Q: I am a US Soccer coach and have already applied for a background check, OR I already have a work, military, WIAA or other background check – will these be accepted for the referee registration?
A: The US Soccer Referee Department only recognizes and accepts the US Soccer NCIS background check, which is good for two years from the date of completion.
Q: When are the advanced recertification courses being held.
A: The advanced recertification courses and the physical fitness test dates will be announced elsewhere on this site, and are emailed to Regional and R7 referees.
Q: Why can’t I sign up for the in-person/on field session prior to finishing my online course work? A: It is important to finish all of the online content to ensure that the in person/on field session will be of value to all of the participants. We have found that candidates delay finishing the online course work for many reasons, including practices, games, schoolwork, etc. Q: I am a very experienced soccer player or soccer coach, why can’t I take an abbreviated course, or test out of some of the content? A: All NEW referees, irrespective of soccer playing or coaching experience, as well as those referees that have a 3 year referee registration lapse are required to attend a NEW Referee course without exception. This is a US Soccer requirement. Even National referees from other countries need to attend a US Soccer NEW referee course to be licensed. Q: Why doesn’t WisRef offer more NEW referee courses? A: WisRef offers the 6th highest number of NEW referee courses in the US. The states which have higher NEW referee course offerings are larger states, and those which have professional teams. Q: Why do I have to take SafeSport, this seems more like it should be for coaches? A: This is a US Soccer requirement for all referees 18 and older, following a 2017 federal law with respect to the safety of minors. Q: Why do I have to wait for my background check to be cleared before I can attend an in person/on field session? A. This is a US Soccer requirement and falls under the SafeSport requirements to protect minors. Q: Can I get a refund if I do not continue or complete the requirements as a NEW or recertifying referee, or am unable to attend any of the in person/on field sessions? A: No, we do not offer refunds.Q: I am a US Soccer coach and have already applied for a background check, OR I already have a work, military, WIAA or other background check – will these be accepted for the referee registration?
A: The US Soccer Referee Department only recognizes and accepts the US Soccer NCIS background check, which is good for two years from the date of completion.Clubs Wishing to Host a NEW Referee Course Questions and Answers Q: What is the minimum of NEW referee course candidates for an in person/on field session? A: The minimum number of NEW referee candidates for an in person/on field session is 15. A club or district may wish to sponsor an in person/on field session with financial support, as laid out in the Course Hosting Requirements elsewhere on this website. Q: What are the requirements for hosting an in person/on field session? A: Elsewhere on this website we list the Course Hosting Requirements, for clubs or districts who are interested in hosting a NEW referee in person/on field portion course. The requirements include but are not limited to a venue which can accommodate 40 students, Wi-Fi, projector screen or large TVs. Venue availability would be from 7:00 AM until 12:30 PM or from 12:00 PM until 5:30 PM, on either a Saturday or Sunday