Referees build personal skills like confidence, assertiveness, and the ability to interact with others. They develop job skills and physical fitness. Referees also have a lot of fun building teamwork with other referees all while getting paid to participate in a game you enjoy. Refereeing is frequently cited as one of the highest paid jobs any teen or young adult can get, but it takes study, lots of running, and commitment. Ready for the journey? Here is how...

1. AGE: 13 or higher by the day you register for the online class (no exceptions)

2. E-MAIL: Use an email that you can access for game assignments. You cannot share an email with another referee in your household.

3. COMPUTER ACCESS: Use a computer (not a tablet or phone)

4. SOCCER EXPERIENCE: It's helpful, but not required

5. COST: $85 which you will earn back in 2-3 games. If you need a scholarship to pay the fee, the Idaho Youth Soccer Association (for those refereeing youth) and the Idaho Adult Soccer Association (for those refereeing adults) may be able to help. Request a scholarship from your district referee administrator BEFORE you begin the online class as you will need the scholarship code to register. You will pay for a $22 background check every 2 years ($150 if you have lived internationally) if you are over 18 years of age.

6. BACKGROUND CHECK: Referees complete a Safe Soccer background check every 2 years if they are over 18. If you are over 18, there will be an extra fee for this.

You must attend an online AND in-person class to referee. 

1. ONLINE CLASS: Pick an in-person class from the list below, register, and pay the fee. Once you register for an in-person class, you'll get access to the online class that must be done BEFORE you arrive. Be sure to use an email you can access and is not shared with another referee in your house. Use a computer, not a phone or tablet.

   • • How long: Expect about 4 hours of online work that you must finish at least 3 days before your in person class to give your instructor time to review. If your online work is not complete, you will NOT be allowed to attend the in-person class. No refunds will be issued.

2. IN PERSON CLASS: After completing 100% of the online work, attend your chosen in person class. 

   • • How long: it will take 6 hours (4 inside and 2 outside). You may NOT arrive late or leave early for games or any other commitment, so adjust your schedule and be present for the 6 hour course. After all, you're getting a job here.

     • Wear: Clothing and shoes appropriate to run in any weather.

     • Bring: something to write with, a whistle, water bottle, and a sack lunch that does not require refrigeration. If you have cards and flags now, bring them. If you do not have cards and flags yet, that's OK.

3. LICENSE: After you have completed 100% of the online AND in-person work, you will receive an email with your license. That's the time you can begin refereeing. Your referee badge will be mailed to you within 2-3 weeks, maybe even after you start. If you are a referee under 18 years of age, you will also receive a "Youth Referee" armband to wear in all your matches. This provides extra protection for you. Your license is valid for a calendar year (January-December), then you must come back to this website to relicense. We begin relicensing in July each year. 

You must complete the 100% of the online work 72 hours before your in-person class begins (no exceptions).

Treasure Valley / Magic Valley (Matthew Gamette, district administrator)

1. • • New classes for fall will be posted in mid-July

Coeur d'Alene / Sandpoint (Derek Kohles, district administrator)

1. • • New classes for fall will be posted in mid-July

Idaho Falls area (Rick Spielman, district administrator)

1. • • New classes for fall will be posted in mid-July

Moscow/Lewiston/Clarkston/Pullman Area (Leah Johnson, district administrator)

1. • • New classes for fall will be posted in mid-July

Pocatello Area (Brooke Taylor, district administrator)

1. • • New classes for fall will be posted in mid-July