Steps To Become a Referee
With an emphasis on safety and education the process to become a USSF-certified referee through the MSRC has several steps. In the process you will create accounts on our website and on the US Soccer Learning Center website, learn about safety with children, do some guided instruction before a class, take a class, and take a post-course test. For those over 18 years old, you have a couple other requirements. This page outlines the steps.
1. Create an Account — MSRC/Massref 
Creating an account with the MSRC allows you to fully utilize the features of our site, sign up for courses online, and speeds up the registration process during annual recertification clinics. Required fields are indicated with *.
After you sign up, you will be sent an email with your password information. You will need to upload a clear headshot photograph to be included in your MSRC referee profile.
Note: You are creating a referee account! Please enter only the name and information for the person who will be refereeing — not the parent!
2. Enroll in a Course
For new referee candidates you will want to look for a New Referee – Orientation. These courses are offered throughout the year, but are concentrated more in “off season” months (i.e. summer and winter). Referee candidates must be at last 14 years old at the time of the course.
3. Create an Account — US Soccer Learning Center 
US Soccer has developed a platform to present online content for referees. You will create an account at the US Soccer Learning Center. You will have multiple steps to complete within the US Soccer Learning Center in order to be certified.
Note: Do not add an an account in the US Soccer Learning if you already have one (as a coach or former referee). Having multiple accounts will make it a challenge for MSRC to share data seamlessly.
4. US Soccer Supplemental Courses
Once you are in the enrollment/attendance phase of taking a course, you can get started on the Supplemental Courses that are available in the US Soccer’s Learning Center. The required Courses depend on your age:
- The course called Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments or, more simply, Intro to Safety is required for ALL (Free)
- The SafeSport certification is required for those 18 years old or old (Free)
- A National Background Check is required for those 18 years old or old ($24 covering 2 years)
Each of these requirements must be completed prior to your being certified as a referee. You should get started with these requirements even before attending the referee course. This will minimize any delay in processing your certification at the conclusion of the course.
Don’t worry, we will guide you!
One can get to the US Soccer safety-related Supplemental Courses directly by clicking on this button.
5. Complete Pre-Course, Online Study Modules
A Massachusetts-specific link to the US Soccer Learning Center exists for Online Study Modules. In order to access the study modules, first, log into the US Soccer Learning Center and then click on the provided link. All students will be expected to have completed this pre-course work 72 hours prior to the course date. The time expected to complete the modules is 4-6 hours. The link is shown in the Notes section of your course listing under MyCourses in your MSRC Profile, as shown (click to enlarge).
6. Attend a Course
Attend the course that you have selected and learn all you can! For in-person courses, plan to arrive early and bring something to write with, something to write on, a snack, water, and your Registration Letter. For online courses, prepare to be in a safe location with limited distractions during the meeting; you will need a suitable web camera and microphone to be used continuously during the session.
7. Attend a Field Session
Referee practical training will take place at an in-person, field session in locations around the state. Each referee must attend a field session to complete certification.
8. Complete the Post-Course Test
Once you enrolled in and paid for a course, you can log in to your MSRC Account and go to your MyStatus tab to see Pass Certification Test. Click on Online Test to get to the test. One may take the test multiple times to achieve the passing score.
9. Get Your Badge!
Once you have completed the “paperwork” (modules, test, Supplemental Courses), you will be a certified referee and a referee badge will be sent to you! Your name will appear on the lists used by referee assignors. You do not need to wait to communicate with an assignor directly and tell the assignor of your interest in getting started!
