FAQ
Answers to the questions we hear most often — from referees, families, and clubs.
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FAQ's
REFEREES GETTING STARTED
Why become a referee?
Officiating youth soccer builds leadership, confidence, time management, communication, and decision-making under real pressure, which are all skills that carry well beyond the field. For younger referees, it's one of the few jobs a 13-year-old can start doing for pay, working outdoors and staying close to the game.
It's not just for teens, though. Adults and older referees take it up for their own reasons: staying active and connected to the sport after playing days are over, flexible part-time income that fits around a full-time job or family schedule, and a way to stay involved in youth soccer without the year-round time commitment of coaching. Experienced adult referees also have a path upward — into higher-level, higher-paying games, and tournaments.
Who can become a referee?
Officiating is great for:
- Current/former soccer players (although it’s not required to have played soccer!)
- Parents
- Students
- Anyone looking for flexible, part-time work!
US Soccer has mandated a minimum age of 13 years old to get certified. Therefore, you can start the certification process after you turn 13 years old.
TRA does have options for 11-12 year olds, location pending, through our Junior Program to work recreational games.
Why NOT to become a referee?
Being a referee is not for everyone. Referees deal directly with frustrated coaches, players, and parents, and have to stay calm and fair under pressure. Early on, game counts and pay can be unpredictable, and it takes real reliability — showing up prepared, every week, rain or shine. It’s important to evaluate your own motives and willingness to withstand unpredictability and challenges prior to committing to this opportunity.
How do I become a licensed referee for games?
1. Register with US Soccer Learning Center
2. Complete Requirements:
- Pay registration fee
- Complete online training
- Attend an on-field training session (first-time referees only!)
3. If 18 or older: Complete a MYSA background check
4. Notify Chad, our Director of Referee Relations, once certified at [email protected]
Once I'm certified, how much work is required to get assignments?
Games are both intentionally assigned and self-assigned, but nobody is guaranteed or required to do a set number of games. Referees who check the schedule regularly and keep their availability open tend to get more games than referees who log in occasionally.
What uniform & equipment do I need?
Uniform (for Competitive Games):
- Yellow referee jersey
- Black shorts
- Black socks (preferably with 3 white stripes)
- Black undergarments, gloves, and hat (if needed)
Required Equipment:
- Watch with stopwatch function
- Whistle
- Coin
- Flags (for ARs)
- Pen and notebook
- Phone
Will I get paid for games?
Yes! Once you're certified and assigned through TRA, you're paid at the club-determined pay rate for every match you work. Pay is processed through our assigning platform, and the frequency of pay varies per season.
Is there a cost to join TRA Community?
No. The TRA community is free to join. You pay for your own USSF certification (~$60/year, paid to US Soccer, not TRA) and any gear you purchase, but there's no membership fee.
TRA COMMUNITY
What kind of support does TRA offer to referees?
TRA community members get more than just game assignments. You receive:
Assigning — get access to our Assignr group for game offers based on your availability, level, and location
Tournaments — game opportunities at our partner clubs tournaments
Mentorship — request a mentor observation at any of your games to receive on-field feedback
A community of referees — connect with other officials at your level and beyond
Direct support — TRA has a full team of support staff that specializes in the referee experience, growth, and development. All referees in our community have direct access to these resources.
What tournaments are available for TRA referees?
TRA-affiliated tournaments run throughout the spring and fall seasons, giving you consistent opportunities to work games alongside your regular league assignments while remaining in the same referee-supported community. Current tournaments include:
- United FC Rush's Albertville Tournament
- Lakeville's Father's Day Cup
- CC United's Paisley Cup
- Spring Adult Rec
- Fall Adult Rec
We assign tournament games as each date approaches — matching referees to games based on age, ability, and preference, the same way we do for league play.
What does intentional assigning mean for referees?
We don't just fill slots. TRA assigns referees to games based on a development framework that considers several key factors: age, ability, preference, mentor observations,
New referees get placed on games where they can succeed and build confidence — usually in the recreational program and U9-U12 games with experienced center referees to guide them
Developing referees get exposure to slightly higher-level competitive games with mentor support
Experienced referees get the challenging high-level matches that stretch their skills
The goal isn't to throw you in the deep end when a spot becomes available. It's to grow you into the referee you want to be — one game at a time.
What makes a successful referee?
Showing up prepared, responding to assignments promptly, and keeping your profile and availability up to date. Over time, a solid track record — game log, assessments, mentor feedback — opens the door to higher-level games.
FAST TRACK PROGRAM
What is the date cutoff?
Youth Track cutoff dates:
Spring cohort: Must be 13–17 on Feb 1
Fall cohort: Must be 13–17 on August 1
Adult Track cutoff dates:
Spring cohort: Must be 18 or older on Feb 1
Fall cohort: Must be 18 or older on August 1
Do I need to be certified to join Fast Track?
Yes — Fast Track is for referees 13 and up who have already completed USSF certification before the start of the program (by the end of February). If you're brand new to refereeing, get certified first, and then come back to us. If you're 11-12, our Junior Program → is built for you, and spots are very limited!
I just got certified. Is Fast Track too advanced for me?
Not at all. Fast Track is specifically designed to support new and emerging referees in their first experiences. You'll have a mentor to support you throughout the season and a cohort going through it with you!
How can I get the uniform?
For new referees, the uniform is included in the enrollment fee. During registration, referees will select their size (jersey and shorts will be provided in the same size) and provide a shipping address for delivery.
The gear bag will be distributed at the program kickoff event.
Where does TRA’s Fast Track Program operate?
Fast Track cohorts run in partnership with clubs across Minnesota. Cohorts are organized by region, so you train and work games close to home.
West (Plymouth / Maple Grove / Wayzata)
Northwest (Albertville / Buffalo / Delano / St. Michael)
South (Lakeville / Farmington / Apple Valley)
Southwest (Chaska / Chanhassen / Victoria / Watertown)
Is participation in Fast Track (FT) required?
No, participation in Fast Track is not required. However, it is highly encouraged to help referees get the most out of their experience, as it provides structured support and development alongside their peers.
What's the commitment?
- Maintain your annual USSF license ($60 plus online videos).
- Pay the enrollment fee.
- Participate in cohort sessions and assignments regularly.
- Work at least 10 games within our network during the season.
JUNIOR PROGRAM
What is the date cutoff?
Junior Track is for kids 11-12 who turn 13 after Feb 1 of the program year. If you turn 13 on or before Feb 1, Youth Track is the best fit.
When can we enroll?
Every December, for the following program year.
Does the referee need any experience?
None at all! Junior Track is specially designed for young first-timers, and TRA trains participants with a model that develops confidence, game awareness, and community.
How do I get the uniform?
For new referees, the uniform is included in the enrollment fee. During registration, referees will select their size (jersey and shorts will be provided in the same size) and provide a shipping address for delivery.
The gear bag will be distributed at the program kickoff event.
What is the time commitment?
Training happens in scheduled sessions. We offer several options with different dates and locations, and the referee pick the one that best work for their schedule. Games are assigned around the referee's availability, and it flexes with your family's schedule.
My kid is in the Junior Program and turning 13. What's next?
Junior Track graduates often move straight into a Fast Track Youth Cohort, alongside the USSF certification where the supported mentorship continues.
FOR CLUBS
How do we become a TRA Partner Club?
Partnering with TRA gives your club access to trained, developed referees, ongoing mentorship for the officials at your games, and a shared commitment to a professional, respectful game-day environment.
To start a conversation, you can:
- Submit the Partner with Us form so a member of our team can contact you
- Email us us at [email protected] or call +1-612-405-6737. We'll set up a call to walk through what partnership looks like for your unique club community.
What does intentional assigning mean for Clubs?
You get the right referees on the right games. TRA's development framework matches referees to games based on age, ability, and preference — so a U10 match gets a developing referee who's ready for that level, and a U16 competitive match gets an experienced official.
For your club, that means:
Consistent referee quality across your games
Newer referees paired with experienced centers, so training happens in the moment
Fewer no-shows and dropouts, because refs are placed in games where they can succeed
A pipeline of referees who stay in the game longer
We treat referee assignment as a development decision, not just a scheduling one.
Why should our club partner with TRA?
Partnering with TRA gives your club three things most referee groups don't offer:
Trained referees, always growing. Every official is placed on games where they can succeed, with ongoing mentorship at every level.
Consistent quality across your games. U10 recreational, U14 competitive, U16 premier — each match gets a referee calibrated to it by our development framework.
A long-term partner. We build a pipeline of officials who stay in the game because they feel supported, so your club sees the same faces season after season.
For your coaches, parents, and players, that translates into fewer game-day surprises, better officiating, and a culture of respect on both sidelines.
WHAT IS THE TRA APPROVED BADGE?
A Symbol of Commitment
When clubs meet TRA’s standards for mentorship, training, accountability, and culture, they earn the TRA Approved Badge, a mark of leadership in referee development and game-day excellence that builds trust with referees who value professionalism and integrity.
Trainers & Mentors
Every club has access to TRA trainers & locally trained on-field mentors who help referees develop with confidence.
Accountability
Coaches, parents, and staff are held to clear behavior standards to maintain respect and safety.
Fair Pay & Assignments
Transparent, equitable game assignments and fair compensation at every level.
Development Plans
Structured growth opportunities for referees and mentors throughout the season.
Recruitment & Retention
Clubs invest in keeping referees supported and connected, building a lasting community where officials choose to stay & grow.
Choosing a TRA Approved Club means stepping into a space that values professionalism, growth, and respect, the way the game should be.
Still have questions?
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