2025 Courses are Now Open for Registration!
Digital Referee License
The recently introduced Digital Referee License is a 'fast-track' closed loop certification. In Colorado, it is specifically for those with extensive experience (coaches, former players, former referees) who want to help the game without attending the full referee certification course. In Colorado, those completing the DRL program can work games in youth and adult grassroots matches. Those with a DRL license are not eligible for the premium pay program nor should they work elite youth/adult level matches (UPSL, MPL, USL, MLSN) Those individuals who have held the DRL for at least one year are eligible to attend a 'Bridge Course' (available in August 2024) to move to the traditional Referee pathway.
Referee
Traditionally, a referee’s journey begins at the Grassroots level. Those completing the First Time Referee Course are qualified to officiate competitive, small-sided or recreational youth matches and amateur adult matches. Referees at this level are eligible for the tiered Colorado premium pay program, advancement to Regional Referee and beyond. Experienced referees at this level may work higher level elite youth/adult matches.
The U.S. Soccer Referee License has both an online and in-person component. Referees will register for courses and be certified through State Referee Committees.
REFEREE RECERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Regional Referee
U.S. Soccer Regional Referees are qualified to officiate competitive state competitions, regional events and professional leagues including WPSL, NPSL, USL2, USLW and USL Academy.
Regional Referees will register for courses and be certified through State Referee Committees. In Colorado, the online coursework is done through the US Soccer Learning Center. Assessment requests and Fitness tests requests are registered for through Colorado OMS
Regional Referee Recertification Requirements
National Referee and National Assistant Referee
U.S. Soccer National Referees and Assistant Referees are qualified to officiate national and professional matches in any league except MLS. This includes the USL Championship and NWSL.
National Referees and Assistant Referees are selected and certified directly by U.S. Soccer.
National Referee / Assistant Referee Application Guidelines (July 2023)
NATIONAL REFEREE REQUIREMENTS 4: /s/2021-National-Referee-Certification-Requirements.pdf
NATIONAL ASSISTANT REFEREE REQUIREMENTS6: /s/2021-National-Assistant-Referee-Certification-Requirements.pdf
Professional Referee - P.R.O
P.R.O. Referees and Assistant Referees are qualified to officiate matches in any domestic competition, including MLS, as well as certain international matches.
P.R.O. is an independent company, supported by U.S. Soccer, that administers professional referee programs in North America. Candidates are selected by P.R.O. based on performance at the National Referee and Assistant Referee level.
[P.R.O. website][6] [6]: http://proreferees.com
FIFA Referee
FIFA Referees and Assistant Referees are qualified to officiate international matches at the highest level, including FIFA World Cup competitions.
This elite group of referees and assistant referees is recommended by the National Referee Committee, nominated by U.S. Soccer’s Board of Directors and approved by FIFA.
Futsal Referees
Futsal Referee
Futsal Referees work primarily youth competitive futsal games.
GRADE 8 FUTSAL REFEREE REQUIREMENTS
Regional Futsal Referee
Regional Futsal Referees work the most competitive futsal games within the state and region. Colorado requires that upgrade to Grade 6 Futsal Referee requires at least two consecutive years as a Grade 8 Futsal referee and participate in at least one Regional or National Futsal event.