Referee Resources
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) referee resources webpage. Contains downloadable information regarding registration, administration, refereeing, instruction, assessment, and assignment. A Referee Department Staff list is also provided.
NOTE: The US Soccer Learning Center has extensive resources under the INFO tab (available when logged-in) including referee profiles, fitness test requirements, position papers, report forms, et al.
Publications and Documentation
2024-25 IFAB Laws of the Game (LOTG)
The 225 page Laws of the Game for 2024-25 published by the International Football Association Board containing the 17 LOTG, changes in effect for the current year, glossary, and practical guidelines for match officials, re: positioning, movement, teamwork, offside, et al.
Rules of Soccer - Simplified Laws of the Game (A-Z)
New IFAB publication that uses straightforward and simple language designed for young referees, players, beginner coaches, and parents / spectators indexed by topic in alphabetical order (A-Z)
United States Soccer Federation small-sided games quick reference guide
USSF Referee Report and Supplemental Referee Report Forms. Complete and submit this form to the appropriate competition authorities. The Supplemental Report can be used for instances of referee assault / abuse, dismissal of team officials, sending-off offenses, serious injuries, et al.
Presentations and Video
Player Development Initiatives (PDI)
Standards for small-sided play (4v4, 7v7, 9v9) addressing US Soccer’s Concussion Initiative, Build Out Line (BOL) practical applications, and modifications to the laws of the game for 6U through 12U re: field markings, number of players, ball size, length of game, et al.
Refereeing Assistance Programme (RAP)
UEFA launches a Refereeing Assistance Programme twice a year containing clips of recent match situations. Download the latest module, RAP UEFA 2024:1, to your PC or Mac via the Dutch Referee Blog. Learning categories include: Decision Making, Teamwork, LOTG Review, and a Match Situations Video Test with Analysis. After you watch a video, hover near the bottom of the slide above the progress line and click on INFO to read the Decision, get an Explanation, and see what the VAR saw if under review.
USL 2 | NPSL | WPSL
USL League Two / USL W League Referee Handbook
The 2024 USL 2 and USL W handbook for referees containing the rules of competition, game day preparation guidelines, disciplinary procedures, protocol for serious incidents, post-game reporting requirements, et al.
USL Discriminatory Behavior and Language Procedure
Procedures for match officials re: handling Foul and Abusive language during match.
The 2024 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) referee handbook is a guide to pre-game preparation and post game duties and responsibilities for the referee crew.
The 2024 Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) referee procedure manual describing expectations of the referee crew, discretions, substitution protocol, match reporting, et al.
Instructions for how-to use the Squadi App for real-time tracking of referee responsibilities, i.e., team check-in, results, referee and supplemental reports, and post match incident / send off reports for NPSL matches.
Professional Referee Organization (PRO)
Weekly analysis by PRO into Video Assistant Referee (VAR) use in Major League Soccer (MLS). Situations where VAR may intervene include penalty kicks, DOGSO, offside, red cards, mistaken identity, and goal / no goal decisions.
PRO Manager of Senior Assistant Referees and Video Referee Operations, Greg Barkey, takes a closer look at the week’s video review use in MLS.