Wisconsin Youth Soccer Associate and the Wisconsin Soccer Referee Development Program will be hosting an in-person training event for ages 13+ that want to become a licensed USSF soccer referee for the 2023 calendar year.
Soccer referees and official play an important part in youth soccer throughout the state. To become a soccer referee, there are currently two pathways for players and adults.
Twice a year, Lakeshore United FC hosts our in-house referee training program for ages 13 and up. Upon completion of this 3-hour training, players and adults are eligible to officiate community soccer games in any of the participating LUFC communities. Referees are paid based on the grade level they officiate, and is a great entry point for those interested in becoming an soccer official or wanting to give back to the game. There is no fee for this training, and referees are encouraged to retake the training course annually, especially newer referees, so they can continue to learn and mature as an official.
For more information about the LUFC Community Soccer Referee program, please visit the link below:
https://lakeshoreunited.org/referees/
The second pathway to becoming a soccer referee is to obtain certification through US Soccer. This pathway is also eligible for those ages 13 and up, but it is more intensive than the LUFC in-house training we provide. The USSF certification is a 12-hour course, which includes 8 hours of online learning on your own plus an additional 4-hour on field course with instructors. Once complete, referees will be eligible to officiate WYSA-sanctioned Academy & Select games throughout the state. In addition, USSF certified referees are also eligible to officiate LUFC Community Soccer.
If you are interested in pursuing this pathway, the Wisconsin Soccer Referee Development Program is hosting the 4-hour on-field training here in Sheboygan on April 8, 2023 from 1PM-5PM at KCU Fit. But only those that have completed the 8-hours of pre-work will be eligible to participate.
For more information, please visit the link below.
https://www.wisref.org/grassroots-new-referee-course-instructions/
If you have any questions about the LUFC Community Soccer Referee Program, please contact Mike Thill at: mthill@acuity.com
If you have questions about the USYS Referee Certification, please contact Michael Bieber at: cityboys3@yahoo.com
