How to Become a Soccer Referee in Ohio

Soccer is a very popular sport in Ohio. Recreational and competitive clubs are abundant in the state's small, medium-sized and large cities. There are several colleges with men's and women's teams. There's even a professional squad, the Columbus Crew, that plays in the Major League Soccer (MLS). Soccer organizations in Ohio recognize credentials from state and national sanctioning boards for referees. Once you have your credentials in hand, there should be no shortage of opportunities to call games in Ohio if you're willing to start with the younger age groups and work your way up.

Things You'll Need

  • Certification from the U.S. Soccer Federation or an organized soccer sanctioning body in the state of Ohio.
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Instructions

    • 1

      Familiarize yourself with the game. You are not required to have playing or coaching experience to take referee courses, but if you've spent time on the soccer field before, you'll have a head start in understanding the rules and procedures for calling a game. Watch games at all levels, and observe how much concentration, fitness (for running down the field) and confidence is required in the college and professional ranks. You'll need hundreds of hours refereeing games with younger players and at a slower pace before you can get to the highest levels.

    • 2

      Get certified. The U.S. Soccer Federation offers courses through many clubs in Ohio. According to the Ohio North State Referee Committee, the starting credential, "Recreational Referee," certifies you to call games for players ages 14 and under. The U.S. Soccer Federation website has four contacts for Ohio North and four for Ohio South. The contacts can tell you the times, dates and locations for the next course offerings in your area, and the courses are often free. The Recreational Referee certification course does not require you to pass an exam. The amount of game experience required to move up to the next level varies by organization. For instance, to referee high school games, the U.S Soccer Federation requires 75 games under your belt and additional coursework.

    • 3

      Gain experience calling games, starting with whatever is available based on your certification level and working your way up to the older age groups. Contact recreational soccer leagues and travel clubs about referee slots, and be willing to call games even if the gig is unpaid. You may have to serve as a linesman or referee's assistant first. Typically, if you sign up as a referee and provide your credentials, the organization will put you on a schedule, a rotation or a waiting list. Games are scheduled months or weeks ahead of time. After calling many games with the younger age groups, you'll be comfortable stepping up the next level when the opportunity arrives.