RISE has one of the most highly trained coaching staffs in the nation. RISE take coaching education very seriously and we are always working to develop our staff to help them be their best. As part of dedication to helping improve the level of soccer coaching in our community, we often host U.S. Soccer Coaching License classes at our facilities that are open to everyone. Coaching courses are available in both English and Spanish.
Learning the laws of the game
Be part of a networking circle that is passionate about soccer
Flexible scheduling
Boost your income
Improve your communication and decision-making skills
Referee clinic fee reimbursement from RISE
The purpose of the U.S. Soccer Referee Course is to prepare officials for the competitive youth game. Based on the level of training provided, U.S. Soccer recommends that these officials be assigned to the most appropriate age group and level to best serve the game and the referees.
Download the IFAB Laws of the Game app (via Apple App Store or Google Play)
Complete a self-paced online referee course through U.S. Soccer (about 4-5 hours)
Complete an in-person on-field training clinic (usually about 3 hours)
Pass the Grassroots Referee Certification Quiz
Complete a background check and Safe Sport training (if 18 years or older)
The online portion of the class can be done anytime on the US Soccer Learning Center for Referees. If you have a US Soccer Coaching license via the DCC (Digital Coaching Center), you can use the same registration.
To finish the certification process, you must participate in a short in-person clinic. The schedule of in-person clinics and registration can be found on the US Soccer Learning Center for Referees.
New referees in South Texas must register on the South Texas Soccer Referees website in order to be eligible for game assignments.
Due to COVID-19, many courses are "Blended" courses that include virtual instruction, followed by a final in-person on-field session.
Grassroots Courses:
Introduction to Grassroots Coaching - Free Online Course: Self paced, available anytime
The next virtual clinic for the Houston area will be Sunday, April 11, 2021. The online part of the course MUST be completed 48 hours prior to the virtual course. Register for the course online.
The clinic fees (about $80 in total) are eligible for reimbursement from RISE once a new referee has worked six games that the club sponsors (PDF, Rec, HYSA).
Referees pay varies by age group (length of game) and position (center/assistant). Certified referees can work games at RISE fields, as well as work games sanctioned by other US Soccer affiliated organizations. A center referee can earn from $25-$60 per game, while an assistant referee can earn $15-35 per game.