May 19, 2025
Transitioning from youth or high school soccer to college officiating involves additional qualifications and experience. Follow these steps to become a women’s college soccer referee:
You typically need to be at least 18 years old to officiate college games. Most college associations also require referees to have a high school diploma. Ensure you have several years of refereeing experience at the youth and high school levels. A strong understanding of soccer rules and good physical fitness are essential.
College soccer referees in the U.S. must be certified by the U.S. Soccer Federation. Usually you need to reach at least Grade 6 (formerly Grade 7) to officiate college matches. Begin by taking the entry-level referee course (Grade 8) and then advance through the grades by passing higher-level online courses and fitness tests. Once you are a Grade 6 referee, you are eligible to officiate college-level games. Also complete any required background checks or safe sport training.
Register with your state or local referee association (for example, Missouri United Soccer or Minnesota Youth Soccer). Being a member of a referee association is often required to officiate sanctioned games. Let the association know you are interested in college assignments. They can assign you to college scrimmages or NAIA games to build experience.
Attend college-focused referee clinics. Look for opportunities such as NISOA (National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association) camps or regional college soccer referee clinics. These programs cover advanced topics like managing college game intensity, signal mechanics, and teamwork for three-referee crews. Completing a NISOA clinic or a state college referee program will make you stand out when applying for college games.
Once you have the required certification and training, seek college game assignments. Start with small college leagues or NAIA programs. Be proactive: contact conference assigners or tournament directors in your region. If you have a mentor or can connect with current college referees through KC Soccer Officials, ask for introductions. Often, new officials will first serve as assistant referees. Perform well, and you can be considered for center referee roles in the future.
Keep improving by attending refresher courses and staying in peak physical condition (college referees often need to pass fitness tests). Work throughout the year (some college soccer is played in the fall for certain conferences, or you can officiate men’s games in the spring) to stay sharp. Maintaining U.S. Soccer certification and advancing to higher referee grades will open more college opportunities.
If you’re ready to work toward women’s college officiating, KC Soccer Officials can help. They provide support and information on certification and clinic opportunities. Reach out to KC Soccer Officials to learn more about the necessary steps, upcoming referee clinics, and how to get your first college assignments. With dedication and training, you can reach the college level and enjoy the fast-paced world of women's college soccer officiating!
