FAQs

Is there a minimum age to become a referee?: The USSF has no minimum age requirement. However, in Illinois you must be at least 12 years of age to obtain a work permit for youth sporting events. Also, some clubs/leagues have a minimum age requirement to referee their games.
May I arrive late or leave early for a clinic?: ABSOLUTELY NOT! It is disruptive to the class and unfair to those who are there for the entire clinic.
Are there different options for New Referees?: Yes. Grade 9 Recreational Referee (not posted on the web) - Check with your local club. Grade 12 Assistant Referee - May only do lines. Grade 8 Entry Level Referee - May do both centers and lines.
What are the costs involved?: There is both a clinic and USSF Registration fee. Total costs for both a Grade 8 and Grade 12 Referee would be $75.00.
When and where do I pay the fees?: You pay at the clinic.
When are clinics conducted?: There are a few recertification clinics and a couple of Entry clinics between July and December for the following soccer year. However, most clinics are held between January and March of each year (approximately 100) for that soccer year.
Does the ISRC Office maintain waiting lists for clinics?: No! However, if a clinic is full, you may go as a walk-in. Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time and get your name on the "walk-in sign-in sheet". The ISRC can not guarantee a spot to any walk-in.
Do I need to recertify each year?: Yes! A 1-day recertification clinic is required for Referee Grade 8 and higher referees. Referee Grades 9 and 12 are also required to recertify each year but must take either a Grade 9 Recreational clinic or Grade 12 Assistant Referee clinic. They may not take a 1-day recertification clinic.