Certification Requirements
Step 1: Referee Instruction Course
Choose the course that matches your child’s division:
8U Official Course
- 4-hour in-person class
- For refereeing 6U, 7U, and 8U games
- Minimum age: 10 years old
Regional Referee Course
- Full-day training (approximately 8 hours)
- For refereeing 10U and above
- Includes written exam (must score 75% or higher)
- Minimum age: 12 years old
Register through eTrainU.
Step 2: LiveScan Fingerprinting
One-time requirement for all adult volunteers. See LiveScan Fingerprinting for the full step-by-step process — form, address, and hours.
Step 3: Background Check
Complete annually through InLeague. The background check is free and processed by Sterling Volunteers.
Step 4: Online Safety Courses
Complete these courses through eTrainU:
- SafeSport (annual renewal required)
- AYSO Safe Haven
- CDC Concussion Awareness
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness
Training Schedule
Training classes are held before the fall season, typically in August. The region offers 2-3 Regional Referee classes at the Altadena clubhouse or in South Pasadena during July and August.
Refresher courses (2 hours, outdoor on soccer fields) are available but not mandatory.
For training before July, contact [email protected].
Badge Progression
After Regional Referee certification, you can advance through additional levels:
| Level | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Intermediate | 25 games (5 in 12U minimum), 90% exam score, one observation |
| Advanced | 50 games (10 in 14U), 5 assistant games, fitness test, dual assessments |
| National | 100 games, 25 assistant games, fitness test, multiple assessments |
Each level increases the divisions you can referee and requires additional game experience and field assessments.
See Referee Upgrades for the full pathway.
Youth Referee Requirements
Youth referees (ages 10-17) complete the same courses with two exceptions:
- SafeSport training is not required
- Fingerprinting and background checks are not required
Each youth referee needs their own email address to track training.
Related Pages
- Training Requirements — Full matrix of what each role requires
- Refereeing Overview — Getting started
- PRO Program — Youth referee program
- Training Classes — Class schedule
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