Question Number: 16436

Law 5 - The Referee 8/26/2007

RE: Adult

Fredy Rincan of Silver Spring, md USA asks...

Hi, I am a fan who loves the game. I have recognized a need in my community of the lack of soccer refeerees. My question is how can I start a school for soccer referees and what are the initial steps to follow. Waht to do as far as certifications, associations and the like. A friend of my used to be a FIFA certified referee and he used to referee games it the international level. He is now retired.
I hope you can enligh me with information.

Fredy Rincan

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Well the USSF has pretty high standards on this. You need to check with your state referee administrator to find out how it is none in MD. Usually referees need to attend a class taught by USSF approved instructors. These classes must be approved through your state organization. You need to check to see what you can do to host a course.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Freddy all referees within USSF are certified knowledgeable of the Laws of the Game published each year by FIFA. Your friend will know exactly how to locate a current USSF referee instructor to conduct the class you seek. Failing that one needs only to locate a youth soccer match and ask that referee how be was certified because youth soccer clubs have the same shortage you have noticed and conduct classes annually. Good Luck.

Regards,