USSF Referees must complete the U.S. Soccer certification process to become a new referee and to recertify each year.
The Terry Thompson Memorial Scholarship will reimburse new referee certification training fees after completing 12 games. Details at http://nwosoa.org/scholarship/
NEW USSF Referees
Become a Youth Soccer Referee 2025-2026
US Soccer requires referee candidates to be at least 13 years old.
STEP 1: Complete US Soccer Learning Center Online Classes
- Go to: https://learning.ussoccer.com/
- Make an account.
- Courses -> Available Courses -> First Time Referee-> Go to Course List ->
Training Session you plan to attend - Complete all assignments listed below:
STEP 2: Complete All Required Online Modules
- U.S. Soccer Federation Gold Standard NCSI Background Check (if 18 years or older)
- Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments – 1 hr.
- SafeSport (if 18 years or older) – 1 hr.
- Online Grassroots Referee Course Module – 4.5 hrs.
- First Time Grassroots Referee Quiz – 45 mins.
ALL of online work listed above should be completed PRIOR to attending Field Training Session.
STEP 3: Attend ONE 3-hour Field Training Session (listed below)
Van Buren
Sun Dec 7 @ 1-4pm
Van Buren HS
217 S. Main Street
Van Buren, Ohio 45889
Archbold
Sat Jan 10 @ 9am-noon
Ruihley Park Pavilion
320 N. Defiance St.
Archbold, OH 43502
Bowling Green
Sat Feb 28 @ 9am-Noon
Perry Fieldhouse
801 N Mercer Rd,
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Maumee
Tue Dec 16 @ 5-8pm
Maumee Soccer Centre
1610 Market Pl Dr
Maumee, OH 43537
Bluffton
Sat Feb 21 @ 9am-Noon
St. John Bible Church
15988 Road 4
Pandora, OH 45877
How much does it cost?
- US Soccer Online Class: $75
- NCSI Background Check: $30
- Basic Uniform Referee Kit: $60
- You will earn back the startup cost in 4-5 games
- Terry Thompson Memorial Scholarship will reimburse new referee certification training fees after completing 12 games. Details at http://nwosoa.org/scholarship/
Need Help? Have Questions?
Contact Aaron Wolfe
Toledo District Referee Administrator
awolfe12@gmail.com
RE-Certifying USSF Referees
STEP 1: Complete US Soccer Learning Center Online Classes
REQUIRED
- Log into US Soccer Account @ https://learning.ussoccer.com/
- Click “courses” >> “recertifying referees” >> “go to course list” >> “Toledo District”
- Complete all the Assignments
- Online Referee Recertification Course Modules
- Re-certifying Referee Quiz
- Laws of the Game Update
- Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments
- SafeSport (if 18 years or older)
- Check expiration date on Background Check (if 18 years or older). Valid for 2 years.
- Check expiration date on Concussion Certificate in Arbiter. Valid for 3 years.
- Renew expired certificate free at NFHS Learning Center
RECOMMENDED:
- Attend a local meeting ~ details
- Renew your NWOSOA membership in Arbiter
- 15 for NWOSOA: USSF only
- $20 for NWOSOA: OHSAA only
- $30 for NWOSOA: both USSF and OHSAA
STEP 2: Contact your local assignors and follow their game assignments process.
- If you use Arbiter: Update your availability calendar regularly.
- If assigned without an online portal: Follow the assignors’ procedures for getting assignments.
Important Reminders
1) Keep your availability updated regularly
2) Accept or reject assignments daily so that assignors can move on to other referees to fill the game.
3) If something comes up and you cannot do a scheduled game, you must reach out to your assignor immediately.
Need Help? Have questions?
Contact Aaron Wolfe
Toledo District Referee Administrator
awolfe12@gmail.com