First Time Referees
Welcome! My name is Tyler and I'm here to get you licensed to become a referee! We're so glad you are interested in become a licensed US Soccer referee for the first time! It's important you read and understand this page first. Then, if you have further questions, first contact the district referee administrator in your area. I am also available to help you if needed.
Your license to referee is issued by US Soccer, based in Chicago, Illinois but your license is valid in any state in the country. The Idaho State Referee Committee (SRC) provides the training you need so you will work with members of the SRC throughout the process. Please remember, US Soccer licensing. is fully separate from high school or college referee certification. Read the process closely here and get started! We are excited to see you joining the Idaho referee community!
Minimum Requirements to Referee
AGE: You must be at least 13 years old to begin the process. There are no exceptions regardless of when you turn 13.
RESIDENCY: You must be a resident of Idaho to begin the process with the Idaho SRC. If you live in another state, contact your state's SRC. There are exceptions for referees living close to the Idaho border who will referee mostly in Idaho. If this is your situation, contact the district referee administrator closest to you for advice.
E-MAIL: You will need your own email addres that is not shared with a parent. US Soccer does not allow duplicate addresses for multiple referees in the database.
EXPERIENCE: Soccer experience may be helpful, but is not required.
NOT SURE? There is a no cost option to try the training before you pursue a license. If you just want to learn, try the modules, and see how you do without receiving a license, click here. Remember, to actually become a referee, you need to take full class listed below, pay the fee, and and pass the exam. Just doing the free course does NOT let you referee.
Licensing Process & Local Classes Available
Licensing Steps
COST: You'll pay $85 in US Soccer's Learning Center (keep in mind you will likely earn this back on your 2-3 games of refereeing). A portion of that is retained by the Idaho SRC for training and the rest is sent directly to US Soccer. Need help paying the $85? Your district referee administrator may have access to a grant that can help.
ONLINE EDUCATION: You will complete US Soccer's online training program over about 4 hours which currently includes...
Referee Training Modules including before the game, during the game, after the game, Laws of the Game, and other video training.
Referee Exam
Introduction to Healthy and Safe Playing Environment video course and exam
SafeSport Training (for those 18 and over)
Background Check (for those 18 and over), this requires an additional $30 fee but is valid for 2 years. If you have lived outside the country in the last 10 years, an additional international background check is required which costs $150.
IN PERSON EDUCATION: After you finish your online education, you will attend an in person training session that is about 4 hours long. You can attend any course you want across the state, but local coureses are listed here to the right. It's best to attend a course close to you so you can meet people with whom you may referee. 100% of your online education must be completed at least 72 hours prior to your in person class. Classes are taught by licensed US Soccer Mentors and include these topics...
Mechanics
Positioning
Human management
Getting games
Q&A
After you have paid your fee, completed all the online training, and completed your in person training, you will receive an email with your license. If you miss any step above, your license will be delayed until you complete that step. Your license is valid for a calendar year (January-December), then you must relicense each year.
Local Classes Avaialable
Classes are always best with a friend! Invite someone to join you as a referee! Did you know, The Idaho Youth Soccer Association is covering the registration fees for the first 20 new referees from each area of the state! You could certify for free this year!
Magic Valley
Late summer courses have already been completed in this area. To request a new course, contact your DRA.
Northern Idaho
Late summer courses have already been completed in this area. To request a new course, contact your DRA.
Eastern Idaho
August 30, 4:30-8:30pm
Bannock Soccer Complex, field 4, Olympus Drive, Pocatello, ID Register here
September 9, 9:00am-3:00pm
First Presbyterian Church, 325 Elm ST, Idaho Falls, ID Register here
September 9, 9:00am-3:00pm (hosted by Teton FC)
Soccer field at Settlement Drive, Victor, ID
Treasure Valley
Late summer courses have already been completed in this area. To request a new course, contact your DRA.