Soccer referee training

Come get certified to referee soccer games! Learn more about the game you love, help younger players learn to play, and earn extra money.

WHO: You must be 14 years old by the April 2, 2022 to be eligible for this training session.

WHEN: Field session on April 2, 2022, 1:00-5:00, online training must be completed at least five days before the field session

WHERE: Rutgers side field (behind CADES)

WHAT NEXT?: Once you are trained as a US Soccer ref, we would love to have you get your feet wet with Spring Soccer! Reach out to Amy at amy@SwarthmoreRecreation.org to get signed up in our intramural league with low-pressure learning games of 4v4.

You may register for travel games with Central League by reaching out to Tim Snyder at timsnydersoccerassigning@comcast.net.

Referees are paid according to a schedule published by EPYSA HERE.

To become a U.S. Soccer Referee, Candidates must:

1. Create an EPSARC account in Officials Management System (OMS)
2. Register for the Online Lessons clinic: the clinic takes about 4.5 hours and must be completed at least five days before the on-site training class)
  • From your OMS Home Page > Registration > select “Register for a clinic or fitness test” Go through the prompts
  • Register and pay for the Online Lessons clinic
  • From your home page, click on the Online Lessons link
  • Begin the lessons. #1 will take you to the US Soccer Learning Center where you will create an account and complete the 4.5 hour lesson.
  • Any problems with the Learning Center (not updating or not saving your progress) email Joanne at epsarcoffice@gmail.com
  • Complete all 5 lessons in your OMS account.

SafeSport Training

  • Every referee 18 and older is required to complete the SafeSport Training. 
  • There are 3 individual modules, each taking about 30 minutes.
  • Once all 3 are done, you will receive a “SafeSport Trained” certificate
  • Your OMS account will automatically be updated.
3. Select a Field Session: the field session costs $100
  • All lessons must be completed before you can chose a field session.
  • Log into your account and click on Pick a Clinic
  • Field Sessions are hosted by local clubs, and posted to the website once approved. Continue to check often.
4. Attend the Field Session
  • Arrive properly equipped as a Referee
  • Uniform – shirt (primary color is yellow), shorts, socks, sneakers are fine
  • Whistle, referee wallet, yellow card, red card, flags
  • Official Sports Referee Starter Kit or any retailer (these generally cost $40-60)
  • Most sessions are outside so dress appropriately for the weather
  • Bring a snack, water, sunscreen, folding chair

Background Clearances – Required for ALL referees

  • Pennsylvania Background Clearances (NOTE: clearances may take up to 30 days to complete although many are coming back within days – allow sufficient time.)
  • Upload clearance documents into your OMS EPSARC account for review

o Be sure the documents are saved on your computer as a pdf or jpeg file 

o Log into your OMS account at www.epsarc.org

o Click on Administration>Provide SafeSport/Background documentation 

o Upload each document individually.

o They will be reviewed and your account will be updated.