How to Become a Soccer Referee

Several cultures participated in some form of soccer as far back as 3,000 years ago. During those times, royals viewed the game as vulgar and futile and King Henry IV and VIII outlawed its practice. Queen Elizabeth I had players thrown in jail. Nevertheless, the game survived and eventually needed referees to make sure participants played by the rules. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Meet the age requirement. The minimum age for a referee is 13.

2. Sign up for the beginning level certification course. Once you've completed the beginning certification at this level, a grade eight, you'll be an assistant referee.

3. Learn the hand signals for soccer. All signals are relayed by hand, so it's important that the referee commits these signals to memory and knows them like...the back of his or her hand.

4. Run-a lot. Running is not just for players, but also for the referees, and there is a lot of it in soccer. As a referee, you will need a lot of endurance.

5. Develop a thick skin. When you're refereeing, especially for youth soccer, parents sometimes get upset if you make calls against their little darlings. They may even insinuate unnatural ideas. You'll get fired and probably arrested if you react by leaving the field and assaulting a parent. Work on building tough outer skin.

6. Contact your local assignor. An assignor will help you find games so that you can put your refereeing skills to work.

Tips & Warnings

• Join your state referee association for ongoing training and education. This will keep you up-to-date on any changes in the game.

• Download the FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) Handbook.

• Involve yourself with the recruiting aspect of your state association to train others to be referees, especially younger people.

• Weight train. Players have knocked down referees during the course of a game. It will help if you have some bulk of your own to withstand a hit or two.