How do I become a certified grade 8 soccer referee?

Attend a 16-hour training course, pass a written exam, and pay fees.

Preregistration is required along with a $25 preregistration fee (prior to the course) and a certification fee of $40 after passing the exam. A minimum of 10 students must be preregistered for the course to be held by the instructor. Course dates will be posted on this web site under New Referee Course.

What is required to maintain referee certification?

Attend a recertification course, required by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), once a year. The recertification course will be announced in the fall and is usually held sometime in December or January.

What does it mean to be a certified grade 8 referee?

That you can work as a center referee or assistant referee at youth games up to U18. The U15-U18 games are assigned to officials based on ability.

Once I am certified as a grade 8 referee, can I referee at high school games?

No, to referee a high school game, you must be a grade 8 certified referee and also attend a separate training course "NHSAA" and pass a separate exam. The rules for high school soccer are slightly modified from FIFA rules.

Do I get paid to work as a soccer referee?

Yes, the pay scale is based on the age group you work. Specific details can be obtained by contacting the Quad City Soccer Referee Association directly.

Do I need a uniform and equipment once I am certified?

Yes, referees are wearing a uniform. For examples see http://www.officialsports.com/Referee%20Uniforms.htm. In addition to the uniform, referees also need a stop watch, a whistle, flags, and a wallet with cards and report forms.