REFEREE PROGRAM WITH SALVO SC
Becoming a referee is one of the best ways to be a part of the Salvo SC soccer family, stay involved in the game, build leadership skills, earn money, and support the local soccer community! Salvo SC proudly partners with US Youth Soccer (USYS) and U.S. Soccer to provide clear pathways for new and returning referees. Whether you are age 13 or 73, we would love to have you on the team!
Ready to get started?
The program overviews below describe how to complete your U.S. Soccer Grassroots certification, create an Assignr profile, request games, and more!
REGULAR PROGRAM (ages 13+)
Refereeing offers incredible personal and professional benefits:
- Earn money doing something you enjoy
- Stay active and connected to the sport
- Build confidence, communication, and leadership skills
- Learn the Laws of the Game from the inside
- Flexible scheduling — work as much or as little as you want
- Support the Salvo SC community and ensure great game-day experiences
Minimum Requirements
- Must be 13 years old by the time of certification
- Complete the U.S. Soccer Grassroots Referee Course (online & in-person)
- Pass the online Laws of the Game modules
- Complete SafeSport (or equivalent modules) and background check if age 18+
- Purchase the required referee uniform and gear
Step 1: Create a U.S. Soccer Learning Center Account
Visit the U.S. Soccer Learning Center and create an account. This is where you will:
- Register for the Grassroots Referee Course
- Complete online assignments
- Track your certification
Step 2: Register for a Grassroots Referee Course
Minnesota offers multiple courses throughout the year. As a first year referee, you will need to complete:
- Online coursework (self-paced, usually 4–5 hours)
- In-person field session (2–4 hours depending on location) – Choose the date/time that works best for you.
Step 3: Complete All Online Modules
You must finish the following before attending the field session:
- Laws of the Game
- Role of the Referee
- Managing the Game
- Safety & age-appropriate guidance
- SafeSport (age 18+ only)
Step 4: Attend the In-Person Field Training
You will learn:
- Referee positioning
- Mechanics & signals
- Game management
- Offside
- Roleplay and scenario practice
After completing the session, you will officially be a US Soccer Grassroots Referee!
As a new referee, you will need the following required equipment
- Yellow referee jersey (other colors optional but recommended- black)
- Black referee shorts
- Black socks
- Whistle (Fox40 recommended)
- Watch (with stopwatch)
- Referee flags (for AR duties)
- Red/yellow cards
- Notebook or score sheet
- Water bottle
Once certified, Salvo SC makes it easy to get started.
Step 1: Step Create/Update Your Assignr Account
All Salvo games (youth + adult) are assigned through a system called Assignr. You will use Assignr to:
- Mark your availability
- Receiving game assignments
- Submit scores and incident reports
- Receive pay
Step 2: Set Your Availability
Referees who keep availability up-to-date get the most games.
Step 3: Accept Assignments Quickly
Slots fill fast, especially during busy weekends.
Step 4: Check Game Details
Each game will include:
- Location
- Age group/level
- Referee team
- Pay rate
Step 5: Show Up Prepared and Professionally
We ask all referees to:
- Arrive 25 minutes early
- Wear the full, proper uniform
- Bring all required equipment
- Communicate with referees and coaches
Salvo SC is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive referee community and offers a 1st year Referee Program. So if you just received your certification, we have a great opportunity for you!…
- If you complete all necessary training and receive your certification and work a minimum of 15 matches for Salvo SC during the calendar year (could be Rec games or Competitive games), Salvo SC will reimburse you for the full cost of becoming a referee and a new uniform, up to $150!
For new referee support we offer:
- Mentors for your first few games
- Feedback and coaching
- A safe environment to learn
- Clear communication & scheduling support
- Opportunities to work tournaments
If you are nervous—don’t be! Many referees start with little or no experience. Salvo SC fully supports referee development and can guide you through the entire process.
Join us! If you have any questions about becoming a referee, please reach out to our Referee Assigner, Colleen Hase.
JUNIOR PROGRAM (AGES 12-14)
Salvo SC’s Junior Referee Program introduces young referees (typically ages 12–14) to officiating in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Junior referees help with games for younger age-groups (often U8-U15), which helps them build skills before moving to full USSF certification at ages 13+.
- Anyone between 12–14 years old
- Players are welcome but it is not required that you are a soccer player
- Must enjoy being around kids and learning the game
- No prior experience needed
- Serve as the Center Referee for U8-U15 games
- Help manage restarts and out-of-bounds
- Support coaches and players with basic direction
- Gain confidence working with crowds and coaches
- Online mini-sessions that cover:
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- Basic rules
- Signals + mechanics
- Field positioning
- Game flow
- Communication skills
- Shadowing a senior referee
- Optional observation of a game to get comfortable
Junior Referees receive a flat fee per-game, usually between $20–$45 depending on age division.
- Referee shirt
- Whistle
- Socks
- Start as a Junior Ref
- Turn age 13 and complete the USSF Grassroots Course
- Get assigned to youth games in the Competitive program
- Continue developing the skills for refereeing at the older age groups
- Work up to the potential of refereeing at tournaments, TCSL, and more advanced pathways
This program is designed to be fun, safe, and welcoming — perfect for kids who want to earn money and learn responsibility.
If you are interested in becoming a junior referee, please fill out the form below!
GENERAL FAQS
Nope! Many great referees never played. Enthusiasm and willingness to learn are all you need.
Most people complete the online training in 4–5 hours, plus a 2–4 hour in-person field session.
Minnesota Grassroots courses typically cost between $75–$100, which includes your registration for the year.
A referee jersey, black shorts/socks, whistle, watch, flags, and cards. We provide a starter checklist!
All assignments go through Assignr. Referees mark availability, request games, and accept assignments through there.
Rates vary by age group and role. Please check Assignr for specific information.
Yes! Salvo SC provides mentors, guidance, and paired assignments for new referees.
You are never alone! Contact us right away and we will handle it. Your safety and confidence come first.
Games may be delayed or canceled for lightning or dangerous field conditions. Safety always wins.
Absolutely! Many of our best referees also play for Salvo SC.