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Re-certifying Referees

2020-2021 Referee Recertification Is Open

Each year, US Soccer Federation referees must re-certify with USSF  to be eligible to officiate any USSF league, club, friendlies, or tournaments.  The registration period runs from July 1 to June 30th of the following year and registrations are valid until December 31st of the year certified for.  (For example: if one certifies August 26th 2020 their certification is valid until December 31, 2021.)   

All referee classes, safety certifications, and background checks are all completed in the US Soccer Learning Center as of the 2020 license year.  

Please follow the steps below to ensure a smooth re-certification process.  For How-To Videos visit the Learning Center Knowledge Base

Re-certification Requirements

  1. Any former referee may re-certify as long as they have held a license within the last 3 years.  Beyond 3 years you must sign up for a Beginner Grassroots Referee Course again.  

  2. The course is all online.  There is no requirement for any in-person session.  Once the State Referee Committee is notified of your recertification completion a current year badge will be mailed directly to you.  Make sure the address entered into the Learning Center is current and can receive USPS mail.  

  3. If you are 18+ you must complete a US Soccer NCSI background check.  This background check is completely separate from any MYSA or coaching background check you may already have completed and they are non-transferable.  The cost is $30.00 plus fees and is valid for 2 years.  This background check can take 7-10 days to complete.  You may complete the re-certification course while the check is pending but your certification won’t be finalized until a clear result is returned.

  4. The online recertification course is $40 and all Learning Center assignments must be completed in order to be approved to officiate for 2021. 

Step 1: Enable Browser Cookies

In Chrome or Safari find your settings menu and under privacy and security, enable cookies.  This ensures your progress throughout the course is saved.

Allow_Cookies

 

Step 2: Log Into or Claim Learning Center Account

  1. Go to the US Soccer Learning Center.LC-Sign-Up

  2. In the upper right corner either log-in or if you’ve never been to this site click “Sign Up”. 

  3. When signing up, fill out the form using your current information.  It’s recommended that you use the same email previously used on other systems as long as you have access to it.  Do not use a school email address, they typically do not allow external emails.

  4. If the system recognizes you from your referee or coach profiles you will be asked to confirm your information.

  5. Please familiarize yourself with the information shown on your Profile and update any contact details and Relationships you may have.

 Manage-Relationships

Step 3: 18+ Submit Background Check

If you are 18+ years old you will need to submit for a US Soccer NCSI Background Check.  The check is valid for 2 years and is $30 plus fees paid directly to NCSI separately from your certification fees.

 

Step 4: Sign Up for Re-Certification Course

Register for an online referee re-certification course based upon your prior certification.  Be sure to read all course information prior to registering to make sure you’re signing up for the correct course. 

 

  1. Once registered for your course visit the “Classroom.”

  2. Be sure to read all course information and visit the various tabs to familiarize yourself with the classroom.  You’ll find additional downloads and links in the “Resources” tab you may need while taking the course.

  3. When ready, visit the “Assignments” tab and complete all requirements for your course.  At various stages you may receive completion emails however you are not certified until all assignments are completed. 

  4. The Montana SRC and US Soccer Federation worked together to offer a complementary 2021 certification to anyone who was certified in 2020.  However, due to changes in the LOTG a supplemental update course was created.  Everyone must complete this course to be eligible to officiate in Montana for 2021.  You likely will also need to renew your safety certifications in the next step.

Step 5: Complete Safety Certifications

The below training courses must also be completed every year.  The system will notify you via email if a certification lapses as you will no longer be approved until completed.

Step 6: Complete any Supplemental Re-Certifications

  • New 2021 Grassroots Mentor: Please email the Montana SRC for course information.

    • This course will replace both the Grassroots Instructor and Assessor training.  Completing this course will grant you assignments as an instructor and assessor.  Anyone currently holding an Instructor or Assessor license is encouraged to register for this course.  The Instructor and Assessor titles will be phased out in 2024. 

  • 2021 Instructor Re-Certification: Please email the Montana SRC for the course link. (To be phased out by 2024.)

  • 2021 Assignor Re-Certification: Please email the Montana SRC for the course link. (To be phased out by 2024.)

Some of the courses and modules previously taken in other courses should be marked as already completed when taking any supplemental courses.

Resources

 

Referees

USSF-MRP

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