Become A Referee

ENTRY LEVEL REFEREE CLINICS ARE NOW BEING HELD FOR 2025 REGISTRATION.

We run a limited number of indoor field sessions over the winter. Outdoor field sessions will resume again in March.

BECOME A UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION REFEREE

Thank you for your interest in becoming a United States Soccer Federation Referee in Eastern Pennsylvania!

Being a soccer referee can be both rewarding and fulfilling. Whether a young person learning responsibility or an adult contributing to the sport, referee training and development is the primary mission of Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association Referee Committee (EPSARC). To this end, EPSARC has established a process to ensure that every person who wishes to become a referee is afforded the opportunity to become a registered and certified soccer referee with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

ENTRY LEVEL REFEREE COURSE

REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CAREFULLY!

The Entry Level Referee course offers instruction to prepare an individual to become a USSF Soccer Referee. The course consists of online lessons and a 6 hour in-person session, which includes classroom and on-field participation.

Upcoming referees in EPA MUST be 14 years old or older before they can create an account and begin the process. NO EXCEPTIONS!

To become a U.S. Soccer Referee, Candidates must:

Return to your OMS homepage and click on the Online Lessons link

Click here EPSARC account to create an account in Officials Management System (OMS)

From your Home Page > Registration > select “Register for a clinic or fitness test”
Go through the prompts
Click on Reserve Clinic for the Grassroots – Referee Online Lessons clinic
Complete the request and pay for the clinic (covers online lessons and in-person field session)

Continue through the lessons in order.

You will be redirected to US Soccer’s website for a portion of the online training.
SafeSport Training (part of the online lessons)
- EVERY referee 18 and older is required to complete the SafeSport Training.
  - [A 30 minute refresher is required annually]
- There are 3 individual modules, each taking about 30 minutes.
- Once all 3 are done, you will receive a “SafeSport Trained” certificate
- Save that certificate for your reference
- Your OMS account will be updated automatically

Background Clearances – EVERYONE 14 yrs and older must complete them

Pennsylvania Background Clearances NOTE: clearances may take up to 30 days to complete (although many are coming back within a few days) – allow sufficient time.
1. Upload clearance documents into your OMS EPSARC account for review:
  - Be sure the documents are saved on your computer as a pdf or jpeg file format
  - Log into your account at epsarc.omgtsys.com
  - Click on Administration > Provide SafeSport/Background documentation
  - Upload each document individually
2. ALL AGES must complete the 2 Pennsylvania State clearances; In addition, Minors must complete the Affidavit of Compliance while those 18 and older must complete the FBI fingerprint clearance – USE ONLY CODE 1KG6XN .
3. All THREE (3 ) clearance documents must be uploaded and approved before you will be registered.

IN PERSON FILED SESSION

Attend the field session- It is strongly advised that you have in your possession your referee uniform kit and have submitted ALL of your background clearances in advance of your field session.
Arrive properly equipped as a Referee
It is highly recommended that you purchase and wear your referee uniform:
- Uniform – shirt (primary color is yellow), black shorts, socks, and shoes (sneakers are fine)
- Bring a whistle, referee wallet, yellow card, red card, flags
  - These items should be ordered from Official Sports International in advance of the referee field session.
  - Visit Official Sports Referee Starter Kit or any retailer of your choice
Most sessions are outside – Wear your Uniform or dress appropriately for the weather
Bring water, snack, lunch, sun screen