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...

You are a first time referee if...

1. You have never been a soccer referee before.

2. You have been a referee in small-sided youth games but have never been licensed by US Soccer.

3. You have been a licensed referee, but did not have a license in 2026, 2025, or 2024. US Soccer policy says if you miss 3 years, you begin as a first-time referee.

• Age: 13 years old by the time you register

• Technical: You must have your own email (not shared with a parent) and access the online classes from a computer (not a phone or tablet)

• Cost: $90 (plus $23 every 2 years for a background check if you are at least 18 years old. The background fee is $150 if you have lived internationally.) 

• Scholarships: Some Idaho leagues, clubs, and associations provide scholarships. Those that currently offer scholarships will be listed below:

  • • IYSA Scholarship: this is for those that work predominantly IYSA matches. The scholarship is 50% off your first year registration and only applies to the first 100 new referees in Idaho. To use this scholarship, choose it as your price package when you register. Once the first 100 are gone, it will no longer be available. 

    • ISSA Scholarship: this is for those that work predominantly ISSA adult matches. The scholarship is 100% off your first year registration and reimbursement for some uniform supplies. To apply, contact Michael Lyons to request an invitation to the scholarship. Use the invitation sent to you to register for the class.

    • Idaho SRC Needs Based Scholarship: this is for any youth or younger adult that finds themselves in a disadvantaged situation. This could include being in foster care, living in a shelter, or other situation that creates an impossibility for that young person to get a license. Your registration can be free with some support to purchase uniforms. To receive this scholarship, contact Pastor Rick Spielman (our Eastern Idaho DRA) to explain the situation and request support. 

    • If the organization where you work is not listed here, invite them to partner with the SRC to provide a scholarship for the 2027 year!! 

Online Only Option for Experienced People

An online only class is available for first-time referees who meet certain age and experience requirements. To quality, you must be:

1. A minimum of 20 years of age

2. Have collegiate or above playing experience (not high school) OR have coaching experience for at least 2 years

3. Have no history of receiving cautions or send offs for conduct toward a referee

This class is $40 and does not include human mentoring or on field instruction, which is why it is reserved only for those with upper level soccer experience. After 1 year, a "Bridge Class" is required to move to the standard referee registration level. That course will require in person attendance. Registration opens July 15

Standard New Referee Class

For all students that do not qualify for the digital only option, you will take the standard class which includes an online module and an in person module. Here are the instructions...

1. Register: From the chart below, choose any class you prefer and click "Register." Classes close 1 week before the date of the in person session to allow for all assignments and background checks to be complete. 

2. Online: Complete 4-5 hours of assignments by the deadline listed (a minimum of 4 days before your in person class). Late assignments are not accepted. If you do not finish the assignments on time, you will be failed from the course and not allowed to attend in person. Refunds will not be issued for late work. The assignments include Safe and Healthy Playing Environments, Laws of the Game, 

3. In Person: After the online work, attend the in person class from 9:00am-2:30pm. You must attend 100% of the class to pass and may not arrive late or leave early.

   • • 9:00am-11:45am in a classroom (includes 11:15-11:45 as a working lunch, so bring your lunch please)

     • 11:45am, drive to the fields (you must provide your own transportation, instructors will not drive students)

     • 12:00-2:30pm, learning sessions on the soccer field

     • 2:30pm, have a ride home on time

4. Wear: Clothing and shoes appropriate to run on a field in any weather.

5. Bring: a whistle, water bottle, and a sack lunch. If you have cards and flags now, bring them. If you do not have cards and flags yet, that's OK.

Class Locations...

You can attend anywhere in the state. Choose your preferred location.