See below for information on Referee Certification through Loudoun Soccer. This page has been divided into the four sections below (click to jump to each section):

Questions not answered here? Please email Chris McKay, Referee Development Coordinator for Loudoun Soccer at [email protected]

- Grassroots Referee Certification Overview (new referees)
- Loudoun Soccer-hosted Grassroots Referee Certification Schedule
- Grassroots Referee Recertification Overview (current referees)
- Loudoun Soccer-hosted Grassroots Referee Recertification Schedule

Grassroots Referee Certification Overview (new referees)

*** There is still time to train to be a referee for the spring season, but you need to act quickly.  Field training classes will end  in early- to mid-April and students MUST complete their online work before they can schedule this required field training.  First-come, first-served, and spaces in classes are limited, so prospective referees should register and complete online lessons as soon as possible. ***

Certification courses are held around the state, typically in the Winter (December-April) but also during the Summer, primarily in August.

Referees can certify and recertify at any official course across the state and be assigned games from multiple leagues and clubs (e.g. you can certify in Fairfax but work games in Loudoun).

Certification consists of three phases:

* Online: this is conducted via the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program and the US Soccer Learning Center.  Most new referees need 4-6 hours to complete the online instruction. 

* Classroom Instruction: scheduled at various locations and lasts 3 hours (Classroom instruction is not occurring for 2021 due to the COVID pandemic, but new referees can still certify by taking the online component and attending an outdoor, field training session.  The online portion is now longer: you should expect 6-8 hours, on average)

* Field Instruction: scheduled at various locations and lasts about 3 hours.  (Field instruction is now 4 hours)

Referees over the age of 18 must also complete SafeSport training, and pass a background check.

The cost to certify is $80, which is paid directly to US Soccer (two separate payments of $60 and $20). Loudoun Soccer will reward newly certified referees who earn at least six (6) bonus points officiating their first season with an additional $50, to help offset the costs associated with becoming a referee.

Please note: new referees will have to create a registration profile first; a valid and active email address is required. Parents of youth referees can create this profile for their child as needed.

CLICK HERE for a full list of available clinics, to begin enrolling for a course, and for additional details.

Loudoun Soccer-hosted Grassroots Referee Certification Classes (new referees):

As a convenience to its referees, Loudoun Soccer hosts certification and recertification courses throughout the year. The following courses are currently scheduled:

Upcoming New Referee Course Schedule
(All classes are held outdoors, at a Leesburg-area soccer field. You must complete the online lessons before you can be added to a field training module.  Classes are space-limited, so you should register and complete your online modules as soon as practical to ensure you can select your preferred date and time. If a field training session outside Loudoun is better for your schedule, you are welcome to certify anywhere in the state and still work matches for Loudoun Soccer.  A complete list of statewide training sessions can be found by clicking HERE).


These in-person sessions for new referees are held outdoors, socially distant, and with mask requirements for your safety and the safety of the community.

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Steps to register (must be at least 13 years old  at the time of registration)

The process for becoming a new grassroots referee has changed because of COVID restrictions.  Please follow these instructions carefully.

CLICK HERE for a step-by-step process on tasks to complete. You must register and complete the online training BEFORE choosing an in-person field training module. It is strongly recommended that interested candidates complete the online portion as soon as possible to better ensure placement in their preferred in-person clinic.

When registering, remember to use an e-mail address that you check regularly since all correspondence regarding the class will be sent to you via email.  Also, after registering, please regularly check your SPAM mailbox to ensure that you are receiving emails from MDCVASRP.

Be sure to choose options related to being a new ref or never having been a referee before.

Once you meet all of the above-mentioned requirements, you will receive a 2021 referee badge and be eligible to referee or assistant referee games until December 2021 (at which time you will need to either recertify or upgrade).

Current or lapsed referees seeking to renew their certification should consult the appropriate link below: 

* Normal 2021 Recertification for Current 2020 Referees

* 2021 Recertification for Lapsed Referees -- Last Certification in 2018 or 2019

* 2021 Recertification for Lapsed Referees -- Last Certification in 2017 or Earlier

* 2021 Certification for Individuals Who Attempted to Certify in 2020. Course Canceled Due to Covid

Due to the COVID pandemic, in-person recertification classes are not currently required.  Please follow the steps in the section above to re-certify online for 2021.

The above only applies to existing referees who are re-certifying.  If you have never refereed before, please follow the instructions in the New Referee section, which does require an in-person field training module.  These in-person sessions for new referees are held outdoors, socially distant, and with mask requirements for your safety and the safety of the community.