Question Number: 25965

League Specific 2/12/2012

RE: Select Under 19

Carlie of Columbus, Georgia USA asks...

I want to become a referee but there aren't any I can make it to due to work or they are too far for me to be able to attend...Is there any first year referee classes online?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

While some states have online testing for referees, I don't know of any that hold certification classes online. Only a small part of becoming a referee is learning the Laws. You must also learn the practicalities of reffing, and that requires interactions with an instructor. And then the real education comes, when you first step out onto the field and do your first games.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Carlie
Part of the referee course requires instruction and interaction with instructors. That can only be done in a class setting at present. Until soccer administration puts in place the technology to do it otherwise, attendance at the course is compulsory.
I think that if you really want to do it you will find a way.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Not yet. The USSF is working on adding an online component to referee training so that some of the training is done in the classroom, online, and on the field.

One path to becoming a referee is to volunteer at AYSO. It provides formal training (with a shorter initial class) and a great opportunity to gain experience. As you advance in AYSO, there are opportunitities to cross-register with USSF.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Carlie, here in Georgia, you are required to take a 2 day Grade 9 course. After a year you can upgrade to Grade 8.

Currently, no test of any kind are online here in Georgia. To maintain your referee certification you must attend a 5 hour in house course every year.

Hare's a list of courses left for 2012:

4179-E    2/17/12   MACON SOCCER CLUB    MACON , GA    19 of 30
4277-E    2/17/12   DECATUR-DEKALB YMCA    DECATUR, GA    25 of 25
4321-E    2/24/12   CBYSA -- CLASH    CARTERSVILLE, GA    18 of 25
4164-E    2/24/12   JEFFERSON RECREATION SL    JEFFERSON, GA    8 of 20

Here's only left for Bama:

Grade8, Grade 9, Bridge   9-10 March 2012   Fri 6:00-9:00
Sat 8:30-6:00   Merrimack Soccer Complex   Huntsville   Daphne Brown or
Pat Miller

dbrown1803.at.gmail.com
SYRA.at.alasoccerref.com