US Club Soccer recognizes the critical need to recruit and develop referees, and encourages its members to foster a supportive environment for referees to participate and grow. Referee Development is one of the pillars of Players First.
Support from U.S. Soccer
U.S. Soccer strengthens policy to protect referees
Effective March 2025
Join U.S. Soccer in creating a better future for our game. Its updated Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9) is designed to make youth and amateur matches more safe, more fun and more empowering for everyone involved. Referee abuse will not be tolerated. U.S. Soccer and US Club Soccer are asking everyone to do their part by knowing the rules, reporting referee abuse and embodying behaviors that represent the best of us.
Learn the Updated Policy
Know Your Role & Impact
The game belongs to all of us. To ensure that soccer remains a positive experience for everyone, we need your help to stop referee abuse. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Coaches
Lead by example. Set the tone for good sportsmanship with your players.
Players
Respect your referees, whether you agree with their calls or not.
Parents & Spectators
Cheer for your team, not against the referee. Create a positive environment.
Referees
Your voice matters. Report abuse and keep the game safe.
Inspired to Become a Referee?
Giving back to the game by becoming a referee is a rewarding experience. Learn more by visiting ussoccer.com/referee-program. You join more than 100,000 referees servicing the game throughout the country and be an instrumental part of growing the sport.
Watch the inspiring videos below to learn more about what it takes to become a referee, how to develop your skills and the opportunities that arise.
First a player, now a referee: Stay involved in the game
'It's the best part-time job in the world'
Develop referees, just like we develop players and coaches
