Referees

As part of a nationwide effort to create a more respectful and supportive environment for referees, U.S. Soccer is introducing the Green Referee Badge beginning with the 2025–2026 season. This new badge, worn by all certified referees under the age of 18, is a key element of U.S. Soccer’s ongoing #RespectTheCall campaign.

As part of an ongoing effort to support and identify new referees, WisRef began implementing the Yellow Whistle Initiative three years ago. Through this program, referees who complete the First-Time Referee Course receive a yellow whistle, signaling their status as new officials to coaches and participants alike. To date, more than 3,500 yellow whistles have been distributed to referees across the state.

As of March 1, 2025, U.S. Soccer’s updated Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9) took effect. This policy update includes clearer definitions for physical and non-physical abuse – as well as stronger suspensions for reported referee abuse.

Information about this policy update can be found at www.ussoccer.com/rap.
One-page Overview
RAP Overview Video
RAP Penalty Summary
RAP FAQ (02/26/25)
U.S. Soccer Referee Quarterly Newsletter (March 2025)

New Referee courses are being offered by the Wisconsin Soccer Referee Development Program (WisRef) for a 2026 USSF Referee license expiring 12/31/2026. The successful referee candidate will have the opportunity to officiate games during fall 2025 and all of 2026. This course is for new, first time referees that have not been previously registered as a referee OR a previously registered referee who has had a lapse in registration (2022 or prior lapse). Minimum age per U.S. Soccer policy is 13 years old at the time of registering for the course, there are no exceptions.

The course is completed in two parts: online coursework followed by and in-person training. Online portion must be completed prior to scheduling and in-person training. Instructions can be found here or in the button below.

At this time there are no scheduled courses. Contact WisRef for more information.