Arkansas Soccer Association

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Why Become a Soccer Referee?

Soccer referees are an essential part of the game. Refereeing is a great opportunity for players, former players, parents, coaches, and soccer supporters to stay involved while developing valuable skills and earning additional income.

As a referee, you can:

  • Earn money while staying involved in soccer
  • Develop confidence, leadership, and communication skills
  • Learn the Laws of the Game from a new perspective
  • Become a better and more knowledgeable player or coach
  • Choose assignments that work with your availability
  • Build experience and advance to higher levels of competition
  • Give back to your local soccer community
  • Stay active and meet people who share your love of the game

U.S. Soccer describes refereeing as essential to protecting players, ensuring fairness, and helping the game grow. The referee pathway provides opportunities ranging from local grassroots matches to regional and national competition. 

Who Can Become a Referee?

New referees must be at least 13 years old when registering through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center. Adults are also encouraged to become referees, including former players, coaches, parents, and anyone interested in contributing to the game. 

No previous referee experience is required.

How to Become a Referee

Step 1: Create a U.S. Soccer Learning Center Account

Create an account in the U.S. Soccer Learning Center using the referee candidate’s own name and information.

For youth referees, the account must be created using the young referee’s information—not a parent’s name.

Step 2: Register for a First-Time Grassroots Referee Course

Search the Learning Center for an Arkansas first-time referee course.

The course typically includes:

  • Online referee education
  • Laws of the Game instruction
  • SafeSport requirements when applicable
  • Background screening for adult referees
  • An in-person field training session

The U.S. Soccer Learning Center houses referee education and registration programs. 

Step 3: Complete the Required Training

Complete all online assignments and attend the required in-person session.

Training covers topics such as:

  • Referee positioning and movement
  • Assistant referee responsibilities
  • Signals and communication
  • Fouls and misconduct
  • Match preparation
  • Player safety
  • Practical game situations

Step 4: Obtain Your Referee Equipment

A new referee will generally need:

  • Referee jersey
  • Black referee shorts
  • Black referee socks
  • Whistle
  • Yellow and red cards
  • Watch or timer
  • Assistant referee flags
  • Coin
  • Pen or pencil
  • Game record card or notebook

Some starter kits include most or all of these items.

Step 5: Join Assignr.com and Connect With an Assignor

Arkansas Soccer is transitioning referee assignments and communication to Assignr.com.

Through Assignr, referees may be able to:

  • Enter their availability
  • Accept or decline assignments
  • View game details and locations
  • Receive schedule changes
  • Communicate with assignors
  • Review upcoming assignments

Assignr’s official tools allow officials to manage availability, accept or decline assignments, and receive scheduling communication. 

Step 6: Work Your First Games

New referees will generally begin with younger age groups and age-appropriate assignments.

Your local assignor may place you as:

  • A center referee for small-sided games
  • An assistant referee on older youth games
  • Part of a crew with more experienced referees
  • A referee receiving mentoring or observation

What Does It Cost?

The exact course and registration fees will be listed when each Arkansas referee course opens. Most new referees should plan for an initial investment that includes:

  • First-time referee course and U.S. Soccer registration
  • Background screening for referees age 18 and older
  • A basic referee uniform and equipment kit

Estimated total for most new referees: approximately $135–$200.

Actual costs may vary depending on the course, age of the referee, background-screening requirements, and the uniform or equipment package selected. Although there is an upfront cost, many new referees can earn back a significant portion of their investment after working a weekend or two of games.

Referee Advancement

Referees who want to continue developing may pursue:

  • More competitive league assignments
  • State Cup and tournament assignments
  • Regional referee licensing
  • Adult amateur matches
  • Regional and national events
  • Referee mentor or referee coach pathways

U.S. Soccer maintains defined referee and referee-coach pathways for officials who want to advance. 

What’s New

Annual In-Person Referee Clinic

Saturday, August 1, 2026
Northwest Arkansas

Arkansas Soccer will return to Northwest Arkansas on August 1 for our Annual In-Person Referee Clinic.

This year’s clinic will provide opportunities for:

  • New referees seeking certification for the first time
  • Current referees seeking recertification for 2027
  • Referees who want to complete recertification through an in-person educational experience rather than relying only on online modules
  • Referees seeking to upgrade, maintain, or continue working toward a Regional Referee license
  • Officials interested in additional education, development, and networking

Additional information regarding the clinic location, schedule, registration process, course requirements, and fees will be announced soon.

Save the date and plan to join us in Northwest Arkansas on August 1!