| Hiring a soccer referee, especially a certified official, | | | | interested in working at tournaments. Contact the |
| will help your child's game go smoothly. Depending on | | | | appropriate association for additional information. |
| the sponsoring soccer organization, most require | | | | Grades |
| referees to be certified. Since the referee's decisions | | | | A soccer referee associated with FIFA is given a |
| determine the tone of the game, it is imperative to | | | | referee grade which indicates what level of |
| hire a referee who understands the rules of the | | | | competition the referee may oversee. |
| game and applies them in a fair manner. | | | | - Grade 1 referees officiate the World Cup and other |
| Qualifications | | | | international matches. |
| - Youth soccer referees must meet the criteria set | | | | - Grade 2 referees are assistants to Grade 1 |
| forth by the sponsoring organization. Most leagues | | | | referees. |
| follow regulations established by FIFA. Hire a referee | | | | - Grades 3 and 4 referees oversee professional |
| who: | | | | matches. A grade 3 referee may be considered for |
| - Completes beginning certification. This means the | | | | international competition. |
| official is a "grade eight" and can be an assistant | | | | - Grades 5 and 6 officiate amateur leagues in state |
| referee. | | | | competitions. A grade 5 official may be considered |
| - Knows hand signals. Referees use hand signals | | | | for national officiating duties. |
| throughout a match. | | | | - Grade 7 referees possess experience and may |
| - Is at least 13 years old. This is the minimum age | | | | officiate in competitions in the state the referee is |
| requirement for a referee. | | | | certified in. |
| Associations | | | | - Grade 8 referees have completed a referee training |
| Typically, assignments are distributed by the youth | | | | course and may officiate local matches. |
| league assignor. First-time or beginning soccer | | | | - Grade 9 referees include younger officials who have |
| referees officiate games involving younger players. It | | | | completed the training course. A grade 9 ref may |
| is the responsibility of the referee to notify the | | | | officiate a small sided match. |
| assignor of any possible conflicts, including conflicts of | | | | Youth games need a soccer referee with a grade 8 |
| interest. | | | | certification, unless a small sided match is played. |
| State associations maintain a list of referees | | | | |