FAST TRACK · COHORT PROGRAM
Youth Track
Registration is currently closed. Fall Fast Track Registration opens in July.
The Youth Track is part of TRA Fast Track Program.
Fast Track is TRA's cohort-based mentorship program for certified referees. You join a small group, learn together through online and in-person sessions, and work games with a TRA mentor on your sideline.
In this page, you will find details and registration for the Youth Track Cohort, built specifically for ages 13 to 17.
WHO IT'S FOR
Referees ages 13 to 17.
New to refereeing
You just got USSF certified and you're about to call your first games. The Youth Track gives you a cohort to learn alongside, a mentor on the sideline at your matches, and a community of peers going through the same stage.
Experienced refs looking for growth
You've worked games. You've made calls you'd take back. You're ready to grow on purpose, not by accident. The Youth Track gives you mentorship, structured development, and access to higher-level matches as you're ready.
Who qualifies
To join the Youth Track for any season, you must:
Be 13 to 17 years old
Cutoff dates:
Spring cohort: Must be 13–17 on Feb 1
Fall cohort: Must be 13–17 on August 1
Be USSF certified (or actively enrolled in certification)
Turning 13 later in 2026? You'll join us next season. In the meantime, check out the Junior Track → if you're 11 or 12.
Turning 18 before the cutoff? Adult Track is for you →.
Not certified yet? Start here →
THE COHORT
A quick look at what you're joining.
Team Size
8-12
referees per cohort, at similar stages.
Cohort Lead
1-2
an experienced referee assigned to guide you throughout the season.
Duration
1 season
spring or fall, your full commitment window.
Commitment
5 sessions
4 online + 1 in-person, spread across the season.
timeline & duration
Two cohorts a year, one in spring and one in fall.
Spring Cohort
Registration opens
Season runs
December (prior year)
March – July
Fall Cohort
Registration opens
Season runs
July
September – November
What's included
Each cohort is guided by a trained Cohort Lead (Referee Advocate) who provides mentorship, support, and feedback throughout the season.
In Person & Online Sessions
Online curriculum sessions teach the concepts, laws of the game, mechanics, fitness, decision-making. In-person practice sessions let your cohort apply them together.
Ongoing Feedback
Participants receive ongoing feedback, take part in in-person post-game debriefs, and are encouraged to reflect on their performance to strengthen confidence and self-awareness.
Team work
Each Track emphasizes teamwork, responsibility, and progression, helping referees earn more advanced assignments while staying connected to a supportive group of peers and mentors.
TRA Game Day Kit
With the enrollment fee, each cohort member receives a TRA Game Day Kit, which includes:
Referee coin
Whistle
Basic watch
Gear bag
Official TRA referee kit (Jersey, shorts, socks, cards, booklet, and flags)
REGISTRATION
Register for Fast Track Program
Complete the registration form. If there are no spots available, you will enter our referee waitlist.
Pay the Enrollment
Pay a one time enrollment fee that will cover a full season of mentoring and training and a game day kit so you have everything you need.
Meet your team!
Once accepted, we will start your organizing our Fast Track Teams by level, area and goals.
Get ready to start working games with TRA support!
Commitment
Maintain Certification
Maintain your annual USSF license ($60 plus online videos).
Participate
Participate regularly in cohort activities.
Officiate
Work at least 10 games within our network during the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: what is the date cutoff?
Cutoff dates:
Spring cohort: Must be 13–17 on Feb 1
Fall cohort: Must be 13–17 on August 1
q: hOW CAN I GET THE UNIFORM?
For new referees, the uniform is included in the enrollment fee. During registration, referees will select their size (jersey and shorts will be provided in the same size) and provide a shipping address for delivery.
The gear bag will be distributed at the program kickoff event.
q: Is participation in Fast Track (FT) required?
No, participation in Fast Track is not required. However, it is highly encouraged to help referees get the most out of their experience, as it provides structured support and development alongside their peers.
Q: Is certification required?
Yes, referees must obtain their USSF certification before the start of the program (by the end of February).
We Currently Serve in the Following Areas
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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