BECOME A TRA REFEREE
Join the TRA Community
We train, mentor, and support youth soccer referees across Minnesota.
TRA Community
OPEN TO ALL REFEREES
Open to anyone who wants to be assigned games from any of our clubs partners.
This gives you access to game assignments, guidance from our team, and support from our community of officials, at no cost from TRA!
WHAT YOU GET
Four things every referee in our community can count on.
Community Credibility
Being a TRA referee means something. Clubs know they're getting quality, professional development, and community investment.
Full Support
Our team is committed to being there when you need guidance, feedback, or just someone to talk through a tough game from our Local Mentors.
Advocacy
We not only support you when things don't go well — we elevate and advocate for a referee voice at the decision-making table.
Clear Development Path
Structured programs with clear milestones and achievable goals at every stage of your refereeing journey.
We believe every referee deserves the right support at every stage of their journey.
find your path
Tap or hover an option below
Not sure which path is right for you? Contact us and we'll help you figure it out.
TRA COMMUNITY
how to apply
Get Certified
Maintain your annual USSF license (or get TRA-trained if you're 11-12 with the Junior Program).
Join Assignr
Create or log into Assignr using the TRA group link. This is where game assignments come through.
Officiate
Start working games with TRA support, mentorship, and community behind you.
LOOKING TO GROW FASTER?
Accelerate your development with Fast Track
Once you're part of TRA, you'll have access to development programs tailored to your age, goals, and experience. Our Fast Track Program is a cohort-based experience that offers personalized guidance, advanced learning, and tailored development for referees ready to push further.
Four tracks. Built for who you are right now.
tra local mentors
Every referee who is part of the TRA community can request a local mentor to come watch them work a game, at no cost!
HOW DOES IT WORK
Every referee who is part of the TRA community can request a local mentor to come watch them work a game, at no cost!
Submit Request Form
Fill out the form below with your name, your game details, and a short note about what you'd like the mentor to focus on. The whole thing takes about two minutes.
TRA Assigns you a Local Mentor
A TRA mentor in your area confirms they can make it to your game. You'll get a confirmation email so you know when to expect them.
Get Mentored on the field
Your mentor arrives at the game, observes from the sideline, and meets with you for a short conversation after.
Receive Written Feedback
You'll get an email from your mentor with the highlights of what they observed, a short self-assessment and an experience rating so you can reflect on the game in your own words and help us keep improving the program.
Why referees request a mentor
To Grow
You want experienced eyes on your game and honest feedback to get better.
To Build Confidence
You've been second-guessing yourself and want someone to help you trust your instincts.
To Handle Tougher Matches
A bigger age group, a tournament, or a sideline known for intensity.
To Move Up
You're aiming for higher-level games or the Elite Track and want the feedback that prepares you.
ON THE FIELD
What your mentor will be watching
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.
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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