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FAST TRACK PROGRAM

Grow faster, lead stronger, and belong to something bigger.
The Referee Advocates, Minnesota youth soccer referee management, training, development program

Choose your Path

The TRA Fast Track Program is a cohort-based opportunity for referees who want to grow faster, lead with confidence, and connect within a supportive community. You’ll gain mentorship, guided training, and real-game experience alongside your peers that help you grow with confidence, developing leadership and life skills that last long after the final whistle.

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No matter where you are in your referee journey, either just starting out or building toward higher levels, there’s a path designed to meet you where you are and help you reach the next stage.

The Referee Advocates, Minnesota youth soccer referee management, training, development program

Our Development framework

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Once you’re part of TRA, you’ll have access to development programs tailored to your age, goals, and experience. All referees receive mentorship and training through our referee development framework, and those ready to accelerate their growth can join our Fast Track Program, a cohort-based experience that offers personalized guidance, advanced learning, and tailored development.

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 Junior Track 

Junior Referee Program

Ages 11-12  (No Experience - Required)

The Junior Track is our entry-level program for new referees who are just starting their officiating journey. It’s designed to help young participants ages 11-12 build confidence and prepare for USSF certification once they turn 13.

Junior Referees become part of a supported development pool led by TRA’s Referee Development Team. The focus is on foundational skills, including positioning, communication, leadership, and decision-making while working local recreational games ages K-8th grade. Participants gain real-time experience through small-sided games and local mentoring, ensuring a positive and encouraging start to their referee career.

TRA Junior Game Day Kit

  • Referee coin

  • Basic referee watch

  • Gear bag

  • Whistle

  • Junior Referee Guidebook

  • TRA Junior Referee uniform (jersey, shorts, socks)

  • Water bottle

Each Junior Referee receives a TRA Junior Game Day Kit, which includes everything needed to arrive prepared and confident.

The Referee Advocates, Minnesota youth soccer referee management, training, development program

The Commitment

1

Register

Register and pay the annual fee. Returning Junior Referees pay a reduced returning enrollment fee.

2

Train

Participate in one 2-hour in-person training session (March–April) and one 1.5-hour practice session (March–April).

3

Officiate

Work at least 5 recreational games during the season.

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 Youth Track 

YOUTH TRACK COHORT

Ages 13-17

The Youth Track supports referees who are ready to continue learning and growing through work in competitive league and tournament games, while developing within a structured peer community. Each cohort includes 8–12 referees, guided by a trained Cohort Lead (Referee Advocate) who provides mentorship, support, and feedback throughout the season.

Participants receive ongoing feedback, take part in in-person post-game debriefs, and are encouraged to reflect on their performance to strengthen confidence and self-awareness. The Youth Track emphasizes teamwork, responsibility, and progression, helping referees earn more advanced assignments while staying connected to a supportive group of peers and mentors.

Each cohort member receives a TRA Youth Game Day Kit, which includes:​

TRA Youth Game Day Kit

  • Referee coin

  • Whistle

  • Basic watch

  • Gear bag

  • Official TRA referee kit (Jersey, shorts, socks, cards, booklet, and flags)

  • Water bottle

The Referee Advocates, Minnesota youth soccer referee management, training, development program

Registration & Commitment

1

Join TRA

To register for Fast Track Programs, make sure you’ve completed the TRA 2026 Referee Application first.

2

Register fro Youth Track

Register below & pay the fee to save your spot & get access to a mentored cohort with ongoing support.

3

Participate

Participate regularly in cohort activities.

4

Mantain

Maintain your annual USSF license ($60 plus online videos).

5

Officiate

Work at least 10 games within our network during the season

FAQ's

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 Adult Track 

ADULT TRACK COHORT

Ages +25

Our Adult Track is tailored for adult referees who are new or returning to the game after a long hiatus and are seeking to grow their skills and confidence on the field alongside like-minded folks.
 
Participants receive personalized development plans, on-field mentoring opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with peers across various levels of experience. Adult referees often play an important role in mentoring younger officials, sharing insights from their own experiences, and building leadership within the officiating community. This program provides a structured way to develop, connect, and re-engage with the sport in a meaningful way.

TRA Adult Field Pack

  • Referee coin

  • Professional referee watch

  • Gear bag

  • Whistle

  • TRA referee jersey, with the option to choose their color: yellow, pink, blue, or green.

  • Water bottle

Each Adult Cohort member receives a TRA Adult Field Pack tocomplement their game day referee uniform, which includes:

The Referee Advocates, Minnesota youth soccer referee management, training, development program

Application & Commitment

3

Participate

Participate regularly in cohort activities.

4

Mantain

Maintain your annual USSF license ($60 plus online videos).

5

Officiate

Work at least 10 games within our network during the season

1

Join TRA

To register for Fast Track Programs, make sure you’ve completed the TRA 2026 Referee Application first.

2

Register for Adult Track

Register below to get access to a mentored cohort with ongoing support. Wait for out team to reach out!

FAQ's

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 Elite Track 

ELITE TRACK COHORT

Invite Only

The Elite Track is designed for referees who have demonstrated exceptional ability, professionalism, and leadership potential. This invitation-only program offers advanced on-field coaching, specialized positioning work, and access to career pathways that lead toward college-level or professional officiating.

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Elite referees also serve as leaders and mentors within the TRA community, setting a high standard for excellence and sportsmanship. Through ongoing evaluation and support, they continue refining their craft while inspiring others to pursue their own development goals.

The Referee Advocates, Minnesota youth soccer referee management, training, development program

Application & Commitment

1

Join TRA

To register for Fast Track Programs, make sure you’ve completed the TRA 2026 Referee Application first.

2

Register for Elite Track

Register below & pay the fee to save your spot & get access to a mentored cohort with ongoing support.

3

Participate

Participate regularly in cohort activities.

4

Mantain

Maintain your annual USSF license ($60 plus online videos).

5

Officiate

Work at least 10 games within our network during the season

The Referee Advocates, Minnesota youth soccer referee management, training, development program
Not Sure Which Program Fits You Best?

We know everyone’s journey is different, and choosing the right path can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Connect with our team, and we’ll guide you toward the program that matches your goals.

THE tra FAST TRACK PROGRAM TEAM

Behind the Fast Track Program is a team of respected leaders in the referee community who are nationally certified referee coaches, educators, and mentors whose collective experience spans every level of the game. Their insight and professionalism shape the curriculum, ensuring it reflects both the standards of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the realities referees face on the field today.

What makes this team truly unique is its collaboration with a grassroots advisory group where active referees who provide ongoing feedback on what officials need most right now. This partnership ensures that every element of Fast Track stays practical, relevant, and empowering for referees at every stage of their journey.

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TRA Chief Visionary Officer

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Curriculum Lead

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Curriculum Lead

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The Referee Advocates, Minnesota youth soccer referee management, training, development program

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