Minnesota SRC Certification Referee Instructions (New or Returning)
There is no reason to delay you becoming a NEW soccer referee, or recertifying as a returning referee.
With all the clarifications to the Laws of the Game, it is strongly suggested that you take the course.
New referees: review the instructions here: New Referee Instructions (PDF)
Returning referees: review the instructions here: Recertifying Instructions (PDF)
STEP 1: REGISTER
Create a US Soccer Federation account then find a course near you on the MNSRC Grassroots First-Time Referees Course List. (TIP: make sure Minnesota State Referee Committee is selected as the HOST)
The first thing they will want during registration is payment - be prepared to pay by credit card.
Total cost: $80 ($110 if 18 years or older)
New referee cost:
- $60 - MNSRC Grassroots Registration
- $20 - Service fee
- $30 - Background check (if over age 18)
EPSA will reimburse up to half the cost ($40 for new referee certification, $20 for existing referee re-certification) if you work for the EPSA program and referee at least 5 games. More information will be provided on the reimbursement process as the season begins, so keep track of your expenses.
STEP 2: WATCH THE VIDEOS
You must watch videos on rule changes before you take the quiz. There are about 7 hours of training videos and a quiz the must be completed, so plan your time accordingly.
• Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments – 1 hr.
• SafeSport (if 18 years or older) – 1 hr.
• Online Grassroots Referee Course Module – 4.5 hr.
• First Time Grassroots Referee Quiz – 45 mins.
STEP 3: TAKE THE QUIZ
You must pass the quiz with a score of at least 75 in order to move on to step 4. Don't put this off!
If you don't pass, you can retake the test until you do.
STEP 4: ATTEND IN-PERSON TRAINING
You must attend a 4 hour in-person training.
All online training modules and quiz must be completed prior to attending the in-person training.
STEP 5: INFORM THE EPSA REFEREE DIRECTOR YOU ARE CERTIFIED
Please email [email protected] to let us know you are certified and interested in being a referee.
Register Early -- Register Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
I ONLY WANT TO WORK FOR EPSA, DO I HAVE TO TAKE THIS CLASS?FIFA makes minor changes to the Laws of Soccer every year, so EPSA asks everyone who wants to be an EPSA referee to take the clinic.
DO I HAVE TO START THE VIDEOS NOW, IN MARCH?
It is recommended to do so.
The in-person clinics can be very early in the season and it will be difficult to accomplish the pre-requisites (watch all videos, take the quiz) before the in-person clinic if you wait to start watching the videos.
Games begin in early May, so it is essential to have everything completed ahead of time.