Soccer Ref Training

Soccer refereeing appeals to a wide range of job seekers. It can fit your schedule if you are looking for extra income and can provide opportunities for refereeing 5-year olds all the way up to the professional ranks. Whatever your motivation, refereeing soccer requires training--no matter the level that you strive for. There are several ways for aspiring referees to get that training, and you'll need it no matter what level you want to work at.

  1. Physical Training

    • Before beginning any official training on the rules of the game, you need to be in good physical shape. The demands of soccer refereeing are such that you can't get into shape through the actual refereeing process--you need to be in top shape ahead of time. As the age of the players you are refereeing increases, so do the physical demands. The National Organization of Sports Officials (NASO) says any soccer game requires at least two miles of running as a referee--and at lower levels you may be expected to referee two or three games a day.

    Initial Classroom Training

    • You'll need about 16 hours of classroom training to get the necessary certification for basic refereeing of youth soccer. These classes cover the 17 basic rules of the game. A fee of around $15 usually covers the costs. You can find out about these courses through local soccer leagues in your area, which often organize the classes.

    The Levels of Refereeing-Youth

    • Starting at the youth level is the easiest and most common way to become involved in soccer refereeing. Although these leagues often offer little or no pay, they provide valuable experience that can help you advance your career. There are several main youth soccer organizations that offer materials and advice on referee training and work opportunities. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF), Soccer Association for Youth (SAY), and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) all provide materials for training--and being affiliated with one or more of these organizations provides credibility for advancement.

    Stepping Up to High School

    • Requirements for high school refereeing vary from state to state, but usually require a minimum number of games refereed at the youth level--you need to keep count of games worked on your own. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) governs high school refereeing, and you need to contact the federation for help on the regulations specific to your state as well as putting you in touch with high school leagues that need referees. As of summer 2010, high school games generally paid around $45, according to the NASO.

    The College Level

    • Referees are hired at the various levels of collegiate soccer. The NAIA and all three NCAA divisions hire referees based on individual experience and need. The National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) is the main organization responsible for training collegiate referees. It holds a training camp that focuses on improving referees at the interscholastic and intercollegiate levels, according to the NISOA. It is held the second week of July near Harrisburg, Pa. The cost of the camp is $500 and requires acceptance based on your application.

    Working the Pros

    • To be a referee for professional games takes years--you have to build up the necessary experience climbing up the amateur ranks. Contacts in the refereeing industry will help. At this point all your games, classes, clinics, and courses will have helped build your refereeing resume to the highest possible level. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) provides information on the certifications required for this level.