Registration for new referees is now available! A new referee is someone who has not previously been registered as a referee OR is a previous referee whose registration has lapsed (2020 or prior). Candidates successfully completing the course will be eligible to referee games through fall 2023 (license expiring 12/31/23).

Grassroots Referee courses for new referees require a combination of independent learning and in-person instruction. The independent learning starts in the U.S. Soccer Learning Center, is followed by a WisRef live session (either virtual or in-person). Total instruction time is estimated at 12 hours, with the final four hours being the live session. The independent learning content can be completed at your own pace.

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.

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.

For steps and details, please refer to this page.

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.