No. While a basic understanding of the game is helpful, the certification course provides all the foundational knowledge required.  We welcome all candidates who have a passion for the game and a commitment to maintaining its integrity.  If you have any questions, please contact us, using the “Get Help Today” found on the homepage at the bottom and someone will reach out to you to discuss and answer all of your questions about becoming a referee.

Certification requires a cleared background check and SafeSport for anyone over the age of 18 years old and a final manual audit by the Registrar.  Ensure your background check is not “Pending.” If it is clear, allow 3–5 business days for final administrative processing.

Go to US Soccer Learning Center, U.S. Soccer Learning Center, log into your account.  Under U.S. Soccer Referee Licenses, click missing Information, then click the box Request Profile Merge on all accounts.  This could take a few weeks to complete.  If nothing happens after 21 days, contact the Registrar, pmcfall0910@gmail.com. 

NOTE:  Having multiple accounts at US Soccer Learning Center can affect your registration and license.

Badges for recertifying referees are automatically mailed to your address in OMS once all requirements (including the background check) are finalized.  If you have not received your badge within 21 days of your status turning “Certified” in OMS, contact the State Office at mdcvasrp@erols.com.

No. You do not need an official uniform to attend the field session.  Any athletic attire and comfortable shoes are acceptable.  Show up ready to move and learn. You must have your kit, however, before you can accept match assignments in Assignr.com.

Go into OMS, MemberLogin, click the Transfer Clinic and then select the clinic you want to transfer into.  Attend the clinic

All items of jewelry are forbidden and must be removed. Taping is not permitted.  Inform coaches and players during the pre-match check that all jewelry, including piercings of any kind, must be removed before the player can take the pitch.

There are several ways to anchor goals.

Sandbags or weights on the back bar or side bars.

Bolting or tying the back bar or side bars to the ground.

Securely staking the net to the ground.

Whatever mechanism is used, it just has to be effective, not interfere with the game, and be safe.

Whoever is responsible for the venue, typically the home team, is responsible to anchor the goals.

SafeSport is a federal requirement that must be renewed every 365 days, whereas your referee license is valid for the full calendar year. If your SafeSport expires, your certification is automatically suspended until the module is refreshed.

After the primary Yellow, Green is the most commonly required second color, followed by Red, Blue and Black. Always coordinate with your crew to ensure a unified look and/or ask your primary assignor for alternate color recommendations.  The standards of dress can be found at referee-program-standards-of-dress.pdf 

U.S. Soccer’s Recognize to Recover program requires immediate suspension of matches and practices when lightning is seen or thunder is heard, adhering to the “30-30 Rule”.  Activities must stop immediately, and participants must seek safe shelter.   A primary location would be a fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing.  A fully enclosed vehicle with a solid metal roof, like a school bus, would be a safe secondary option for at least 30 minutes after the last flash or thunder. 

A match is usually abandoned if the delay exceeds 30–60 minutes or if field conditions become unplayable, though specific league rules may vary. Consult the specific League Rules of Competition for the official “wait-time” before calling the match and/or contact your assignor.

Abuse or assault reports must be filed within 48 hours of the incident. This is a multi-step process involving the Game Report and a formal notification to the VYSA State Office.  You should notify your assignor as well.

Action: The link to file a Referee Abuse Report is on the website at the top Right of the page.  Click the Yellow “Report Abuse” and then fill out the form. Or the link is https://vadcsoccerref.com/report-abuse/ 

• Select “Game Assignments” (Game Assignments – Metro DC State Referee Program)
• Under Get Game Assignments, select “Find Tournaments”
• Links for each of the states surrounding VA (VYSA, MSYSA, WVSA, NCYSA, USCS, MDCVSA, USASA, USASA) are available for the list of sanctioned tournaments and assignors.