Other Programs
Referee Development
Become a U.S. Soccer Certified Referee
What’s in it for you? Refereeing is a great way for anyone to learn the laws of soccer and to make some money while doing it. It’s also a great way for adults to stay fit and connected to their game, community, and club. Previous playing experience is not required. To start refereeing, you must be at least 13 years or older and successfully complete all parts of a referee clinic as well as other U.S. Soccer required trainings to get certified.
Courses are available in both English and Spanish.
Benefits to refereeing
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
Referee courses REQUIREMENTS
First time "Grassroots Referees" must complete the following requirements to become certified:
- A self-paced online "Grassroots Referee" course
- 2-hour in-person field session
- Pass the first time Grassroots Referee Quiz
- Complete the online "Introduction to Safe and Health Playing Environments" course
- Complete online SafeSport certification (if 18 or older)
- Complete U.S. Soccer Federation Gold Standard NCSI Background Check (if 18 or older)
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)
Referee Course Schedule
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.
Upcoming clinics hosted by RISE
RISE hosts new referree certification classes many times during the year with courses usually in Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov, and Jan/Feb.
The next in-person field session hosted by RISE will be Sunday, Mar 2th, 2025 from 2:30pm-4:30pm (arrive by 2:15pm) at McGovern Park. While recommended, the online part of the course doesn't need to be completed prior to the field session.
Register for the RISE hosted course
Please Note: Registration usually closes about 48 hours prior to the event (i.e. Friday evening for Sunday courses), so please make sure to register in advance!
If you cannot attend a RISE hosted course, there are usually other opportunities in the greater Houston area.
Fee Reimbursement Opportunity
The clinic fees (about $65 in total) are eligible for reimbursement from RISE once a new referee has worked eight games that the club sponsors (DESIRE league, Recreational, etc.).
Earn Extra $
Referees pay varies by age group (length of game), position (center/assistant), and league/level. 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 $45-$95 per game, while an assistant referee can earn $25-65 per game.