How to Become a USSF Certified Soccer Referee

Being a soccer referee can be both rewarding and fulfilling. To become a US Soccer Federation (USSF) Referee you are required to attend an Entry Level Clinic given by a specially trained and certified (by USSF, certified by WASRC) instructor. There is no exception even if you were a player or coach. One New Referee Grade is offered in Washington:

Grade 8 Referee: The purpose of the Grade 8 Referee Course is to prepare officials for competitive and recreational youth games. Based on the level of training provided, U.S. Soccer recommends that these officials be assigned accordingly to best service the game. (Recommended minimum age 14 at time of registration)

Note: Please check with your local Referee Chapter as some Clubs, Referee Chapters or Leagues may have specific minimum age as a local requirement, based on their needs and experiences.

Step 1 - Choose a Clinic:

Referee - Grade 8 Referee New Clinic:

This clinic prepares an individual for matches on all youth games as a Referee or Assistant Referee. The clinics are sponsored locally by different Clubs, Referee Chapters or Leagues. Upon successfully completing this clinic you will receive a referee badge. Your registration is good for one year and must be renewed annually. This certification will allow you to referee Youth matches as defined by your grade outlined above.

  • This consists of both online study material and 8 hours of in-class field training.
  • At the end of the clinic you must pass a written exam with a score of 80% or higher.
  • The fee is $70.00 (USSF registration fee $55+$15 Clinic Fee) to be paid online during the registration process.
  • Note - there may be an "Other" fee for the local host's expenses such as facility rental, etc.
  • Some in-class / field clinics are conducted in one weekend day, while others over couple weekday evenings.
  • Your registration is good for one year and must be renewed annually. To be more specific,
    • If the date of your New Referee clinic is between Jan 1 and June 30, your registration is good until Dec 31 of the current year.
    • If the date of your New Referee clinic is between July 1 and Dec 31, your registration is good until Dec 31 of the next year.

Step 2 - Register on the WASRC website and then Register for a Clinic:

Once you have decided which New Referee Clinic to take, you must create your Member Registration on this website and then register for Referee - New Grade 8. You can find a list of clinics by clicking on the Clinics/Events tab in the menu at the top of the page. Browse the calendar and select a clinic that is convenient to your location and availability. Read the registration instructions carefully and check the appropriate option. You will then be added to the clinic roster. If the clinic is full, choose another clinic. Due to room size and fire codes, walk-ins will not be allowed once the cap is reached.

Click here to begin your registration process WASRC Registration.