Information for Soccer Referees provided by CNRA - District 4 Become A Referee

You can become a United State Soccer Federation (USSF) certified referee by completing either the Grade 9 (Recreational Youth Referee) or Grade 8 training program. Below is a brief description.

Grade 9 - This is an 8 hour course taught in two four hour or one nine hour session. A Grade 9 or Recreational Youth Referee may referee ONLY U14 and younger recreational games in the League where they are certified. The registration fee with USSF is $20 per year and is usually paid for by the referee.

Grade 8 - This is an 18 hour course usually taught in six 3 hour sessions. A Grade 8 referee may referee any youth game. Of course, assignments on older matches requires actual game experience. The registration fee with USSF is $25 per year and is usually paid for by the referee.

Grade 9 to 8 bridging course - This course allows a currently registered Grade 9 referee to become licensed as a Grade 8.
NOTE: This course is designed to allow those Grade 9 referees trained last year to upgrade without having to take another 18 hours of training. Taking the Grade 9 course and then immediately the Bridging course is not a way to become a Grade 8 referee. The registration fee with USSF is $25 unless you are already registered for the current year then the cost to upgrade is $5. The registration fee is usually paid for by the referee.

Each local league sponsors courses during the year. As they are scheduled, information will be posted on the Clinics web page. The local league pays the cost of the clinic, purchases the books, and obtains and pays for the facility. The district assigns the instructors. For more information or to sign up, contact the local league.

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