Development comes first
Experience, performance, and feedback from referee coaches, mentors, and assignors help guide opportunities for advancement.
LAWS & RESOURCES
Knowledge for every match.
Training tools, official guidance, and support for your next step in refereeing.
U.S. SOCCER INITIATIVE
Official badge image courtesy of U.S. Soccer
Official badge image courtesy of U.S. SoccerRESPECT THE CALL
A green badge.
A young referee.
Your support matters.
U.S. Soccer’s Green Badge Initiative helps identify minor referees and encourages a supportive environment where they can learn and stay involved in the game.
Under 18 at certification
The badge is required for referees younger than 18 when they certify or recertify.
Worn for the registration year
Referees continue wearing it for that year, even if they turn 18 during the season.
Respect is everyone’s responsibility
Players, coaches, and spectators should bring patience, encouragement, and respect to the sidelines.
Program information: U.S. Soccer. Follow the official page for current guidance.
Getting Started
Find your first step, bring training to your club, or access your course work.
YOUR FIRST WHISTLE
Become a Referee
Understand the steps to becoming a referee and tell AKSRA you’re interested.
Start your referee journey AKSRA resource
FOR CLUBS & LEAGUES
Host a Referee Course
Provide a time and location. AKSRA will coordinate instructors and help you plan a local clinic.
Host a clinic AKSRA resource
COURSES & CERTIFICATION
U.S. Soccer Learning Center
Access referee courses, required learning, and your U.S. Soccer training profile.
Open Learning Center External website · opens in a new tabTraining & Advancement
Build your experience and sharpen your decisions on the field.
YOUR NEXT LEVEL
U.S. Soccer Regional Referee
Explore the Regional Referee pathway, candidate documents, and evaluation process.
View Regional Pathway AKSRA resource
DECISION-MAKING GUIDE
FIFA Considerations
Review the considerations in this reference document to support your match decisions.
Download PDF PDF document
MATCH ANALYSIS
Promising Attack Considerations
Use this reference document to review considerations for recognizing a promising attack.
Download PDF PDF documentLaws & Referee Safety
Know the Laws of the Game and help create a respectful environment for officials.
SUPPORT YOUNG REFEREES
Green Badge Initiative
Learn what the green badge means and how everyone can support youth referees.
Read the Green Badge overview AKSRA resource
RESPECT THE CALL
Referee Abuse Prevention
Visit U.S. Soccer’s referee abuse prevention resources and Respect the Call campaign.
View safety resources External website · opens in a new tab
OFFICIAL LAWS
IFAB Laws of the Game
Find the official Laws of the Game and supporting information from IFAB.
Read the Laws of the Game External website · opens in a new tabMATCHES & OPPORTUNITIES
Questions about assignments?
Assignments consider your qualifications, experience, availability, and the needs of the competition. AKSRA can help you understand the process and your next steps.
Contact AKSRA ↗Travel & event details
For regional and national events, ask AKSRA about logistics and any available support. Stipends depend on available funding and vary by event.