Real how to become a referee thread

[SGVFOA]

I don't know about being a soccer referee, but I'm sure it's similar to being an American football "referee".

To become a football referee is pretty simple. First, you need to find a local football officials association. Once you join the association, they will train you on the rules and mechanics. Depending on your association, you may start working high school football games your first season!

It takes a lot of training to become a professional "referee". For American football, football officials generally start with officiating high school and youth football, such as Pop Warner or Junior All-American. After two or three years, officials may begin to work varsity games.


After four or five years of working varsity football, an official may begin working junior college football. Two or three years of JC football will move an official to D-III, D-II, or D-IAA. A couple years at those levels, and an official could start working at the Division I level. After three or four years at the D-I level, depending on attrition at the NFL level, an official may be considered to work in the NFL. To be an actual referee (as opposed to umpire, linesman, line judge, back judge, side judge, or field judge), it takes a few more years in the NFL.
So, in short, it takes about 15 years of officiating to make it to the NFL. Of course, some officials will make it much quicker, and most officials will never make it to the NFL. The most important thing is to enjoy what you are doing and be the best that you can at the level you are doing.

If you'd like more information on becoming a referee, please visit www.sgvfoa.com (http://www.sgvfoa.com) or send an email to BeARef@sgvfoa.com. (bearef@sgvfoa.com)

[spiritmark]

In the following link the author describes how to get started as a referee if that is what you are looking for:

http://www.soccerrefereeequipment.org/uncategorized/soccer-referee-vital-to-the-beautiful-game

Best regards,

Frans

[IASocFan]

This was our first stickied thread, but after 6 1/2 years, it has served its purpose.

THREAD UNSTICKIED!

The two safety related threads should probably remain stickied as pertual reminders that we're here for the safety of the players!

[nsa]

So now we keep bumping the thread?

:D

[savvy]

hello,

I passed grade 8 test about 1-2 weeks ago, still did not get my badge, and in my online account, I see a blank corresponding to USSF ID, how long does it take generally to get badge and ID?

any ideA?

[ref2coach]

hello,

I passed grade 8 test about 1-2 weeks ago, still did not get my badge, and in my online account, I see a blank corresponding to USSF ID, how long does it take generally to get badge and ID?

any ideA?

Many instructors provide the Badge to their students upon completion of the class and test. USSF has been known to take 6 or more MONTHS :( to mail the badge and update their website. Contact your Instructor or your District Referee Administrator and see if one of them can provide you a black badge.

[o5iiawah]

hello,

I passed grade 8 test about 1-2 weeks ago, still did not get my badge, and in my online account, I see a blank corresponding to USSF ID, how long does it take generally to get badge and ID?

any ideA?

I passed my level 8 in october. I just passed my level 7 test a few weeks ago and I still dont have my USSF ID.

A good way to get going is to work unoffical games, like church tournaments, private leagues etc... there is the whole insurance issue of what if some parents' precious snowflake gets hurt and decides to sue you...eh.

I worked a few church tournaments and did about 30 games in a non-USSF league when I started. I've been 100% offical since and at about the 10 game mark, I was doing U14 centers and U19 lines. Did Disney over last memorial day and Will be there again Labor day. Keep up with it because the level 8 class is a joke. I remember making AR signals with a tennis racquet to mimic the mechanics while in class..lol

[darksouldier]

Does anyone know how long you can be an uncertified ref before you have to take the full certification class all over again?

[jayhonk]

Does anyone know how long you can be an uncertified ref before you have to take the full certification class all over again?
One year, I believe.
If you were certified in 2008, did not recert in 2009, then you could merely recert for 2010. Shift it back a year, and you have to start over.
(I think.
Call you local...)

[darksouldier]

Is there anyway to find out what your USSF Referee Number is if you've lost your card??

[Doug the Ref]

Is there anyway to find out what your USSF Referee Number is if you've lost your card??

I have mine programed in my phone as a number under USSF.

Contact your state referee people.
check the USSF site https://www.ussoccer.info/Login.aspx
It has an option for forgot password, and forgot USSF ID

[boilermaker2009]

Was just browsing and appreciating the information. Question though, I've been away from the game for quite sometime(last played in '01), good news I'm relatively young(25) was wondering what did you guys do to get back in the swing of things, I'm just nervous, I'm so far behind the times. I know the rules probably haven't changed drastically, but I'd almost have to relearn.

[Gary V]

... been away from the game for quite sometime(last played in '01), ... the rules probably haven't changed drastically, but I'd almost have to relearn.I suggest that this is a good opportunity to learn the Laws properly. Far too many players have erroneous misconceptions about the Laws, and their eyes are opened at the ref course. Have fun with it and good luck!