Table of Contents
- So, how do you become a soccer referee?
- How do you get a soccer referee license?
- How to become a pro soccer referee?
- How much do soccer referees earn?
- How to be a good soccer referee (Tips)
- Recap: How to become a soccer referee
If you’re wondering how to become a soccer referee, you’ve come to the right place!
Referees are an essential component of the game. They maintain order, protect the welfare of the players, and make sure that the game is played in a fair and competitive manner.
Lots of youngsters dream of one day stepping out onto a soccer field wearing the colors of their favorite club, but becoming a referee is a rewarding and sometimes lucrative profession for lovers of the beautiful game.
So, how do you become a soccer referee?
You can apply to become a referee in the USA by obtaining either a Grade 8 or Grade 9 refereeing qualification. These certificates are sanctioned by the US Soccer Federation (USSF) and are recognized qualifications within the United States.
The steps to get involved in refereeing are often done at state level. Each state has different methods and routes to get involved with refereeing locally.
Becoming a professional soccer referee takes time and persistence, but with dedication and superior performances, you can climb the refereeing ladder from amateur to professional.
How do you get a soccer referee license?
The best way to obtain your refereeing license is to follow the steps laid out online by whichever state it is you’re based in.
For example, the state of Minnesota explains in detail everything required to become a referee with a useful guide that makes the initial process simple.
The prices involved with becoming a soccer referee at a grassroots level vary from state to state. In Maryland, the cost is $95. You will be given the basic officiating equipment needed to referee a game within this price.
The process of obtaining your refereeing license is achievable and can be an enjoyable process if you are committed.
How to become a pro soccer referee?
Becoming a professional soccer referee takes time and you need to start from the bottom and then build your credentials. Usually, you need to referee at the youth level for a while before making the leap into refereeing adults.
Once you’re relatively experienced and established within the refereeing at an amateur level, you can then look to progress into it professionally.
As in most industries in the working world, referees are examined and assessed on their performance. If your performances are to a high standard at the amateur level, and you have an interest in progressing further within refereeing, you will be considered by panels who are effectively judging how you perform.
Then, if you are deemed suitable, you could be invited to referee at a United Soccer League (USL) game or a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) game. These leagues are of a professional standard in North America.
You can then advance through several tiers of refereeing professionally, until you reach Tier A, considered the highest level of refereeing in the United States and Canada, in MLS.
How much do soccer referees earn?
During the initial steps in your refereeing journey, you might earn around $25 per hour, depending on the level and age that you’re refereeing. As with anything, the more experienced you become, the higher your earnings and prospects within refereeing become.MLS referees can expect to earn around $40,000 annually. However, the very best in the league earn much more than that – reportedly up to $200,000 per year.
This is a handsome salary for being involved in the game they love and is a testament to the hard work and dedication they have shown in their profession.
Of course, experience counts. When you are first accredited as an MLS-standard referee, you can earn just under $600 per game. The more games you referee, the more your pay will increase; this applies to any level.
In Europe, though, referees can make a huge sum of money from the beautiful game. For instance, refereeing a match in the UEFA Champions League could see you gain around $10,000 per game. Not bad for a night’s work, I think you’ll agree.If somebody officiates throughout the World Cup and referees the final as well, they can earn a staggering $300,000 from a month’s work.
How to be a good soccer referee (Tips)
So, now that you understand the basic steps to become a soccer referee, here are some tips to help you officiate matches to the best of your ability:
- Stay calm – players often get caught up in the heat of the moment when the stakes are high; it’s important as a referee that you don’t follow suit. Remaining composed not only quells the fiery interactions between competing teams, but it’s likely to result in better decision-making from an officiating point of view.
- Discuss with your assistants if necessary – there’s nothing wrong with a second opinion when you’re on the field; that’s what assistant referees are there for. If you’re not 100% sure but your assistant is flagging for an infringement, you’re within your rights to go over and discuss the incident with them to give you a greater chance of making the correct decision.
- Be authoritative – while you don’t want to rile up players more than is necessary, you also need to let them know that you are in charge. Not standing for any abusive behavior is important and will ultimately make your job much easier. Warn the players that anything over the line will spell trouble.
- Remain impartial – there might be moments throughout a game where one player is constantly behaving in a way that you dislike. It’s important to put those feelings to one side for the duration of the game. Staying unbiased is essential to your future refereeing opportunities and to the integrity of the game.
- Enjoy it! – whether you’re refereeing at an amateur level or at the very top of the game, you’re spending valuable time officiating so learning to love what you do can help you look forward to the next game.
Recap: How to become a soccer referee
While some fans get frustrated by decisions that go against their side, the reasonable among us all acknowledge that without the officiator blowing their whistle in the middle of the field, the game would be far worse off.
Refereeing can be extremely rewarding and the steps to get into the role aren’t as daunting or confusing as you’d think. Check with your state’s governing soccer body to see what steps you need to take to begin refereeing at a local level.
Then who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be on the big screens of MLS.As a soccer official, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. Check out our recent piece where we introduce the best watches for soccer referees.