to the referee. R…
  1. Pay close attention to the referee during the pre-game conference. If you don't understand something the referee is saying, ask for clarification.
  2. Make sure you understand what the referee wants you to do in managing substitutions, how long to hold the offside signal, etc.
  3. Hold the flag in the proper hand. The flag should be held in the hand closest to the referee. Referees usually run a left diagonal, which means the flag will be in your left hand most of the time.
  4. If you turn sideways to walk up or down the field, switch hands with the flag as necessary so the flag is field side and the referee can see the flag clearly. The flag should always be switched han...

How Do Referees improve?

  1. To be a good referee, you must continue to learn and improve with every game.
  2. Experience is the best teacher and confidence builder.
  3. The more games you do the more comfortable and confident you'll be.
  4. If something occurs in a game and you aren't sure if you made the correct decision, go back to the Laws of the Game, Q & A and Advice to Referees after the game and double check.
See more on usyouthsoccer.org

Next Year Is Just Around The Corner – Recertification

  1. Referees must register each year with U.S. Soccer through their State Referee Administrator. The governing documents of U.S. Soccer state that a referee must be registered for the current year to r...
  2. The email addresses for all state referee administrators can be found at ussoccer.com/Referee Programs.
  1. Referees must register each year with U.S. Soccer through their State Referee Administrator. The governing documents of U.S. Soccer state that a referee must be registered for the current year to r...
  2. The email addresses for all state referee administrators can be found at ussoccer.com/Referee Programs.
  3. If you don't know when or where to recertify for the upcoming year, contact your State Referee Administrator (SRA), State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA) or State Director of Instruction (SDI) i...
  4. Referee registration for the calendar year with U.S. Soccer ends on June 30th of each year. If you want to referee in the fall, you must recertify before June of that year. You must be regist…

Resources

  1. Laws of the Game (and Laws of the Game Made Easy)
  2. Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and 4th Officials
  3. Referee Administrative Handbook – you will find the criteria for upgrading here, along with how to write misconduct reports and other valuable information about the Referee Program
  4. Advice to Referees – can be purchased, but is also available for reference at ussoccer.com/L…
  1. Laws of the Game (and Laws of the Game Made Easy)
  2. Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and 4th Officials
  3. Referee Administrative Handbook – you will find the criteria for upgrading here, along with how to write misconduct reports and other valuable information about the Referee Program
  4. Advice to Referees – can be purchased, but is also available for reference at ussoccer.com/Laws of the Game.