Interested in Becoming a Referee?
Youth soccer referees begin working with children at the very beginning of their athletic lives in both recreational and competitive leagues. Your main role as a referee is to encourage fair play, good sportsmanship, and fun. Your responsibilities include: Ensuring fields are safely set up, reviewing soccer players for appropriate gear, watching over the game and enforcing fair play, reporting injuries, maintaining order and appropriate conduct throughout the match.
New Referee Training
New Grassroots Referee courses are being offered by the Wisconsin Soccer Referee Development Program (WisRef) for 2023 registration; for a 2023 USSF Grassroots Referee license expiring 12/31/2023. The successful Referee candidate will have the opportunity to officiate games for the fall of 2022 and the spring, summer, and fall of 2023 soccer seasons.
This course is for new, first-time Referees that have not been previously registered as a Referee OR a previously registered Referee who has had a lapse in registration (2020 or prior lapse). The minimum age per US Soccer policy is 13 years old at the time of registering for the course.
WisRef & the WYSA have partnered in order to encourage players, parents, and others to become Referees. WYSA is providing reimbursement of registration & course fees and background check fees for New or Lapsed Registration Referees who successfully complete the requirements to become a US Soccer Referee for 2023. In addition, through 12/31/22, these Referees will receive a $50 uniform kit allowance, redeemable at Stefan’s Soccer (the sooner your complete all the course requirements, the higher likelihood of receiving your kit timely).
What do these two organizations ask in return? We ask that you commit to refereeing all of 2023 and registering again for 2024 at a minimum. We would also hope that you continue in 2025 and beyond.
Many clubs and districts also provide additional Referee incentives, for a minimum number of games worked in a season or other requirements. You will need to work with your local games Assignor for more information on those programs.
We hope to see you in a New Referee course and on the fields this fall!
Course Overview
- 8 hours of online US Soccer Learning Center coursework (on your own)
- Creation of a WisRef GameOfficials account
4 hours WisRef In-Person session (either Virtual online Zoom session or Classroom/On- - Field session) (with Instructors)
After successful completion of the above, you will be registered as a new 2023 Grassroots Referee.
Course Requirements:
- Complete all US Soccer required assignments in the US Soccer Learning Center
- Create a GameOfficials account
- Successfully complete all pre-course work
- Attend an in-person Virtual on-line course
Resources
Grassroots Referee Course
Learn more about Grassroots Referee Course requirements and steps for becoming a USSF Referee.
Referee Upgrade & Maintenance
For Grassroots Referees who are interested in pursuing higher levels of game assignments.
Referee Gear & Starter Kits
Through 12/31/22, Referees will receive a $50 uniform kit allowance, redeemable at Stefan’s Soccer.