Referee License
Requirements & Upgrades

REGISTRATION YEAR REGISTRATION PERIOD OPENS REGISTRATION PERIOD CLOSES CERTIFICATION VALID FROM CERTIFICATION VALID TO
2021 July 1, 2020 June 14, 2021* Date Approved Dec 31, 2021
2022 July 1, 2021 June 14, 2022* Date Approved Dec 31, 2022
2023 July 1, 2022 June 14, 2023* Date Approved Dec 31, 2023

* Registration Period Close is strict to allow Cal South enough time to process your registration with the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Certification, Recertification (Maintenance) & Upgrade Requirements

Referee Officials

CLICK HERE FOR PDF VIEW
2023 Certification Requirements
Minimum Age 13 years old
Training Online course & In-Person Field Training
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $55 paid online.
Register & pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test Online through U.S. Soccer Learning Center in LC
Safety & Compliance For all, only need to complete once:

For those 18 and over, only need to complete once:

Need to complete annually:
[/fusion_table]
 2023 Re-certification Requirements
Annual Training State 5 Continued Education Sessions (offered by local Referee Associations, Monthly Education Webinars, CORE)*
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $70 paid online.
Register & pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test Online recertification quiz | Examen en español disponible aqui
Safety & Compliance
State & USSF
NOTES
  • SafeSport Training required of all Cal South referees 18 and older annually.
  • Upon making registration payment you will receive link to training.
  • Concussion Training and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.

Grassroots Elite Referee

CLICK HERE FOR PDF VIEW
2023 Certification & Recertification Requirements
Minimum age 14 years old
Experience Current USSF approved referee of any level
Training 5 Continued Education Sessions (offered by local Referee Associations*, Monthly Education Webinars, CORE)
Course Grassroots Elite Virtual Course & Quiz
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $85 paid online.
To register & pay: click here
Practical Evaluation One (1) Development & Guidance Assessment as center within a minimum of 11v11 competitive match
Fitness Test
  • Repeated Sprint Ability Test (RSA)
    Category GRE – 6x40m sprints with maximum of 7.0 seconds per sprint
  • Interval Test (40 x 75m run / 25m walk intervals)
    Category GRE – 20 seconds per 75m run and 28 seconds per 25m walk
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)

For those 18 and over:

  • Live Scan Background check (done once)
  • Annual SafeSport Training
NOTES
  • SafeSport Training required of all Cal South referees 18 and older annually.
  • Upon making registration payment you will receive link to training.
  • Concussion Training and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.
  • This level is a Cal South State tier within the U.S. Soccer Grassroots pathway.

CLICK HERE FOR PDF VIEW
2023 Regional Referee Upgrade Requirements
Age Minimum 18 Years of Age
Previous Certification Minimum of three consecutive years as a Grassroots Referee
Previous Game Experience Cal South Affiliated League Games for the previous two years:

  • 25 games as a Referee
  • 15 Games as AR at local adult amateur level
Annual Training
  • Regional Referee Virtual Course
  • 5 Continued Education Sessions (offered by local Referee Associations, Monthly Education Webinars, CORE)*
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $105 paid online. To register & pay, click here
Laws of the Game Pass the Regional Referee Quiz online: click here. Passing score is 80%
Safety & Compliance
State & USSF

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Live Scan Background Check
Fitness test Sprint/Interval Test (FIFA Women’s Referee Test) Male – Category 1/ Female – Category 3

  • Repeated Sprint Ability Test (RSA)
    Category 1 – 6x40m sprints with maximum of 6.4 seconds per sprint
    Category 3 – 6x40m sprints with maximum of 6.6 seconds per sprint
  • Interval Test (40 x 75m run / 25m walk intervals)
    Category 1 – 17 seconds per 75m run and 20 seconds per 25m walk
    Category 3 – 17 seconds per 75m run and 24 seconds per 25m walk
Practical Evaluation Three passing assessments as a Referee
by 3 different Referee Coaches (Previous Grade 5 Assessors):

  • 2 games at an affiliated Adult Amateur Level
  • 1 from an affiliated youth division (U18 or U19) with 2×45 minute half

3 assessments on affiliated Adult division games may comply with this requirement
[/fusion_table]
NOTES
  • For detailed Fitness Test information, click here.
  • SafeSport Training required of all Cal South referees 18 and older annually. Upon making registration payment, you will receive link to training.
  • Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.
2023 Regional Referee Re-Certification Requirements
Eligibility Must have held Regional License in 2022
Previous Certification 2022 Regional Referee
Annual Training
  • Regional Referee Virtual Course
  • 5 Continued Education Sessions (offered by local Referee Associations, Monthly Education Webinars, CORE)*
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $105 paid online. To register & pay, click here
Laws of the Game Pass the Regional Referee Quiz online: click here. Passing score is 80%
Fitness Test Sprint/Interval Test (FIFA Women’s Referee Test) Male – Category 1/ Female – Category 3

  • Repeated Sprint Ability Test (RSA)
    Category 1 – 6x40m sprints with maximum of 6.4 seconds per sprint
    Category 3 – 6x40m sprints with maximum of 6.6 seconds per sprint
  • Interval Test (40 x 75m run / 25m walk intervals)
    Category 1 – 17 seconds per 75m run and 20 seconds per 25m walk
    Category 3 – 17 seconds per 75m run and 24 seconds per 25m walk
Practical Evaluation Two passing assessments as a Referee
by 2 different Referee Coaches (Previous Grade 5 Assessors):

  • 1 game from an affiliated Adult Amateur Level
  • 1 game from an affiliated Youth division (U18 or U19) with 2 x 45-minute half

Note: 2 assessments on affiliated Adult division games may comply with this requirement
Safety & Compliance

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background Check
NOTES
  • For detailed Fitness Test information, click here.
  • SafeSport Training required of all Cal South referees 18 and older annually. Upon making registration payment, you will receive link to training.
  • Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.

Click here for PDF View
2022 National Referee Requirements
Enrollment Selected by U.S. National Referee Selection Committee
Previous Game Experience 100 games at the Adult Amateur Level:

  • Referee (50)
  • Assistant Referee (50)
Previous Experience
 Minimum of two (2) consecutive years as Regional Referee
Training Attend and successfully complete National Camp
USSF Registration Fee Paid through U.S. Soccer
Laws of the Game Online – National Test
Safety & Compliance
  • Safe & Healthy Playing Environments
  • SafeSport Training
  • National Background Check
Fitness test FIFA Fitness Test (Referee or Assistant Referee and Gender-Specific) Category 1
Practical Evaluation Minimum of three (3) passing National Evaluations as either Referee or Assistant Referee. Must be by three (3) different National Referee Coaches
NOTES
  • National Application done through US Soccer –  click here.
  • National AR Application done through US Soccer – click here.
  • Deadline – 9/10/2021 – Can only apply for one of the above.
  • Questions on how to apply for the 2022 National Licenses? Email referee@ussoccer.org with the subject line: “NATIONAL APPLICATION”.
2022 National Referee Re-Certification Requirements
Enrollment Selected by U.S. National Referee Selection Committee
Previous Game Experience 12 Games as a Referee or 12 Games as an Assistant Referee in Amateur Adult Games or higher level (professional or international)
Previous Experience
 Previous year as a National Official
Training Attend and successfully complete National Camp
USSF Registration Fee Paid through U.S. Soccer
Laws of the Game Online – National Test
Fitness test FIFA Fitness Test (Referee or Assistant Referee and Gender-Specific) Category 1
Practical Evaluation Minimum of three (3) passing National Evaluations as either Referee or Assistant Referee. Must be by three (3) different National Referee Coaches
NOTES
  • Returning National Officials do not complete application. They will receive separate instructions.

CLICK HERE FOR PDF VIEW
2023 Emeritus Certification Requirements
Age
 Minimum 45 years of age
Previous Grade Experience Regional Referee grade (Previous State) and above for 3 years
Annual Training 5 Continued Education Sessions (offered by local Referee Associations, Monthly Education Webinars, CORE)*
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $105 paid online
To register & pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test Complete the Regional Online Test | Passing score is 80%
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background check
[/fusion_table]
2023 Emeritus Recertification Requirements
Annual Training 5 In-Service Hours offered by local Referee Associations*
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $105 paid online
To register & pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test Complete the Regional Online Test | Passing score is 80%
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background check
NOTES
  • Per US Soccer: “The purpose of the Emeritus grades is to allow officials to retire from the game at the highest referee grade they attained when state level or higher. It may not be used to circumvent any registration, certification, or recertification requirements mandated by U.S. Soccer or State Referee Association.”
  • The three years do not have to be consecutive or immediately preceding the request to Emeritus status.
  • Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.

GRASSROOTS FUTSAL

CLICK HERE FOR PDF VIEW
2023 Certification Requirements
Minimum Age 13 years old
Training Online Course & In-Person Field Training
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $60 paid online.
To register & pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test Online Quiz | Passing score is 80%
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)		 For all, only need to complete once:

For those 18 and over, only need to complete once:

Need to complete annually:
[/fusion_table]
 2023 Re-certification Requirements
Annual Training State 5 Continued Education Sessions (offered by local Referee Associations, Monthly Education Webinars, CORE)*
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $60 paid online.
To register & pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test Online Quiz | Passing score is 80%
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background check
NOTES
  • SafeSport Training required of all Cal South referees 18 and older annually.
  • Upon making registration payment you will receive link to training.
  • Concussion Training and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.

REGIONAL FUTSAL

CLICK HERE FOR PDF VIEW
2022 Certification Requirements
Minimum age 18 years old
Training Online Course & In-Person Field Training
Experience Previous consecutive 3 years as Grassroots Futsal Referee
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $105 paid online.
To register & pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test  Online Quiz | Passing score is 80%
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)		 For all, only need to complete once:

For those 18 and over, only need to complete once:

Need to complete annually:
[/fusion_table]
2022 Re-certification Requirements
Annual Training
(State)		 5 In-Service Hours offered by local Referee Associations
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $105 paid online.
To register & pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test Online Quiz | Passing score is 80%
Safety & Compliance

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background check
NOTES
  • SafeSport Training required of all Cal South referees 18 and older annually.
  • Upon making registration payment you will receive link to training.
  • Concussion Training and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.

The purpose of the Grade 8 Indoor Referee Course is to prepare officials for amateur indoor competitions at the youth and adult levels.

CLICK HERE FOR PDF VIEW
2023 Certification Requirements
Minimum Age 13 years old
Training Online quiz & course
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $40 paid online.
Register & pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test Online quiz with a passing score of 80% – click here
Safety & Compliance[State & USSF] For all, only need to complete once:

For those 18 and over, only need to complete once:

Need to complete annually:
[/fusion_table]
 2023 Recertification Requirements
Annual Training State 5 Continued Education Sessions (offered by local Referee Associations, Monthly Education Webinars, CORE)*
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $40 paid online.
Register & pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test Online quiz with a passing score of 80% – click here
Safety & Compliance[State & USSF]

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background Check
NOTES
  • SafeSport Training required of all Cal South referees 18 and older annually. Upon making registration payment you will receive link to training.
  • Concussion Training and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.

CLICK HERE FOR PDF VIEW
2023 Referee Assignor Certification Requirements
Recommendations Two (2) letters of recommendation:

One (1) from Association President
One (1) from another Assignor or League President
Previous Grade Experience Five (5) years of referee experience of any level.
Annual Training
 Attend new Assignor course.
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $105 paid online.
To register and pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test Regional Online Quiz | Passing score is 80%
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background check
[/fusion_table]
2023 Referee Assignor Recertification Requirements
Annual Training Attend one Assignor recertification course.
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $105 paid online.
To register and pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background check
NOTES
  • Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.

Referee Coaches/Instructors

2023 Referee Recertification Requirements
Previous License Experience 2022 Regional Assessor or Instructor
One Course Training Attend the Virtual Mentor Course covering all topics below:

  • Leading a Grassroots Field Session
  • Observing Performance
  • Leading Video Analysis
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $1o5 paid online. Select “Regional Assessor”.
To register & pay: click here
Laws of the Game Test
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background check
[/fusion_table]
NOTES
  • Concussion & Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.
  • LC curriculum based on access granted to States by U.S. Soccer.

2023 Mentor Certification Requirements
Age Minimum 18 years of age
Previous Grade Experience Minimum of two (2) years as referee (any license)
One Course Training Pass a Virtual Mentor Course covering all topics below:

  • Leading a Grassroots Field Session
  • Observing Performance
  • Leading Video Analysis”
Two In-Person Trainings
  • How to Conduct a Referee Field Training
  • How to Conduct an On-Field Observation
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $75 paid online
To register & pay: click here
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background check
[/fusion_table]
2023 Mentor Recertification Requirements
Previous License Experience Referee Mentor License within previous three (3) registration years
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $75 paid online
To register & pay: click here
Course Training Attend the Virtual Mentor Course
Laws of the Game Test Complete the 2023 Laws of the Game update:
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background check

NOTES

  • Concussion & Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.
  • LC curriculum based on access granted to States by U.S. Soccer.

CLICK HERE FOR PDF VIEW
2022 Cal South Referee Coordinator Certification Requirements
Experience Current USSF Referee Mentor
Recommendations Two (2) letters of recommendation:

  • One (1) by local Referee Association Board Member
  • One (1) by an Instructor or Assessor
Course Training Attend course session
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $110 paid online
To register & pay: click here
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background check
2022 Cal South Referee Coordinator Re-certification Requirements
Experience Current USSF Referee Mentor
USSF Registration Fee Cost of $90 (for Regional Assessor) paid online
To register & pay: click here
Training Attend course session
Safety & Compliance
(State & USSF)

For those 18 and over:

  • SafeSport Training
  • Background check
NOTES
  • Concussion & Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training required once only.
  • *State Trainings required for local game assignments.
  • This level is a Cal South State license with its own State Badge.