By US Soccer policy, any person assigning referees in a sanctioned US Soccer match MUST be licensed. There is no exception for age of players, recreational or competitive, or anything else. ALL assignors must be licensed. Non-licensed assignors risk voiding the insurance of EVERY person on the match. Referees are taught to refuse assignments from a non-licensed person. 

An assignor may assign any licensed referee but should ensure they are capable of the match to which you assign them.  

An assignor serves as the supervisor for referees (who are non-employed independent contrators). Assignors may refuse to use a referee but you may not suspend a referee. The licensing agent is US Soccer as administered by the Idaho Soccer Referee Committee, so the club/league/assignor has no authority over the referee's license.

All concerns from clubs, leagues, coaches or team officials go to the assignor, not to IYSA, ISSA, or the SRC. Those entities will become involved if referee abuse or assault is involved.

Assignors are not mentors or referee coaches (unless they are licensed as such). As a result, you may give general suggestions as their supervisor but detailed guidance on refereeing must come from a licensed mentor or referee coach. If an assignor is struggling with a referee, the assignor may request a mentor or referee coach observe a referee at the league or club's cost. 

An assignor may not be a referee, assistant referee, mentor, or referee coach on a game they also assign by US Soccer policy.

Licensed assignors receive the following: 

• US Soccer liability insurance to cover you in the event of injury or lawsuit

• The Idaho Soccer Referee Committee database of all licensed referees connected with the State of Idaho so you can recruit

• A listing on www.idahoreferee.org of your club/league/tournament so referees can find you. 

Referees may work for club or league they want as they are independent contractors. If you are having trouble recruiting referees, consider these areas...

• Work with your club/league to increase pay. Pay Advanced Referees or Regional Referees additional money.

• Offer to cover the cost of licensing for a referee after 10 matches

• Provide on field mentoring as an incentive

• Assign field marshalls who are trained and remove problem fans

• Provide amenities such as water, snacks, and safe space to get out of the weather and away from fans

• Support referees when confronted by coaches, players, or fans

• Ensure misconduct is addressed and the league/club follows mandatory abuse/assault requirements from US Soccer

• Ask referees or the SRC what the reputation of your club/league is throughout the soccer community and how it can improve