Referee FAQs
FAQs For New Referees
How Do I Get Games?
Club & Travel Games
- Indiana Soccer Assignors assigns their games through GotSport. This is the best way to get your name exposed to assignors in your area.
- If you already have a GotSport account because you've played or coached, do not create a new account. Instead, add referee profile to your current account. If you do not have a GotSport account, just click on this link to create one: https://system.gotsport.com/programs/8080S4815.
Recreational & Small-Sided Games
- While GotSport is the primary assignment system in Indiana, there a multitude of assignment systems being used throughout the state for non-USYS Indiana Soccer games as well as many recreational and small-sided games. You will need to ask your assignor which system they use.
Find Licensed Assignors in your area
- Use the following link to find licensed assignors in your area. Reach out to them, and they'll assign you games: www.indianareferees.org/administration/assignors/
- If you have trouble reaching an assignor or are having trouble getting assignments, contact your District Referee Administrator (DRA) for help.
Who Should Be Your First Point of Contact if You Have Questions or Concerns?
Contact your District Referee Administrator (DRA).
How Much Does It Cost to Register for the Referee Course?
Registration for the first-time referee course costs $95. This does NOT include the cost of the referee uniform.
How Do I Get My Badge?
All USSF badges will be mailed out by Official Sports International. You should receive your badge within a couple of weeks after the completion of your on-field experience. If you still haven't received your badge after a couple of weeks, contact your District Referee Administrator (DRA).
How Often Do I Need to Recertify?
You will need to recertify every year.
Referee recertification is completely online and can be completed at the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
Can I Get a Refund for My Course Registration Fee?
If you have not completed any work, a full refund can be issued. Otherwise, you will need to contact your District Referee Administrator (DRA) to determine if you are eligible for a partial refund.
What is the Minimum Age to Become a Referee?
You must be 14 years old at the time of registration.
How Long is the On-Field Experience?
Approximately 4 hours
What is Safesport, and Do I Need to Complete It?
SafeSport is an independent nonprofit committed to building a sports community where participants can work and learn together free of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and misconduct.
Only referees 18 years and older need to complete the SafeSport certification. Note this will need to be completed every year.
Do I Need to Complete a Background Check?
Only referees 18 years and older need to complete an NCSI background check at the U.S. Soccer Learning Center. This needs to be completed every 2 years.
What Uniform and Equipment Do I Need?
- Jersey - Official Sports International (OSI) is the exclusive uniform supplier of U.S. Soccer. We have partnered with OSI to offer discounted starter kits for new referees. Contact your District Referee Association (DRA) for more information. You should start by buying a yellow jersey first and then a green. As you gain more experience, you will want to consider buying the remaining colors, red, blue, and black in that order. Start by buying short-sleeved jerseys because you can wear a plain black long-sleeve shirt underneath. Eventually, you may want to consider buying long-sleeved jerseys as well.
- Black shorts
- Black socks
- Tennis shoes or cleats - predominantly black is preferred
- Flags
- Whistle
- Watch - a wristwatch that counts up
- Yellow and red cards
Referee Payment Information
A: Each competition authority (leagues, clubs, tournaments) has its own referee pay schedule and methods of payment. As an independent contractor, it's important that you check with the assignor when accepting the game to determine how you will be paid.