Click here for a list of upcoming referee courses in the US Soccer Learning Center.
Make sure you sign up for the correct class. Recertification vs Signing Up as a New Referee? If you are still unsure, contact the State Referee Committee.
There are ‘Help Articles’ linked to each step that should answer your questions. Use these as your first resource, if you still have questions, contact your course instructor or the State Referee Committee.
Previous Officiating Experience? If you hold a certification from NISOA, VSOA, NFHS, or a previous USSF certification that was older than three years ago, then you may qualify to attend the shorter recertification in-person course. You still need to sign up for a “First-Time Grassroots Certification” course on the Learning Center, then contact your instructor to see if you are eligible.
2025 FIRST-TIME GRASSROOTS REFEREE CERTIFICATION
PREREQUISITES
- Be 13 years of age or older.
- The ability to understand and comprehend the Laws of the Game.
- Strong communication skills to work with assignors, fellow officials, coaches, and players.
- Ability to be assertive in competitive situations.
- A level of fitness that allows you to keep up with the pace of play.
U.S. Soccer Requirements
- Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments ~ 1 hr
- SafeSport (if 18 years or older) ~ 1 hr
- Online Grassroots Referee Course Modules ~ 4.5 hrs
- First Time Grassroots Referee Quiz ~45 mins
- 2025 Laws of the Game Changes ~ 15 mins
- U.S. Soccer Federation Gold Standard NCSI Background Check (18+ Only) ~5 mins
Vermont State Requirements
- In-Person Grassroots Referee Clinic. Includes 2-3 hours of classroom instruction and a 2 hour on-field training.
- Optional: Attend the pre-season referee jamboree.
COST: $75 Annually. $30 Background check fee every 2 years for those 18+.
Instructions:
STEP 1: Create an Account in the US Soccer Learning Center. All sign-ups, online training, and payments will go through this website. (Help Article)
STEP 2: Sign Up For An In-Person Clinic. Doing so will allow you to complete the online modules and pay dues. Clinics will be mostly held Dec-April in 2023. (Help Article)
STEP 3: Complete the online modules. These must be completed before the in-person clinic. (Help Article)
STEP 4: Attend the in person clinic and receive your badge.
STEP 5: Create a gotSport account and register with an assignor.
2025 GRASSROOTS REFEREE RE-CERTIFICATION (All Online)
Note: “Advanced” Grassroots Referees should sign up for the Advanced Clinic
PREREQUISITES
- Been a certified USSF referee in the past 3 registration years.
U.S. Soccer Requirements
- Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments ~ 30 mins
- SafeSport Re-Certification (if 18 years or older) ~ 30 mins
- Online Grassroots Referee Re-Certification Course Modules ~2 hrs
- 2025 Laws of the Game Changes ~15 mins
- Re-Certifying Grassroots Referee Quiz ~45 mins
- U.S. Soccer Federation Gold Standard NCSI Background Check (18+ Only) ~5 mins
Vermont State Requirements
- None. Optional continuing education opportunities available.
COST: $75 Annually. $30 Background check fee every 2 years for those 18+.
Instructions:
STEP 1: Sign Up Online in the Learning Center. Doing so will allow you to complete the online modules and pay dues. Complete online requirements before April 15th to be assigned games. (Help Article)
STEP 2: Complete the online modules. (Help Article)
STEP 3: Your badge will be mailed to you.
2025 REGIONAL EMERITUS REFEREE RECERTIFICATION
Note: VT will not host a First-Time Regional Referee Certification or Regional Recertification Course in 2023
PREREQUISITES
- Regional or regional emeritus referee for the past 3 registration years.
- 45+ years of age.
U.S. Soccer Requirements
- Online Regional Emeritus Referee Quiz ~45 mins
- Laws of the Game Refresher ~45 mins
- 2025 Laws of the Game Changes ~15 mins
- Introduction to Safe & Healthy Playing Environments ~1 hr
- SafeSport Re-Certification (18+ Only) ~1 hr
- U.S. Soccer Federation Gold Standard NCSI Background Check (18+ Only) ~5 mins
Vermont State Requirements
- In-Person Advanced Referee Clinic. Includes 3 hours of classroom instruction and a fitness test.
COST: $75 Annually. $30 Background check fee every 2 years.
Instructions: Sign Up Online in the Learning Center. Doing so will allow you to complete the online modules and pay dues. (Help Article) (Help Article)
2025 ADVANCED REFEREE CLINIC
This clinic is invitation only for:
- Regional & Regional Emeritus Referees.
- Referees who attend regional events.
- Referees who work college club games.
- Referees who work adult games (VSSA/VASL/VASP/Elite 8).
- Referees who work semi-pro games (WPSL/USL).
- Referees who work U19 matches and above,
Clinic Dates: TBD April 2024
Will consist of the FIFA fitness test lasting about an hour, and 3 hours of classroom instruction. Attending this clinic suffice as your in-state recertification requirement.
Click Here for Fitness Test Information
2025 REFEREE MENTOR CERTIFICATION & RECERTIFICATION (Assessors & Instructors)
PREREQUISITES
- Be a certified USSF referee.
- At least 2 years of officiating experience.
- Be a referee who has worked advanced games.
- Contact SDA Roger Ranz.
U.S. Soccer Requirements
- Online Mentor Course Modules ~2 hrs
- 2025 Laws of the Game Changes ~15 mins
- Meet all other requirements for referees
Vermont State Requirements
- TBD
COST: $45 Annually.
Instructions:
STEP 1: Sign Up Online in the Learning Center. Doing so will allow you to complete the online modules and pay dues. (Help Article)
STEP 2: Complete the online modules. These must be completed before the in-person clinic. (Help Article)
2025 REFEREE ASSIGNOR CERTIFICATION & RECERTIFICATION
PREREQUISITES
- Be a certified USSF referee
- Meet VSA Assignor Job Description
U.S. Soccer Requirements
- Online Assignor Course Modules ~2 hrs
- 2025 Laws of the Game Changes ~15 mins
- Meet all other requirements for referees
Vermont State Requirements
- Attend Annual VT Assignors Meeting.
COST: $10 Annually.
Instructions:
STEP 1: Sign Up For The Online Modules. Doing so will allow you to complete the online modules and pay dues. (Help Article) (Help Article)
STEP 2: Attend Annual VT Assignors Meeting.
Help Articles:
Navigating the US Soccer Learning Website
US Soccer Federation Background Checks
SafeSport – Concussion Recognition (18 years old and older)