Recertifying Referees

REFEREE RECERTIFICATION

Each year, U.S. Soccer Federation referees must recertify to be eligible to officiate any U.S. Soccer sanctioned league/club matches, friendlies, or tournaments. The registration period runs from July 1 to June 30th of the following year and registrations are valid until December 31st of the year certified. (For example: if one certifies for 2026 on August 26th, 2025 their certification is valid until December 31, 2026.)

Certifications may lapse for no more than 3 years before you are required to take a beginner referee course again. If you have 5 or more years of past refereeing experience and your licenses lapse for 3 years, please contact us before signing up for a beginner course.

Please follow the steps below to ensure a smooth recertification process.

RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The recertification course is all online. There is no requirement for any in-person field sessions. Once the State Referee Committee is notified of your recertification completion, a current year badge will be mailed directly to you. Make sure the address entered into OMS and the US Soccer Learning Center is current and can receive USPS mail. Returned badges will be subject to a re-ordering fee.

If you are over 18-years-old, you must consent to a background check. This background check is completely separate from any MYSA or coaching background check you may already have completed and they are non-transferable.

2026 Referee Recertification