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If you’re a soccer fan and want to help officiate games, becoming a soccer referee is one of the best ways to do it. The sport has grown in popularity over the past few decades, and there are plenty of opportunities for people looking to get involved. It’s also one of the most lucrative jobs in sports as referees can make tens of thousands of dollars per year with part-time work alone.
The Kansas soccer referee program is open to anyone willing to learn the game’s laws and pass a certification test. The state association provides courses for both new and experienced referees and training for those looking for advanced accreditation.
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Be At Least 14 Years Of Age
You must be at least 14 years of age. To referee soccer, you must meet a few additional requirements.
- You need to be in the good physical condition and able to pass a fitness test.
- You also need to understand and communicate in English, which will help you know what’s happening during the games.
Complete The Online Entry Level Referee Course
You can complete the online entry-level referee course at your own pace, any time of the year. It’s free and available on the KSYS website.
The course is self-paced, so you can take it any time of the year without waiting for another class or event. If you miss a class, no problem; just come back when you’re ready.
Sessions from the likes of Xavi and Graham Potter.
Visit The Coaches' Voice NowLearn How to Officiate Soccer at the NCAA Division I National Championship
The entry-level referee class is held in March at the NCAA Division I National Championship. It’s a one-day event with various educational topics and games to teach you how to be an official.
You’ll need to bring your soccer ball and water bottle, as well as a notebook or paper and pen for taking notes during the class. You can also get other equipment to make you feel more comfortable officiating a game (e.g., a whistle).
How to Be a Soccer Referee: The Official KSYS Guide
You must be registered with KSYS to be eligible to referee. You will need to re-register annually by March, and you must be a member of KSYS to become registered. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Referees whose local association has approved may officiate games in their state or country. Still, they cannot officiate for any other association outside their home state or country (including international competitions).
Mandatory and Optional Fees for Referees: What You Need to Know
As of August 2016, the registration fees for referees are as follows.
- $25 registration fee
- $12 insurance fee (if you don’t have medical coverage)
- $6 background check fee (if you don’t have a driver’s license)
In addition to these fees, there may be other registration fees related to classes you have taken or plan to take. These class fees are optional and only required if you want to upgrade your certification (see Resources).
Get Paid to Referee Soccer Games: Grade 8 Certification Requirements
To qualify for a grade 8 certification, you must referee four games. You can referee as many games as you like during the time frame of this program. You will be reimbursed for each match you referee, and no maximum number of games can be registered on your account.
You must pay the registration fees in advance, but they are waived if they are not used within six months of registration (this includes background checks).
You may also need to pay an insurance fee during your first year as an official; however, it is not required until after graduation from this coursework program and before taking any type of exam related to soccer refereeship standards at all levels (grade 8).
How to Become a Soccer Referee in Kansas: A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a soccer referee in Kansas is a straightforward process involving paperwork and studying. You can be 14 years old, and a straightforward process that you wait until age 16 before applying.
How to Become a Soccer Referee in Kansas: Online Courses and Certification
- Take an online course.
- Attend one of their classes at your local high school or college if they offer them (and if there aren’t any classes available where you live). They usually cost around $100 per session, so check out what fees apply before signing up!
- Register with the KSYS (Kansas Soccer Officials Association), and pay $50 for membership dues plus another $25 for each person officiating during games. It means that it’ll cost approximately $110 total from the start until the finish; this amount varies based on how many games they run annually. It could range between 5 and 50 depending on their popularity.
Becoming a Soccer Referee in Kansas: The Best Options for You
- Take an online course through the Kansas Referee Association, which will cost you $35. This course is only a few hours long and covers the basics of soccer refereeing.
- Pass a test administered by the Kansas Soccer Referee Program to become certified at grade 8 level. by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) or US Youth Soccer.
- Get certified through a state association in Kansas. Take an online course through USSF and get your certification from the Kansas State Referee Association (KSRA).
- The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) will cost $150. It’s the most convenient option; you can do it from home.
- The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
- Travel to Kansas City and take the official exam at the NFHS Soccer Referee Clinic
Attend a local soccer referee course that is approved by the United States Soccer Federation Kansas Soccer Referee Education Program;
- Sign up for a soccer referee class at your local high school; or
- Contact the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to get your application packet and register online.
To Sum Up
So there you have everything you need to know about becoming a soccer referee and the steps involved! If you’re still not sure whether or not this is something you want to do – I suggest trying out one of the classes that are offered in your area, see how much fun it is (as well as how stressful), and then decide whether or not it’s something worth pursuing further.
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Sessions from the likes of Xavi and Graham Potter.
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