PRIOR TO BEGINNING THE PROCESS, ENSURE YOU MEET THE REQUIREMENTS...

1. SOCCER EXPERIENCE: Licensed by US Soccer in 2023, 2024, AND 2025 and proven ability to serve as a referee at the top youth level (U-19 State Cup) AND at all levels of adult competitive soccer.

2. AGE: Minimum 18 years of age

3. COST: 

   • • For a new regional referee candidate: $327.50 annually (which you will earn back in 1-2 games) plus a $22 background check every 2 years ($150 if you have lived internationally). This cost includes the fees for the required 3 on field assessments by a referee coach.

     • For a returning regional referee: $252.50 annually (which you will earn back in 1-2 games) plus a $22 background check every 2 years ($150 if you have lived internationally). This cost includes the fees for the required 2 on field assessments by a referee coach.

STEPS 4-5 MUST BE DONE FIRST AND IN ORDER...

4. SRC PERMISSION: Email the SDI/SDA to request permission to begin the process.

5. ONLINE CLASS: Once you receive permission, register here for new regional referee candidate class (COMING IN JULY) or here for returning regional referee class (COMING IN JULY) and complete 100% of the online course material before you continue to the next step.

BEGIN STEP 6 ONCE STEPS 4-5 ARE COMPLETE. YOU CAN DO STEPS 6-8 IN ANY ORDER.

6. IN PERSON TRAINING: Once you attend and fully complete the Idaho Regional Referee Zoom Session on a date TBA in mid-July 2025.

7. FITNESS TEST: pass the fitness test annually. This year's date is: TBA in August, 2025. Fitness tests can take place out of state provided they come from a licensed referee mentor or referee coach and results are sent to Idaho directly. A complete explanation of the test and audio files for practice are at the bottom of this page.

8. REFEREE COACH EVALUATION: Be evaluated 3 times (2 times for returning regionals) by a licensed referee coach assigned by the SDA. You must be in a referee position on adult match (the SDA can approve 1 highly competitive U17, 18, or 19 match for upgrade, but not for maintenance). The match must be competitive and you must have full crew of 3-4 referees. Plan to visit with the referee coach for about 20 minutes following the match and receive a printed report. Evaluations can take place out of state provided you have permission from the SDA first and both the games and the referee coach meets the critera. For new regional referees, at least 1 of the evaluations must be done in Idaho. As the year goes on, opportunities to be evaluated become more slim and availability of referee coaches dwindles. You are STRONGLY encouraged to do your evaluations in the spring. Request a referee coach evaluation here 

9. LICENSE: After you have completed 100% of all the steps listed above, you will receive an email with your license. Your referee badge will be mailed to you within 2-3 weeks. Your license is valid for a calendar year (January-December), then you must relicense each year. We begin re-licensing in July each year. 

10. NEXT STEP: Get national level training and exposure, move toward professional soccer by considering National Referee. Talk to the SRA, SDA, or SDI for additional information. If you are ready to retire from Regional Referee and are at least 45 years old, consider Regional Emeritus Referee. Regional Referees are also deeply valued as Mentors.