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 “2025 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
- For full listings: Click here
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
