Referee FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a referee?

Throughout the year the State Referee Committee, Referee Chairman and referees from around the area are asked the question, “How do I become a referee?” The answer is simple, attend and successfully complete a referee training program. North Texas and its’ member associations offer two entry level programs for individuals interested in becoming a referee. Let’s take a minute and discuss both options.We will start with the Grade 9 Recreational Referee program. As a candidate, you must be 12 years old or older on, or before the clinic start date. No experience is required, however one will have a better chance of successful completion with a basic understanding of the game. Requirements to successfully complete the Grade 9 Recreational Referee program include 9 1/2 hrs of classroom instruction, a field session where you must demonstrate the lessons learned during the classroom, and a written exam that requires a score of 75 or better in order to pass the course. At the completion of the program you will register with North Texas and the United States Soccer Federation as a Grade 9 Recreational Referee. There are two restrictions you should be aware of. As a Grade 9 Recreational Referee you will be restricted to officiating recreational youth games U-14 and below and as an assistant referee you will be restricted to any game U-14 or below (competitive or recreational).Now let’s discuss the Grade 8 Basic Referee Program. As a candidate, you must be 14 years old or older, on or the start date of the clinic. No experience is required, however one will have a better chance of successful completion with a good understanding of the game. Requirements to successfully complete the Grade 8 Basic Referee program include 16 ½ hrs of classroom instruction, a field session where you must demonstrate the lessons learned during the classroom, and a written exam that requires a score of 75 or better to pass the course. At the completion of the program you will register with North Texas and the United States Soccer Federation as a Grade 8 Basic Referee. As a Grade 8 Basic Referee you will be allowed to referee all age groups once you have gained the confidence of your local assignor.

What are the requirements for becoming a referee?

GRADE 9
Must be 12 years of age prior to the start of the clinic. No prior experience required.

BRIDGE GRADE 8
Must be 14 years of age prior to the start of the clinic. Must have at least 4 months in Grade 9.

GRADE 8
Must be 12 years of age prior to the start of the clinic. No prior experience necessary.

PASSING REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL GRADES
Must attend all sessions and have instructor’s initials on the class schedule.
75% or above – Passing
70-74% – Can retake the test in 2 weeks at another testing session for the same grade clinic.
Below 70% – Can retake clinic at no cost, must bring class schedule.

What is involved with each clinic?

Grade 9 Recreational Referee Clinic
Must be 12 years of age prior to the start of the clinic. No experience required, however playing experience is helpful. Clinics include 9 ½ hours of classroom and field instruction and a written exam requiring a score of at least 75. Students completing the clinic requirements are registered with North Texas and the United States Soccer Federation as Grade 9 Recreational Referees. You may then work with your local association and assignor to receive match assignments on Recreational youth matches up to and including the U14 age group, both centers and lines. Grade 9 referees may also serve as Assistant Referees on competitive matches up to U14.

Grade 8 Basic Referee Clinic
Must be 14 years of age prior to the start of the clinic. No experience required, however playing experience is helpful. Clinics are comprised of 16 ½ hours of classroom and field instruction, and a written exam requiring a score of at least 75. At the completion of the program you will register with North Texas and the United States Soccer Federation as a Grade 8 Referee. As a Grade 8 Referee you may referee all age groups. Progression to older age groups will be dependent on your individual experience and ability as you gain the confidence of your local assignor.

Grade 8 Bridge Referee Clinic
Must be 14 years of age prior to the start of the clinic. This clinic is designed to allow the Grade 9 referee to progress to the higher level badge after they have attained age 14 and gained at least six months experience. Clinic is 10 hours at present including classroom, field and written exam. Successful completion of the clinic enables the referee to officiate all age groups. This clinic may also be used to reinstate a Grade 8 referee who has not been registered for at least 3 years, as long as they have been registered in the last five years. A returning referee who has not been registered for more than five years must take the Grade 8 Basic Referee Clinic.

Grade 8 Recertification
Effective July 23, 2012 Grade 8 referees may recertify and register online for 2013. The link to GameOfficials requires you to log-into GameOfficials.net You will complete your referee Risk Management and USSF Registration while paying your fees online with either Visa or Mastercard. Passing the online recertification test with a score of 85% or higher will complete the process. If you were registered in 2011, but not 2012 you may recertify for 2012; however, you may not referee prior to Jan 1, 2013. There is an on-line clinic option that will allow you to re-certify for both years. Contact Kathy@ntxsoccer.org for assistance with log-in or more information about the on-line Grade 8 clinic option.

Grade 9 Recertification
Effective July 23, 2012 Grade 9 referees may recertify and register online for 2013. The link to GameOfficials requires you to log-into GameOfficials.net. You will complete your referee Risk Management and USSF Registration while paying your fees online with either Visa or Mastercard. Passing the online recertification test with a score of 80% or higher will complete the process. If you were registered in 2011, but not 2012 you may recertify for 2013; however, you may not referee prior to Jan 1, 2013. Grade 9 referees who are at least 14 years of age should consider upgrade through a Grade 8 Bridge clinic. Contact email@domain.com for assistance with log-in or more information about registering for a Grade 8 Bridge clinic.

What is the cost of a referee clinic?

Grade 9 Recertification
GRADE 9 – $65.00
BRIDGE GRADE 8 – $70.00
GRADE 8 – $70.00

Duncanville Soccer Association

Click Here to Contact us Today!



LET’S CONNECT

Duncanville Soccer Association

214 S Main St Ste 100C

Duncanville, Texas 75116

Call or Text: 469-559-8993