
Become A Referee
Hey, you! Yeah, you – are you ready to turn your love for the game into some serious cash? Introducing the Referee Program – your ticket to an exciting, flexible, and rewarding side gig that’ll have you rolling in the dough while you enjoy your favorite sport up close!
Picture this: you’re on the field, adrenaline pumping, making split-second decisions that can turn the tide of a match. Sounds cool, right? But wait, it gets better! In just five simple steps, you’ll be fully trained and certified to step onto the field as a referee.
Here’s the scoop: you can earn back the cost of becoming a referee in no time, in as quickly as a few matches under your belt. Yup, you read that right – your investment pays itself off in your only a few games! Plus, who needs a nine-to-five when you’ve got a flexible schedule that lets you choose when and where you work? It’s the perfect side hustle to juggle alongside your existing responsibilities. With matches happening all around you, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make some dough. It’s not just a gig; it’s a chance to be a crucial part of the game you adore.
Scroll down to complete the three clearances (steps 1-3), training (step 4), and courses (step 5) today!

Information about Required PA Background Checks
All referees, assignors, assessors, and instructors must provide the following four items:
Please Note: The law provides that the FBI Criminal Background Check may be replaced for minor children (referees who are and will be 13-17 years old for the year) by a signed (by parent or guardian) and notarized affidavit attesting that the child has not committed any of the disqualifying crimes. If you are turning 18 years of age during the upcoming year you will need an FBI Clearance.
5. Register To Take A Course
After gathering your clearances and SafeSport certification you’ll need to visit the Official Management System (OMS) to register to take a certification course. Select New Member Registration after you Click Here.
Instructions:
For re-certifying referees: Click Here
For new referees: Click Here
Uniforms / Kits
All PA West Soccer referees are expected to act and to look professional. You will need to obtain a referee uniform and should begin with a yellow USSF shirt, all-black shorts with pockets (NOT player shorts), two-striped black socks and black shoes (do not have to be turf or cleated, that’s your decision). You will need a watch with a count down/up timer, whistle and yellow/red card (the card “wallet” is not required).
Do not buy a track-style stopwatch. Do not use a neck lanyard for your whistle – use a wrist or finger lanyard. The Mini Fox40 is a very good whistle, is widely available, and is inexpensive.
As you complete matches, you can add to your kit (flags, additional shirts and other accessories). There are a number of local and national vendors:
- Official Sports (Official supplier for USSF)
- Score
- Referee Store
- Epic Sports
- Officially Sports
What About Next Year?
Referees must take a recertification exam every year. This fall, you will receive information via email informing you to log into the platform in order to complete your referee recertification. Recertification is an annual process by which you will register for the upcoming year, pay a recertification fee (usually around $50), and complete a recertification test (online) in order to receive your USSF badge and book for the next calendar year.