New Referees
Grassroots Referee Courses for new referees require a combination of independent learning and in-person, virtual instruction. The independent learning starts in the U.S. Soccer Learning Center, is followed by WisRef content, and finishes with a WisRef virtual session. Total instruction time is estimated at 16 hours, with the final four hours being the virtual session. The independent learning content can be completed at your own pace. Dates and times for the virtual portion of the course are TBA. 

The total cost of the course is $70; a background check, if 18 or older is an additional $30 (for a 2-yr period). New and lapsed referee candidates who successfully complete all the requirements will receive a full reimbursement of their registration fee and background check fee, plus a 10-piece referee uniform starter kit.

NOTE: U.S. Soccer Policy mandates a minimum age of 13 to start the certification – there are no exceptions or waivers to this U.S. Soccer Policy.

To register to become a 2022 USSF Referee please follow these steps.

Recertifying Referees
Referees who were registered in 2019, 2020, or 2021 may register for recertification. Once you register, you will have 30 days to complete the assignments in the Learning Center. There is no in-person or virtual component required for recertifying referees in 2022.

Find more information regarding recertification here.

Many clubs and districts also provide additional referee incentives, for a minimum number of games worked in a season. Referees should contact their Assignor for more information on these programs.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of the game, while learning and earning! For registration and certification questions, please contact Tom Mesalk at tom@wisref.org.