Difference between USSF Certified Referee and NON Certified Referee
2025 Spring in-house Training was held on February 20, 2025
Understanding the qualifications and pathways for becoming a referee in our soccer community is crucial for maintaining high standards. Here are the key distinctions between a NON Certified Referee and a USSF Certified Referee. Register for one, not both please. A certified referee can officiate recreational games. NON Certified referees can only officiate recreational games. Parents please do not register your child. We ask that every referee registers themselves using their own email address, not parents.
NON Certified Referee:
- Minimum age of 13.
- Familiarity with the rules of the game is required.
- Experience in playing the game is advantageous.
- Did not register at https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee
- Did not pay for or take the Grassroots First-time Referee course.
- Has not completed the grassroots referee online course or taken the test.
USSF Certified Referee:
- Minimum age of 13.
- Created an account and registered at https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee to access referee courses.
- Paid for the Grassroots First-time Referee course or Grassroots recertifying Referee course.
- Completed the online Grassroots First-time Referee course.
- Completed the field course after finishing the Grassroots First-time Referee course.
- Completed the online Grassroots recertifying Referee course (required annually).
- Passed the online test.
- For individuals aged 18 or older, completion of the SafeSports course is mandatory and needs to be renewed annually upon turning 18.
Why Register in Our Database:
- Seasonal Registration: Register early in the fall season to cover the entire soccer season, including both fall and spring. Current registration is for the 2024-25 WH Referee season.
- Accurate Contact Information: Ensures we have your correct contact information for important updates.
- Self-Registration: Referees must register themselves, not their parents, even if under 18, to ensure accurate and direct communication. Referees info will be imported to Stack Officiates so each referee can be assigned to a game.
- Account Creation: Each referee must create their own account on our website by selecting "Login" at the top right corner.
- Avoid School Email Addresses: Use a reliable email address, as school emails may not always work reliably.
- Weather and Field Closures: Receive prompt notifications via email in case of bad weather or field closures, saving unnecessary trips.
- Last-Minute Changes: Contact our referee assignor if injured or facing a last-minute conflict, and we will help find a replacement from our pool of referees.
- Training and Meetings: For new and NON-certified referees, we offer in-house training. Register in our database as either a USSF certified referee or NON-USSF referee before attending our meeting to ensure your name is on our list. Register for only one program, not both.
Your timely registration helps us maintain efficient communication and organization throughout the season. Should you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you.
WH Referee Coordinator
[email protected]