BECOME A TRA REFEREE

Join the TRA Community

Officiate with support behind you

OPEN TO ALL REFEREES

The TRA Community offers you game assignments with committed club partners, guidance from our team, and a community of officials who have your back. Competitive pay, flexible scheduling, real support.

WHAT YOU GET

Four things every TRA referee can count on.

A Clear Path Forward.

Structured pathways with real milestones and honest feedback, from your first rec game to elite competition.

Mentorship That Shows Up.

Local mentors who watch you work, talk it through after, and put feedback in writing.

Advocacy.

We support you when things get tough and bring the referee voice to the decision-making table.

A Badge That Means Something.

Clubs know a TRA referee comes prepared, supported, and developed.

We believe every referee deserves the right support at every stage of their journey.

find your path


Referee Pathway
START HERE
How old are you?

Tap or hover an option below

I'm 11-12 years old
GET TRA TRAINED
Required
JUNIOR TRACK
Work 500+ games!
I'm 13 or older
GET USSF CERTIFIED
Required
Traditional Path
TRA COMMUNITY
5000+ game opportunities + access to tournaments!

Not sure which path is right for you? Contact us and we'll help you figure it out.

how to apply

1

Get Certified

Maintain your annual USSF license (or get TRA-trained if you're 11-12 with the Junior Program).

2

Apply

Complete the TRA 2026 Referee Application + Self Assessment (if you already have experience).

3

Join Assignr

Create or log into Assignr using the TRA group link. This is where game assignments come through.

4

Officiate

Start working games with TRA support, mentorship, and community behind you.

LOOKING TO GROW FASTER?

Accelerate your development with Fast Track

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who Can Become a Referee?

Refereeing is great for:

- Current/former soccer players

- Parents

- Students

- Anyone looking for flexible, part-time work!

- TRA also offers a Junior Track for ages 11-12 to work recreational games.

US Soccer has mandated a minimum age of 13 years old to get certified.  Therefore, you can start the certification process after you turn 13 years old.

Q: How Do I Become a Licensed Referee for Games?

1. Register with US Soccer Learning Center

2. Complete Requirements:

- Pay registration fee

- Complete online training

- Attend an on-field training session

3. If 18 or older: Complete a MYSA background check

4. Notify Chad, our Director of Referee Relations, once certified at [email protected]

Q: What Uniform & Equipment Do I Need?

Uniform (for Competitive Games):

- Yellow and black referee jersey

- Black shorts

- Black socks (preferably with 3 white stripes)

- Black undergarments, gloves, and hat (if needed)

Required Equipment:

- Watch with stopwatch function

- Whistle

- Coin

- Flags (for ARs)

- Pen and notebook

- Phone

Q: Do I need experience to apply?

No. The TRA Community and most of our Fast Track tracks are built for new and returning referees. The only exception is the Elite Track, which requires existing certification and is invite-only.

Ready for your first whistle?

2150 3rd Street

Suite 16

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

OFFICE HOURS

Mon-Thu: 9AM to 4PM

Friday: 9AM to 3PM

Sat-Sun: Closed

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