Question Number: 31748

League Specific 8/31/2017

RE: Under 15

Justin of Hubbard, OR United States asks...

I was wondering if you have to get a different type of badge for every type of soccer you ref... plz respond

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Justin,
The soccer organization or association you work for will demand a certain level of training! The USSF, AYSO, NFHS, NCAA, FIFA all have criterion required, so certain badges usually show at what level on the scale of experience you have or indicate you are a member of an affiliated referee group. In community sport a guy in black shirt with a whistle may be all that is required the more competitive or safety conscious organization wanting criminal checks etc.. have stricter guidelines. Good soccer associations usually provide training mentoring and assessments to up and coming referees. Find one that puts its money and mouth with the heart and interest of making the experience a worthwhile one!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Justin
The answer depends on the association, body and may only be ceremonial at the lower levels. At the highest levels FIFA provides badges to referees that officiate FIFA games and those referees can wear both badges in local games.
At lower levels the governing association provides the certification and badge in your case USSF. That badge covers all USSF sanctioned leagues.
Some Leagues may provide a League badge which is purely ceremonial and used to promote the League. Those badges are not certification badges.
For NFHS referees they must complete a full training program if not a USSF certified referee or only attend part of the course if they are. Completion of the course and payment of fee will result in certification to officiate and a badge is provided. The same would apply to NCAA, AYSO who have their own certification and badges as well.