Dec 1900

•  How can I become a soccer referee?

By attending an entry-level (or beginner) referee course.

•  What are the requirements to take the course?
You should be physically fit, emotionally mature, at least 13 years of age, and have the time available to referee games.

•  Where do I sign up for the course?
Course dates and times are posted on the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program website, http://www.vadcsoccerref.com/.  Click on "CLINIC LISTING", and follow the instructions.  All courses require on-line registration before attending.

•  What type of courses are offered?
The US Soccer Federation "Referee Grade 8" entry-level course is offered in southeast Virginia.  (Note: the term "Referee Grade" has nothing to do with the school grades of the players or the referees.  The "Grade" system is just a way to categorize the referees.)

•  What is the "Referee Grade 8" course?
A combination of online, classroom, and field training.  The classroom and field training are conducted in a single 8-hour session.  You must complete the training and pass a 50-question multiple choice exam (75% correct is needed to pass). The cost of the course is $70.

•  What games can I referee once I've completed the Referee Grade 8 course?
Referee or Assistant Referee for all youth games, including recreational and travel (or select) games. Referee or Assistant Referee on competitive or adult games, depending on the age and experience of the referee. 

•  After I pass the course, how do I get games to referee?
A "referee assignor" will schedule your games. You'll be given a list of the local assignors during the referee course. It is your responsibility to contact the assignor, let them know you completed the course, and are ready to referee games. The most important thing the assignor needs to know is your availability to do games

•  How do I continue to referee games after the first year?
All referees must re-certify and register each year by attending a single 5-hour re-certification class. The referee certification is valid for each calendar year, however, re-certifications start as early as August for the following year.  If the re-certification is completed during August through December, your certification is valid for the entire next calendar year.  If you re-certify in January through March, then your certification is valid through December of that year. There are various re-certification classes conducted throughout the state, and can be checked on the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program website at http://www.vadcsoccerref.com.

For Referees Transferring From Another State   Contact the Metro DC-Virginia State Program Office at 1-888-832-1866 to transfer your USSF certification to Virginia.