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.
COURSEWORK: Your course involves online work prior to attending an in-person session. First, you register and complete the advanced work in the US Soccer Learning Center. It takes about 4 hours and must be complete at least 72 hours before you attend an in person session. Classes are taught by licensed US Soccer Mentors and include these topics...
Online topics will include...
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 topics will include...
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
Treasure Valley (Matthew Gamette, DRA)
February 10, 2024 from 9:00am-2:00pm MT. IYSA Offices, 131 SW 5th Ave, Suite C, Meridian, ID. Register here
February 10, 2024 from 10:00am-3:00pm MT. Caldwell YMCA, 3720 Indiana AVE, Caldwell, ID. Register here
February 17, 2024 from 9:00am-2:00pm MT. IYSA Offices, 131 SW 5th Ave, Suite C, Meridian, ID. Register here
February 17, 2024 from 10:00am-3:00pm MT. WITCO, 3919 E Ustick RD, Caldwell, ID. Register here
April 13, 2024 from 9:00am-1:00pm MT. IYSA Offices, 131 SW 5th Ave, Suite C, Meridian, ID. Register Here
NO Additional Courses for this Spring planned after the 4/13 course
Magic Valley (Matthew Gamette, DRA)
Additional courses to be determined at later dates
CDA/Sandpoint/North (Derek Kohles, DRA)
February 18, 2024 from 12:00pm-5:00pm PT. Lake City, High School, 6101 N Ramsey Rd, Coeur d' Alene, ID. Register here
February 24, 2024 from 8:00am-1:00pm PT. Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N Boyer, Sandpoint, ID. Register here (this course is open to all ages)
March 3, 2024 from 12:00pm-5:00pm PT. Lake City, High School, 6101 N Ramsey Rd, Coeur d' Alene, ID. Register here
Additional courses to be scheduled
Idaho Falls Area (Rick Spielman, DRA)
March 16, 2024 from 8:30am-2:00pm MT. First Presbyterian Church, 325 Elm St, Idaho Falls, ID. Register here
March 30, 2024 from 8:30am-2:00pm MT. First Presbyterian Church, Idaho Falls, ID. Register here
Additional courses to be scheduled
Pullman/Moscow/Lewiston/Clarkston (Leah Johnson, DRA)
April 2, 2024 from 5:00pm-7:00pm PT at Coleman Oil, Pullman, WA AND April 3, 2024 from 5:00pm-7:00pm PT at Guy Wicks Field East, Pullman, WA. You must attend BOTH dates to be licensed. Register here
Pocatello Area (Brooke Taylor, DRA)
March 8, 2024 from 4:30-8:30pm MT. Veteran's Services, 1075 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID. Register here
No additional courses in this area