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Information on How to Become a Referee can be found below as well as Information fo New Referees.

How to Become a Referee

This is where you start. ALL referees earn their initial license (Grade 8 or Grade 9) at an "Entry Level” referee course:
(Grade 8 = 16 hour course / Grade 9 = 8 hour course) When considering which referee course is best for you, two important factors need to be considered:

1) What games do you want to referee?

2) Which course best fits into your schedule?

What games do you want to referee? Most referees start out as an assistant referee at the recreational level (players who don’t try-out for their teams) and then after they feel comfortable begin working as a referee. Based on some referee’s background, some begin as assistant referees in competitive leagues (players who try-out for their teams). Based on these factors US Soccer has developed two different beginning grades (levels) for referees. This is not in any way related to their age or grade they are in school.

Grade 9

· This is the lower of the two entry level referee courses offered in Kentucky.

· Grade 9 referees are licensed for assignments as a referee or assistant referee on any recreational level game. They are also eligible for assignment as an assistant referee on competitive level games up to an including under 14 year old players.

· Grade 9 entry level referee courses are held over one day and last 8 hours.

· The cost for attending the course is $65.00

· To upgrade from 9 to 8 referees can either attend a one day bridge course or the entire two day grade 8 entry level course.

· This license is valid through the end of the calendar year. (Those who certify after July 1st are licensed through the end of that year plus the next calendar year.)

· Re-certification courses are offered annually, last only 5 hours, and cost $60.00 to attend.

· Special accommodations can be made for those with learning disabilities.

Grade 8

· Most referees begin at this level.

· This is the higher of the two entry level referee courses offered in Kentucky.

· Grade 8 referees are licensed for assignments as a referee or assistant referee on any recreational or competitive level game.

· Grade 8 entry level referee courses are held over two days and last 16 hours total.

· The cost for attending the course is $65.00

· This license is valid through the end of the calendar year. (Those who certify after July 1st are licensed through the end of that year plus the next calendar year.)

· Re-certification courses are offered annually, last only 5 hours, and cost $60.00 to attend.

· Special accommodations can be made for those with learning disabilities.

Annually the Kentucky Soccer Referee Association (KSRA) offers nearly 100 courses throughout the Commonwealth licensing referees to service our youth and adult programs. About half of these courses are entry level and the other half are re-certification. The instructors who teach these courses are certified and regularly trained by US Soccer’s referee development program and report to the KSRA Referee Committee.
As all of our courses fall under the auspices of US Soccer, the registration for these courses are now completely facilitated by its national registration system. Instructors are no longer authorized to collect payment at any of the courses we offer. All payments are to be submitted directly to US Soccer through their secure online system. We suggest purchasing and using a pre-paid VISA or Mastercard from a local grocery store if you are concerned about the security of online transactions.

We annually host entry level courses throughout the Commonwealth before the start of the Spring season (January-April) and before the Fall season (July & August). Re-certification courses are normally held between November and April. We also accept requests for courses outside of these timeframes as well as a special course for those in rural areas. Our standard course minimum is 15 people.

A list of courses we have scheduled are listed on the Calendar webpage under the Events Menu. After finding the right course for you, please visit www.ussoccer.info and begin the registration process. A video tutorial that walks you through the registration process is available here.

Information for New Referees:

You have been through the entry level class, completed all the requirements and have your badge. Now what? The class you took taught you a lot about the Laws of the Game and the mechanics of refereeing, but there are still probably many questions you might have about being a referee.

Based on feedback from thousands of new referees just like you and with the help of more experienced referees who have been where you are now, this information has been put together as a source of helpful tips and advice. All referees, including those who have done World Cup Games, have started just like you and have learned these lessons the hard way. The advice found here will get you off to the best possible start.

Remember to have fun!

Click here for the PDF from U.S. Soccer for the Information for New Referees.

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