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Becoming a soccer referee is a great way to get involved and make friends. It’s also a great way to earn some extra money if you’re already an avid player or coach. However, many steps involved with becoming a soccer referee in Montana can be confusing for some people. In this post, I’ll outline everything you need to know about becoming an MLS-certified soccer referee so that when it comes time to start applying for positions on your local league or association’s website, all your information will be ready!
Table of Contents
12 Years of Age or Older to Become a Soccer Referee
You must be 12 years of age or older to become a soccer referee. You will need to be in good physical condition, run long distances and jump high. The referee’s job is extremely physically demanding: he/she must be able to bend down to pick up a ball that has rolled under their feet and jump very high for headers or corners are taken by strikers.
You should also be able to communicate effectively with other players on the field; this means speaking English and understanding what they are saying when they shout out instructions during gameplay.
Step 2 – Take A Soccer Referee Class
To become a soccer referee, you’ll need to take a class. Several classes are available, and they’re usually held in the evenings during the spring and fall months. Some classes are held during the day as well, but it’s best to start with one of those courses so you can get some experience before taking on more rigorous ones later in your career.

Sessions from the likes of Xavi and Graham Potter.
Visit The Coaches' Voice NowHow to Become a Soccer Referee in Montana: A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a soccer referee in Montana is a great way to get involved in the sport and give back to your community. It can also be a fun and rewarding experience. In order to become a referee, you must attend an officiating clinic and pass an exam. You will then need to register with US Soccer as an official. You must take several steps to become certified as a referee in Montana. We’ve outlined them for you below.
- First, you must attend an officiating clinic. These clinics are offered by state associations and taught by experienced referees. The clinic will teach you the rules of soccer, how to make calls, and how to handle various situations on the field.
- Second, you must pass an exam administered by your state association. This test will assess your knowledge of the game and ability to apply the rules correctly.
- Third, you must register with US Soccer as an official. This step is required for insurance coverage during games. You will also receive updates from US Soccer about rule changes and other important information relevant to officials nationwide.
- Fourth, you are ready to start officiating games once you have completed all these steps! Remember that continued education is important for referees; there are always new things to learn about this complex sport.
Step 3 – Pass The Soccer Referee Exam
The next step is to pass the Soccer Referee Exam. This test is administered by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and you need to score at least 85 percent on it for them to consider you for being an official.
The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions that cover all aspects of soccer refereeing, including rules, tactics, and dynamics, among other things. You will have 3 hours to complete your test online at USSF’s website.
Step 4 – Apply For A Soccer Referee Uniform Number
If you want to become a soccer referee in Montana, you will need a uniform number. You can get one if your state allows it, and we highly recommend it!
You will need to fill out an application form for the referee program and attach:
- A copy of your photo ID (including driver’s license or passport)
- A copy of your birth certificate (both sides)
- Your referee license
Step 5 – Complete The Mandatory Background Screening
You’ll be glad to hear that the FBI and the state of Montana have agreed to screen you for criminal history.
Before we get into details about how this process works and what steps you should take to ensure your background check is successful, let’s first talk about what an FBI or state background check is and why it’s important for referees.
Step 6 – Complete The SafeSport Training
The SafeSport training is a two-day course that teaches you about the policies and procedures of USA Soccer, as well as how to conduct yourself as an official. It also includes information about what constitutes misconduct, including sexual abuse.
You can complete this training at any time during your refereeing career by visiting the website of USA Soccer or its partner organization, US Youth Futsal (USYF).
The cost for this course is $100 USD per person; however, if you’re not yet an official but still want to become one someday in Montana, then there are ways around paying this fee.
Do You Have What it Takes to Be a Referee in Montana?
- You will be required to be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
- You must also have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
- Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and hold a valid driver’s license from any state of Montana that has not been revoked due to excessive traffic violations or moving violations within the past two years (the amount differs depending on which level of referee you are applying for).
To Sum Up
Becoming a soccer referee in Montana is not as difficult as one may think. The certification process is relatively simple, and the benefits of officiating games are plentiful. We hope this article has helped you learn more about the process of becoming a referee and what to expect if you decide to become one. Are you ready to take the next step? Start your journey today! Thanks for reading!
Woodland Soccer Team
We're a team of soccer experts, fans, coaches, and players. The world's game is our game.
Sessions from the likes of Xavi and Graham Potter.
Visit The Coaches' Voice Now