How to Become a Kentucky Soccer Referee

Working as a youth soccer referee in Kentucky can be a fun hobby or a lucrative side job, depending on your level of commitment to the sport. All referees in Kentucky must pass a local referee clinic that's affiliated with U.S. Soccer; experienced referees can move up to oversee older teams. Becoming a referee exposes you to a community of soccer fans and can be a valuable way to support youth programs within your community.

Instructions

    • 1

      Read the "Laws of the Game," offered as a download from the Kentucky Soccer Referee Association. Study the Laws until you understand them and have a good command of them. Have a friend or family member quiz you by asking about certain policies. The Kentucky Soccer Referee Association recommends writing down any rules you have questions about, so you can discuss them in class.

    • 2

      Sign up for an entry-level referee clinic offered by the Kentucky Soccer Referee Association. Entry-level classes are listed beside recertification classes, so make sure you're looking at the entry-level course before you sign up. This course is required to become a referee and is valid for all 50 states including Kentucky. The classes are offered in Kentucky's four soccer districts (which are composed of different counties).

    • 3

      Take the entry-level referee clinic, which lasts eight hours. There is no age requirement; reading material is at a seventh-grade level. Discuss the laws and learn the obligations and ethics of being a soccer referee. You need to pass a 50-question multiple choice exam at the end of class to become a referee. Passing the entry-level clinic allows you to referee U-14 and younger games.

    • 4

      Purchase your starter referee equipment so you can work games. Official Sports, which sponsors the U.S. Soccer Referee Program, sells starter kits that include black shorts, striped black socks and a yellow referee shirt. You also need to buy a whistle, digital watch, black shoes, red and yellow card and bag with your name to store your gear. Your starter equipment should cost $50 to $100.

    • 5

      Call your local area referee assignor, the person who is responsible for signing you up for games. Let him know you're a new referee and that you're ready to get starter. After this, expect to hear from the assignor weekly via telephone with game assignments.

    • 6

      Report to your weekly game assignments with all of your referee gear to referee the game.