Current Referees +

Annual Recertification

US Soccer announces new classifications for referees: Grassroots, Regional, National and Professional

All U.S. Soccer Grassroots Referee (previously grades 7,8,9) require annual recertification, including: online modules, online testing and Safesport refresher.

Additionally, Regional Referees (previously grade 5 & 6) require an annual fitness test and on-field assessments.

National and Professional Referees recertify directly with U.S. Soccer.

To complete recertification:

Log into your EPSARC account
Register for a Recertification Clinic
- Grassroots (including Emeritus) Referees
  - Recertification clinic – Online lessons only
- Regional Referees
  - Advanced clinic – online lessons only
  - Fitness Test – as appropriate
- Assignors, Instructors, Assessors
Complete Pre-Clinic items:
- Online modules
- Online test
- Current background clearances
  - Must be completed every 5 years
- SafeSport training
  - Must be refreshed every year
In-Person Recertification Clinic – NOT REQUIRED

United Soccer Coaches, an Associate Member of U.S. Soccer, is continuing to recognize the contributions of soccer officials at all levels beginning with “The Referee Experience” at the 2023 United Soccer Coaches Convention which will be held on January 13-14 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. United Soccer Coaches (formerly the NSCAA) has long recognized the need to include soccer officials, without whom the organized game cannot be played, into its extended family with the understanding of the importance of sharing common ground information as well as the need to improve communication, cooperation, and camaraderie between Referees and Coaches, who have long suffered from an unfortunate disconnect.