Become a Soccer Referee in California | Cal South
Cal South Referee Program

Become a soccer referee in California

Get certified through the Cal South Referee Program, administered under U.S. Soccer Federation standards, and start working matches across Southern California.

Cal South Referee Program, U.S. Soccer certified referee lockup

Officially certified under the U.S. Soccer Federation referee program.

The Cal South Referee Program administers the United States Soccer Federation referee license certification requirements. Once you're properly registered and approved by the State Referee Committee, you become a U.S. Soccer Federation Referee for the approved registration year — licensed to independently service any U.S. Soccer National Member Organization (except AYSO).

All referee licenses are under independent contractor status. You may seek one or more local Assignors or Referee Associations to receive matches. Referee Associations are private entities in Southern California that provide referee coverage to tournaments and leagues for youth or adult soccer, and they directly decide working conditions with no oversight from U.S. Soccer or the Cal South Referee Program.

Per the U.S. Soccer Policy Manual, the State Referee Committee oversees all referee licenses, which must comply with the code of ethics, procedures, policies, and certification of the United States Soccer Federation. The Cal South Referee Program strives to actively recruit, properly certify, and advance referees for all U.S. Soccer National Member Organizations.

Questions before you start?

Our referee registration team can help with eligibility, courses, or account issues.

refereeregistration@calsouth.com
Minimum age: 13

New first-time referee registration checklist

Follow the four steps below in order, then complete the compliance items if you're 18 or older. Download the full checklist to keep on hand.

Getting started

Four steps to get licensed

Complete these in order — each one unlocks the next part of your registration.

1

Pay the USSF referee registration fee

Register and pay the $80 registration fee online to begin your certification.

2

Take the 2027 Cal South Online Referee Assignments course

Create your U.S. Soccer profile and complete the first of two required course components through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center. Afterward, check your email (including spam) for a verification link — if the referee is a minor, both the referee and a parent must click the link.

3

Take Intro to Safe & Healthy Playing Environments

Complete the second required course component through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.

4

Register for Referee Preparation Training (RPT)

Sign up for an RPT session, held either in person or virtually, to complete your practical training.

In person or virtual See session listings →

Compliance requirements

Ages 18+ only

If you're 18 or older and registering to become a referee, you must also complete both items below.

DOJ background check & Live Scan

Complete the Department of Justice (DOJ) background check and Live Scan fingerprinting process.

Download Live Scan form →

SafeSport training course

Complete SafeSport Training annually — required for all referees 18 years or older.

Register for SafeSport →
5

Join a local Referee Association

Join a local Referee Association in order to start receiving match assignments.

Find an association
Email newsletter

Get The Official Word

Our monthly referee email newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe

The Cal South Referee Program administers the United States Soccer Federation referee license certification requirements. Once you are properly registered and approved by the State Referee Committee, you are then a U.S. Soccer Federation Referee for the approved registration year and are licensed to independently service any U.S. Soccer National Member Organization (except AYSO).

All Referee Licenses are under independent contractor status, and you may seek one or more local Assignors or Referee Associations to receive matches. Referee Associations are private entities in Southern California who provide referee coverage to tournaments and leagues for youth or adult soccer. Referee Associations and/or Assignors directly decide working conditions for referees with no oversight from U.S. Soccer or the Cal South Referee Program.

Per the U.S. Soccer Policy Manual, the State Referee Committee oversees all referee licenses, who must comply with the code of ethics, procedures, policies, and certification of the United States Soccer Federation.

The Cal South Referee Program strives to actively recruit, properly certify, and advance referees for all U.S. Soccer National Member Organizations.

For any questions, reach out to refereeregistration@calsouth.com.

New First Time Referee Registration Checklist

Minimum age requirement: 13 Years of age

  • Cost of $80 paid online: To register and pay: click here

Create a U.S. profile for the Referee.

The “2027 CAL SOUTH – ONLINE REFEREE ASSIGNMENTS” is the first of two course requirement components that must be completed through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.

  • To complete this course: Click here [Duration of course: 4 hours]

After creating your profile, check your email inbox or spam folder for an email verification link sent by U.S. Soccer. Click on it to verify your email address. Note: If registering referee is a minor, both the referee and a parent must each click on the verification link.

“Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments” is the second part of two course requirement components that must be completed through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.

  • To complete this course: Click here [Duration of course: 25 minutes]

Register to attend a Referee Preparation Training (RPT) session. Sessions are held in two formats: In Person or Virtual

Compliance Requirements

If you are 18 years of age or older and registering to become a referee,
you must also complete the following two compliance items…

  • If you are 18 or older, you will need to complete the Department of Justice (DOJ) background check and Live Scan fingerprinting process.

    • To complete this, download the Live Scan form and instructions: Click here

SafeSport Training needs to be completed annually by all referees 18 years or older.

  • To register for a SafeSport Training course through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center: Click here

Additional Officiating Elements

  • Join a local Referee Association in order to receive matches for work.
    • To find a Referee Association in your area: Click here

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Receive The Official Word,
our monthly referee email newsletter.