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 ->
Select the 2027 New Referee Course EARLY ACCESS COURSE - 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)
TBA
Once the Field Training Session dates and locations are listed, please email awolfe12@gmail.com about the session you want to attend.
TBA
How much does it cost?
- US Soccer Online Class: $60
- NCSI Background Check: $30 (18+ yrs old)
- Basic Uniform Referee Kit: $75
- 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