Become a Referee

Do you want to become a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) referee and start working youth matches? Then you need to complete a First-Time (Grassroots) Referee Course in the US Soccer Learning Center which has both an online and an instructor-led component.

You should be physically fit, emotionally mature, at least 13 years of age, and have the time available to referee games. If you are 18 or older, you must undergo a J. D. Palatine (JDP) background check and receive SafeSport training. The JDP background screen is the only one that US Soccer will accept and SafeSport training is required by Federal Law.

Iowa is a Learning Center state. Your certification and registration will be accomplished entirely through the US Soccer Learning Center.

If you’re ready to get started, follow the steps below:

  • • Go to the Referee Course List for first-time certifying referees in the US Soccer Learning Center

    • Select “Iowa State Referee Committee” under the HOST drop-down menu

    • Click on the COURSE DETAILS to the right of the course or clinic you want to sign-up for

    • Click on SIGN UP (or LOGIN IN if you already have a Learning Center account)

    • Follow the instructions provided to create a Learning Center Profile and register for the course

  • The cost is $62.50 and you pay online. The Learning Center will accept credit cards, debit cards, or pre-paid cards issued by VISA, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

  • Once you enter the course CLASSROOM, there are 3-5 tasks (depending on your age) that you must complete located under the ASSIGNMENTS tab:

    • Background Screening (Required for ages 18 and older)

    • SafeSport Training (90 minute module required for ages 18 and older)

    • Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments (30 minute presentation)

    • Online Referee Course modules (~4 hours; go at your own pace)

    ○ Introduction

    ○ Preparing for the Game

    ○ During the Game

    ○ After the Game

    ○ Laws of the Game

    • Quiz (Do this last)

    IMPORTANT: As you complete each assignment, be sure to click “Save and Confirm”. To resume the course, login to the US Soccer Learning Center, go to MY COURSES, and click on RESUME for this ongoing course. Next, click on ASSIGNMENTS and pick up where you left off.

  • After you have completed ALL the online assignments, you are prepared to attend the instructor-led part of the course. In addition to the practical on-field exercises, the topics that will be covered include:

    • Laws modifications for short-sided play (8U-12U) from the Player Development Initiatives (PDI)

    • USSF Referee Program YouTube Channel Playlist

    ○ Advice to New Referees video series

    ○ Offside Position / Offside Infraction / Offside Decisions

    • Referee / Assistant Referee Signals from the USSF Guide to Procedures (no longer published)

    • Working with an Assignor

    • Annual Recertification and Registration process

    • Referee Resources available on this Iowa Referee Committee website