Becoming a Referee: Referee Certification

We often have parents and/or players asking us about where they can take referee certification classes. We would encourage you to email us at info@nysa-soccer.org to inquire about our referee needs before taking the referee course. If you hold a current US Soccer Federation referee certification, please email (at the above address) to request to be placed on our referee list.

Our club does pay referees (on a sliding scale, depending on the age of the players) due to the fact that referees must pay to be certified as well as purchase their own referee uniform and gear (watch, cards, flags, etc.).

Per the US Soccer, prospective referees must be 13 years of age or older. (Neither the state referee committee nor our club have any ability to over-ride this requirement.) Below are the steps to becoming a refere:

Becoming a Grassroots Referee in the US Soccer Referee Program consists of accomplishing both of the following:
1. Grassroots Online Course
2. Attend a Grassroots In-Person New Referee Course

If you are 18 years of age or older, you must also complete the following two mandatory items:
1. US Soccer NCSI Online Background Check – valid for two years
2. SafeSport Online Training (Federal Law) – valid for two years

What To Do Next
Please see the "Steps to Becoming a Grassroots Referee" page on the Tennessee State Soccer Association's web site. For specific steps and links to the Referee Learning Center.

Once you take the class, pass the test, and receive your patch, you may contact us at info@nysa-soccer.org and we can add you to our list of referees.