Unfinished New Referee Certification from 2026 – Certify for 2027
READ ALL OF THE DIRECTIONS BELOW
This certification path is for NEW referees who started the certification process between 1 July 2025 and 29 June 2026 and did not finish. You have been transferred to the 2027 Referee Online PreClinic, so you can complete the online lessons, attend the field training session, and be certified for 2027.
Regardless of whether you completed all the online sessions, you will have some online lessons to complete as there have been some changes to the Laws of the Game, and the safety training and referee test are required annually.
FIRST STEP: The first step of your referee instruction is completing the online lessons.
On your OMS Member Information Page, to the right of your reserved clinic, click on the “Online Lessons” button.
ONLINE LESSONS: There are nine online lessons:
- Welcome Screen. (10 minutes)
- 2026-27 Laws of the Game (10 minutes)
- U.S. Soccer Safety Requirements (45 minutes)
- SafeSport Verification (1 minute)
- U.S. Soccer Entry Referee Training (4 hr 30 minutes)
- Referee Signals (9 minutes)
- Assistant Referee Signals (11 minutes)
- Background Check Verification (1 minute)
- Ceremonial Restarts (1 minute)
FINAL STEP: The final step of your referee instruction is completing the field training session.
Once you complete the 12 online lessons, your grey Online Lessons button will turn green. This may take up to 24 hours after you complete the last lesson. When it does, click on the “Pick a Clinic” button and pick a Field Training Clinic.
FIELD TRAINING SESSION
You need to bring your own whistle, referee flag, and flipping coin to the field session.
Dress for the weather and for mild activity on the field. You will be outside on the field for 4 hours. During many field training clinics you practice refereeing on a scrimmage, dress to run, and referee uniform would be helpful.
You should receive your referee badge at the end of the field training session.
TO START: Go to our Officials Management System (OMS)
Online Training
Order Gear
Field Training
Get Games
If you do not have OMS open, click here and login using your account from step 1.
– Press “Online Lessons” button
– Press the “Start” button next to the lesson “Intro to the Learning Center – DCV”
- Welcome Screen. (10 minutes)
- 2026-27 Laws of the Game (10 minutes)
- U.S. Soccer Safety Requirements (45 minutes)
- SafeSport Verification (1 minute)
- U.S. Soccer Entry Referee Training (4 hr 30 minutes)
- Referee Signals (9 minutes)
- Assistant Referee Signals (11 minutes)
- Background Check Verification (1 minute)
- Ceremonial Restarts (1 minute)
– NOTE: Lesson 11 (SafeSport Training is required for people 18 and older)
– You can take a break between lessons, be sure to CLOSE and LOG OUT
– You have completed the online lessons when the button turns pale green. Once you have completed all lessons, you will see the option to “Pick A Clinic.” Choose this option and see the instructions on the next tab.
NOTE: Lesson 2 will show pending until the DC-Virginia Online Referee Course is complete.
Our State Referee Committee has an agreement with Official Sports International (OSI) for our referees to purchase their referee kits at a discount. OSI provides proper uniforms and equipment and is a sponsor of US Soccer. OSI uniforms are what you see on professional referees at US Soccer events.
If you have not purchased your referee uniform and equipment, you may procure them from OSI.
On your OMS Member Information, under the Registration drop down menu, select “Order Referee Starter Kit”.
OSI has set up a store for apparel with our Metro DC-Virginia logo. Click HERE.
You can view all available OSI referee uniforms and equipment, and OSI apparel and gear also.
You can purchase your gear at OSI or any other store/website as long as it meets the USSF guidelines.
What you need:
– Referee Socks (2 stripes)
– Referee Shorts
– Referee Shirt (at least yellow, you can also purchase a pack of all colors. If you only want 1 additional shirt, we recommend green)
– Whistle
– Flags
– Cards
– Watch
– Scorecards
– Shoes: Referee shoes should be black athletic shoes. Predominantly black is usually acceptable. Manufacturer logo of a different color is acceptable. The referee shoes should not be distracting, or draw attention.
After completing the online training, new referees are required to complete an in-person training session. Register for that training by logging in to OMS.
Congratulations – You have successfully completed the Required Online Lessons.
Please select an In-Person clinic to attend from the list below to continue your Training.
Find a course in your area and click “Register” to sign up.
**Note: If you do not see any clinics that work for you, check back frequently as new clinics are added weekly.
You will receive details in your email.
Congratulations, you are ready to start refereeing!
Click Here to learn how to get assigned to games.
Why Become a Referee?
Beyond the love of the game, becoming a soccer referee offers significant personal and professional benefits. You'll stay active and fit, develop invaluable leadership skills, and earn money for your hard work. Most importantly, you'll play a vital role in the youth soccer community by ensuring fair play and a positive experience for all.