We’re excited for you to become a USSF certified referee! You will find that being a referee is a rewarding experience where you can give back to the game, stay active, and earn some extra cash. Please follow the registration instructions below, and you will be 1 step closer to officiating your first match!
NOTE: New referees must be 13 years old at the time of registration.
1
Create a U.S. Soccer Learning Center Account
To begin, create a Referee Profile on the U.S. Soccer Learning Center website.
2
Register for a First-Time Referee Course
Within your newly created U.S. Soccer Learning Center account:
Should you have any questions during the registration process, please contact Kristy Bos at mgr.recruitment@michiganrefs.org
Whether you are a current or former player, parent, spectator, or fan there is always a place for you to stay involved in the game of soccer as a referee.
When you become a referee, you will join a dynamic and diverse group of officials from across the state. The Michigan referee community supports and celebrates our diversity.
Becoming a referee is a great way to earn some extra cash while giving you the flexibility to set your own schedule. There are games in your area that need referees now!
How long does my certification last? When do I need to re-certify?
Referee certifications are valid from January 1st – December 31st of each calendar year. You must re-certify every year. Look for emails in late Fall (August – November) with instructions for how to certify for the next registration year.
IF you completed a NEW Referee course after July 1st of any given year, your certification will not expire until December 31st of the following year (EX: Completed a NEW Referee course in August 2023; candidate will receive a 2024 badge and be certified until December 2024).
Where do I buy jerseys? What color jerseys should I buy first? Do I need both long sleeves and short sleeves?
The website to purchase the official uniforms of US Soccer Federation Referee Program is officialsports.com. You should buy a yellow jersey first and then green. As you gain more experience, you will want to consider buying the remaining colors in this order: red, blue, black. You should buy short sleeve jerseys because you can wear a plain black long sleeve shirt underneath. Eventually, you should buy long sleeve jerseys as well.