NEW REFEREE TRAINING SEASON 25-26

Become a Youth Soccer Referee at Mt Diablo Mustang Soccer!

Love soccer? Want to be more involved in the game, stay fit, and develop incredible life skills? Then becoming a youth soccer referee with Mt. Diablo Mustang Soccer is for you! We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals, aged 13 and older, to join our team of dedicated officials.

Why Referee Youth Soccer?

Soccer refereeing offers a unique blend of benefits that go far beyond the sidelines:

• Stay Fit & Active: Forget the gym! Refereeing keeps you on your feet, running with the play, and staying in fantastic shape. It’s a fun way to get your exercise in the fresh air.
• Develop Leadership & Confidence: As a referee, you’re in charge! You’ll learn to make quick decisions, manage situations, and communicate effectively with players, coaches, and parents. These are invaluable leadership and communication skills that will benefit you in school, future careers, and life in general.
• Learn Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution: Youth Soccer is emotional, and you’ll learn to handle challenging situations with composure and fairness. You’ll become adept at de-escalating tensions and applying the Laws of the Game to ensure a safe and fun environment for everyone.
• Deepen Your Understanding of the Game: If you’re a player or a fan, refereeing will give you an entirely new perspective on soccer. You’ll gain a much deeper understanding of the Laws of the Game, tactics, and player behavior, which can even improve your own play!
• Build Friendships & Community: You’ll meet and work with a diverse group of fellow referees, players, and coaches. Many referees form lasting friendships and become part of a supportive community.
• Give Back to the Sport: You’ll play a crucial role in ensuring that youth soccer games are fair, safe, and enjoyable for all participants. You’ll be a role model for younger players and help foster a positive sporting environment.

Who Can Become a USSF Referee?

The good news is, becoming a USSF (United States Soccer Federation) certified referee is easily accessible.

The minimum age to become a referee is 13 years old. If you’re 13 or older and passionate about soccer, you’re eligible!

Ready to Get Started? Here’s How to Register for Your USSF Referee Training Account:

Becoming a certified referee involves a few key steps through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center. It’s an online and in-person process designed to equip you with all the knowledge and skills you need.

Step-by-Step Registration Guide:

1. Create Your Account in the U.S. Soccer Learning Center:

   • Go to: https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee
   • In the upper right corner of the page, click on “SIGN UP”
   • Enter your personal information.
     • Important for under 18s: Your primary email should be YOUR email address. A parent’s email address must be entered in the second email field. Both emails will need to be verified.
     • Make sure your name matches the name you’ll use for all official registrations.
   • Check the two boxes at the end agreeing to the terms and conditions, then click “SIGN UP.”
   • Review the confirmation window and click “PROCEED” if everything is correct.
   • If you’ve never been registered as a referee before, select “I have never held a license.”
   • Check your email (and maybe spam folder) for a verification email from U.S. Soccer.
     • Click the link to verify your email address. If you’re a minor, both your and your parent’s email addresses need to be verified.
   • Once your email(s) are verified, you should see a page indicating your account has been successfully created.

2. Enroll in a First-Time Grassroots Referee Course:

   • Once logged into the U.S. Soccer Learning Center, look for “COURSES” in the top menu and select “AVAILABLE COURSES.”
   • Near the top, click on “SUPPLEMENTAL COURSES” (it might be grey but it’s clickable).
   • Look for the “Grassroots – First-Time Referees” course.
     • Direct link to Martinez course on 7/25/2025 CLICK HERE
   • Register for a course that includes a field session in your area, Mt Diablo Mustang course on 7/27/2025 will be available from early July. The field session is a mandatory component.
   • Complete all online modules and assignments before attending your in-person field session. Failure to do so may result in your transfer to a later course.

3. Complete Safety & Compliance Training (as required):

   • “Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments”: This module is required for all new referees.
   • SafeSport Training: If you are 18 years or older, you will also need to complete SafeSport training, which focuses on preventing abuse in sports. This is generally an annual requirement.
   • Background Check: If you are 18 years or older, you will also be required to complete a background check.

4. Attend Your In-Person Field Session:

   • This is where you’ll put your online learning into practice! You’ll participate in on-field drills, learn positioning, and get hands-on experience with game scenarios with one of Mustang’s experienced referee educators.
   • SAVE THE DATE – this session is planned for Saturday, July 25th, 2025 in Martinez. You can register on the USSF website https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/10000006/details/20007276
     

5. Receive Your Certification and Badge:

   • Once you’ve successfully completed all online modules, the field session, and any required safety compliance, you’ll be certified as a USSF Referee!
     • Your official referee badge will be mailed to you within a couple of weeks.

Once you’re certified, we’ll help you get assigned to games within our club and other local leagues.

We offer a supportive environment for new referees, with experienced officials who are happy to mentor and guide you as you gain experience.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be an integral part of the beautiful game and our community focused soccer club.

Step onto the field, make a difference, and discover the many rewards of being a Mustang youth soccer referee!

For questions, please contact our Mustang Managing Director of Referees at jyarkin@gmail.com