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.
Grants Available for Registration & Gear
The Idaho Youth Soccer Association is covering class registration fees for the first 100 youth or adult referees who plan to referee youth matches. To receive the grant, you must enter a promo code BEFORE paying your fees. Contact the DRA in your area for a code.
The Idaho Adult Soccer Association is covering class registration fees and an initial set of referee equipment for referees who are 18 years old or above and will be working adult matches. To receive the grant, you must first request a promo code from the DRA in your area. Enter it before paying fees. Secondly, email ISSA to let them know your sizes.
Local Classes Available
Magic Valley
January 27, 2024 from 8:00am-1:00pm MT. Magic Valley Boys and Girls Club, 999 Frontier Rd, Twin Falls, ID. Register here
Northern Idaho
February 24, 2024 from 8:00am-1:00pm PT. Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N Boyer, ID. Register here
Eastern Idaho
March 13, 2024 from 4:30-8:30pm MT. Veteran's Services, 1075 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID. Register here
April 16, 2024 from 4:30-8:30pm MT. Bannock Soccer Complex, Field #3, Olympus Drive, Pocatello, ID. Register here
Treasure Valley
None at this time