How to Become a USSF Certified Soccer Referee

Being a soccer referee can be both rewarding and fulfilling. To become a US Soccer Federation (USSF) Referee you are required to attend an Entry Level Clinic given by a specially trained and certified instructor. There is no exception even if you were a player or coach. Two Entry Level courses are offered in Colorado:

• Grade 8 Referee (able to work any level Youth match and preparing to work Adult matches), or
• Grade 9 Referee (able to work all Youth Recreational matches U-14 and younger, and only as an Assistant Referee on Youth Competitive level matches for ages U14 and younger).

Step 1 - Choose the Right Course:

The Entry Grade 8 Referee Course (17 hours). This course prepares an individual for matches on all youth games as a Referee or Assistant Referee. The minimum age to become a Grade 8 Referee is 14 at the time of registration. Some clinics are conducted over one weekend, others over several weekday evenings. The clinics are sponsored locally by different Clubs. The fee is $75.00 to be paid to the hosting club prior to the first day of class. At the end of the clinic you must pass a 100 question test with a score of 75% or higher. Upon successfully completing this course you will receive a black badge. Your registration is good for one year and must be renewed annually.

The Entry Grade 9 Recreational Referee Course (9 hours). This course is intended to introduce new referees to the game with minimum training and costs while gaining experience. The minimum recommended age to become a Grade 9 Referee is eleven years old at the time of registration. The clinic is normally one full day. The fee is $58.00 to be paid to the hosting club prior to the first day of class.

This certification will allow you to Referee Youth Recreational games, U14 and younger, only, and Assistant Referee on any Youth Competitive game, U14 or younger. At the end of the clinic you must pass a 50 question test with a score of 76% or higher. Upon successfully completing this course you will receive a blue badge. Your registration is good for one year and must be renewed annually.

Step 2 – Register for the Clinic:

Once you have decided which Entry Level Course to take you must register for the class on the Clinics/Events tab in the menu at the top of this page. Browse the calendar and select a class that is convenient to your location and availability. Read the registration instructions carefully and check the appropriate option. You will then be added to the class roster. If the class is full, choose another class. Due to room size and fire codes, walk-ins will not be allowed once the cap is reached. Should you have any questions please contact the Area Instructor Coordinators which are listed in the class registration popup in the CJRC Clinics/Events Calendar.

Click here to view the CJRC Clinics/Events.