HOW TO CERTIFY AS A FIRST TIME U.S. SOCCER GRASSROOTS REFEREE
(Updated 2021-08-30)

This information and link below applies ONLY for First Time Grassroots Referees.

Please follow this link for the most up to date information on how to become a referee:
https://www.cnra.net/new-referee/

0) Pre-requisite:  13 years old

1) Sign up in the U.S. Soccer Learning Center (FREE!)
https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee

2) If you are 18 years of age or older, complete the background screening at the U.S. Soccer Learning Center. (approximately $50)
NOTE:  This process can take up to two-weeks and must be completed BEFORE you can take the online course.  The background screening is valid for two years.

3) Complete the Cal-North Online Course (FREE!)
https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/6/details/3102
NOTE:  The self-paced online course can take two or three days to complete.  Courses are available in English and Spanish.

4) Attend a First Time Referee field session ($75)
NOTE:  List of courses can be found at https://www.cnra.net/new-referee/
You must complete the Online Course BEFORE you attend a field session.  You will be turned away if it is not completed.
I recommend that you first identify a field session that suits your availability then budget your time backward to make sure you have completed the background screening and online coursework in time.

5) MOST IMPORTANT STEP:  NOTIFY YOUR ASSIGNOR THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE FIELD SESSION
Assignors do NOT automatically get contact information from new referees, and due to privacy concerns, we do NOT have access to that information online.
After you have completed the field session, please an email to our Referee Assignor (ref.assignor@beniciasoccer.org) with the following information so we can create an account for you on our assigning platform, set you up for news and notifications, and get you on the field as soon as possible:

Referee Name
Referee Email Address
Parent Email Address (if applicable)
Referee Phone Number
Parent Phone Number (if applicable)

6) Purchase a referee starter kit from Official Sports or Soccer Pro.  Recommended jersey colors:  green, red, yellow.

For all registration questions, please contact:  PRESIDENT@beniciasoccer.org

Ben Buck
President
Benicia Arsenal FC