Frequently Asked Questions

First, we’re happy you’re here! Here are the steps to becoming a referee:

Register for a course:
Select a course from our list of upcoming events and register to take the course.
Referees must be 13 years or older to attend.

Complete the online training:
Complete the online training modules from US Soccer before attending the in-person referee course.

Complete the online concussion training:
Complete the online concussion training before attending the in-person referee course.

Attend the in-person course:
Attend the in-person course, take and pass the referee test, and you’ll be a certified referee!

Many of the assignors in Oregon use a website called RefTown for assigning referees to games. We recommend that you register on RefTown so assignors will be able to schedule you to games or you can get involved in self assignment.  It’s perhaps the best way for referees to get in touch with assignors.

Please Note: If you are going to work for more than one organization/tournament, you will need to REGISTER for each one on Ref Town. 

The Laws of the Game are updated frequently. You’ll review all updates and current Laws in your initial certification and recertification courses.

The Laws of the Game are also available as an app for both Android and iPhone users! It is recommended that all referees download it and have the app available at the field.

View the International Football Association Board’s Laws of the Game here: IFAB Laws of the Game

En Epañol aqui: IFAB Reglas de Juego

And check out U.S. Soccer’s video series here in both Spanish and English: U.S. Soccer’s Laws of the Game Videos

How do I add a relationship?
 

1. Log in to the U.S. Soccer Learning Center
2. Hover over your name in the upper right hand corner
3. Click Profile
4. Under the “Relationships” section click “Manage My Relationships”
5. Search for the organization you would like to add
6. Click the organization you would like to add
7. Click Update

How do I remove a relationship?
 

1. Log in to the U.S. Soccer Learning Center
2. Hover over your name in the upper right hand corner
3. Click [PROFILE]
4. Under the “Relationships” section click [MANAGE MY RELATIONSHIPS]
5. Click the [X] next to the relationship you would like to remove
6. Click [UPDATE]
7. You will no longer see that organization on your profile and that organization will no longer be able to view your profile.

No. For professional games in the United States, the leagues may have sponsorship commitments that require a different manufacturer to produce the uniforms, but the uniform itself must still comply with the basic standards set by U.S. Soccer. These new styles or designs should have no bearing on the standard uniform otherwise worn by U.S. Soccer referees. For international games, referees from other countries wear FIFA referee uniforms or uniforms approved by their home federation. If U.S. Soccer referees work an international game, they will wear the approved OSI uniform.

U.S. Soccer Digital Learning Center Resources

Referees, we are thrilled to offer you all your equipment, gear and uniforms at a discount thanks to our partner Capelli Sport! Check out the Oregon Referee Committee x Capelli Sport store here:

SHOP NOW!

For Regional Referees and above, U.S. Soccer mandates that your uniform be branded with Official Sports. Here are our recommendations for buying Official Sports gear:

 Tursi Soccer Store – Use cod ORC20 for 20% off online or in-store on all referee gear!

Official Sports – Official partner of U.S. Soccer.

If you are interested in taking your referee career to the next level, the OSRO wants to help you. Below is a brief summary of current upgrade requirements. Contact the State Director of Assessment if you have additional questions- good luck!

From Referee to Regional Referee

Basic requirements:

1. You must be at least 18 years old
2. Minimum 3 consecutive years of US Soccer registration as a Grassroots Referee
3. Documented game count including 25 games as a Center Referee and 15 games as an Assistant Referee on Adult Amateur games.

Upgrade process:

1. Submit your game count (aka game log) to the State Director of Assessment for verification and approval
2. Submit the $200 upgrade application fee to the ORC
3. Pass three assessments as a referee* (one can be at highest youth level, which is U-19)
4. Pass the Regional Referee exam with a score of 80% or higher*
5. Successfully complete the Regional Referee fitness test*
6. Attend the Regional Referee Clinic training course

* These requirements must be completed within a 12-month period.