FAST TRACK · COHORT PROGRAM
adult Track
Registration is currently closed. Fall Fast Track Registration opens in July.
The Adult Track is part of TRA Fast Track Program.
Fast Track is TRA's cohort-based mentorship program for certified referees. You join a small group, learn together through online and in-person sessions, and work games with a TRA mentor on your sideline.
In this page, you will find details and registration for the Adult Track Cohort, built specifically for ages 18 and up.
WHO IT'S FOR
Referees ages 18 and up.
New to refereeing as an adult?
You just got USSF certified, maybe because your kid started playing, maybe because you've always wanted to. The Adult Track gives you a cohort of peers stepping in alongside you, a mentor at your first games, and a community that gets what it's like to start something new as an adult.
Returning to refereeing?
You used to ref. Life happened, work, family, time away, and now you're coming back. The Adult Track helps you ramp back up with current laws, modern mechanics, and the support that makes returning feel less like starting over.
Who qualifies
To join the Adult Track for any season, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Cutoff dates:
Spring cohort: Must be 18 on Feb 1
Fall cohort: Must be 18 on August 1
Be USSF certified (or actively enrolled in certification)
Under 18 on the cutoff date? Youth Track is for you → (ages 13–17).
Not certified yet? Start here →
THE COHORT
A quick look at what you're joining.
Team Size
8-12
referees per cohort, at similar stages.
Cohort Lead
1-2
an experienced referee assigned to guide you throughout the season.
Duration
1 season
spring or fall, your full commitment window.
Commitment
5 sessions
4 online + 1 in-person, spread across the season.
timeline & duration
Two cohorts a year, one in spring and one in fall.
Spring Cohort
Registration opens
Season runs
December (prior year)
March – July
Fall Cohort
Registration opens
Season runs
July
September – November
What's included
Each cohort is guided by a trained Cohort Lead (Referee Advocate) who provides mentorship, support, and feedback throughout the season.
In Person & Online Sessions
Online curriculum sessions teach the concepts, laws of the game, mechanics, fitness, decision-making. In-person practice sessions let your cohort apply them together.
Ongoing Feedback
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.
Team work
Each Track emphasizes teamwork, responsibility, and progression, helping referees earn more advanced assignments while staying connected to a supportive group of peers and mentors.
TRA Game Day Kit
With the enrollment fee, each cohort member receives a TRA Game Day Kit, which includes:
Referee coin
Whistle
Basic watch
Gear bag
Official TRA referee kit (Jersey, shorts, socks, cards, booklet, and flags)
REGISTRATION
Register for Fast Track Program
Complete the registration form. If there are no spots available, you will enter our referee waitlist.
Pay the Enrollment
Pay a one time enrollment fee that will cover a full season of mentoring and training and a game day kit so you have everything you need.
Meet your team!
Once accepted, we will start your organizing our Fast Track Teams by level, area and goals.
Get ready to start working games with TRA support!
Commitment
Maintain Certification
Maintain your annual USSF license ($60 plus online videos).
Participate
Participate regularly in cohort activities.
Officiate
Work at least 10 games within our network during the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: what is the date cutoff?
Cutoff dates:
Spring cohort: Must be 18 or older on Feb 1
Fall cohort: Must be 18 or older on August 1
q: I haven't refereed in 10+ years. Is the Adult Track right for me?
Yes. Returning referees are a big part of our Adult Track cohorts. We'll bring you back up to speed on current laws, mechanics, and pace of play.
q: I work a full-time job. Can I do this?
Yes. Sessions are scheduled with adult work schedules in mind — evenings and weekends. Games can be picked up based on your availability. Your cohort lead helps you plan a realistic season.
q: Do I have to commit to a certain number of games?
We ask that you work at least 10 games within the TRA network during the season. Most cohort members work more — it's how you grow.
q: Can I do Adult Track more than once?
Absolutely. Many adult referees return for a second or third cohort as they grow. Each season builds on the last.
q: What level of games will I be working?
You'll be assigned games appropriate to your experience. New refs typically start with younger age groups; returning refs work older and more competitive matches. TRA will help you figure out your level.
q: What happens if I miss a session?
We have a make-up policy your cohort lead walks through on day one. Real life happens; we expect you to communicate when it does.
q: 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.
We Currently Serve in the Following Areas
2150 3rd Street
Suite 16
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
OFFICE HOURS
Mon-Thu: 9AM to 4PM
Friday: 9AM to 3PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
© 2026 The Referee Advocates - All Rights Reserved.
Contact
FAQ
Privacy Policy