How old do I have to be to referee?

13 years old. In order to register for LAAR training the referee MUST BE 13 years old before training begins.

What is the cost?

The total cost is expected to be $75. That includes EVERYTHING. Training, shirt, shorts, socks and flags. You will pay when you register. Price may be slightly more if material costs increase prior to Registration.

What games can I ref?

Any league games played in the lWSL, NISL or YSSL. The age of game assigned depends on the assignor and the skills of the referee.

Can I be an Assistant Referee at tournaments?

No. Not at the present time.

Do I have to be an Assistant Referee for my club?

No. You can be a LAAR for any YSSL, IWSL or NISL game the club assignor gives you. Of course, you can do games for your club as part of that and are encouraged to do so.

Is this the same as US Soccer Federation certification?

No. This only allows you to be an Assistant Referee for certain league games. If you wish to be a referee, we encourage you to sign up for a USSF Referee course. USSF Ref Training

What if I’m already certified?

If you have been certified by USSF or Illinois Soccer Referee Committee (ISRC) [completed a course in the US Soccer Learning Center] then the LAAR program is not for you.

Why can I only be an Assistant Referee?

Because that is the limited training being offered. This is an entry-type alternative allowing those interested in becoming assistant referees to try it out in a more restricted environment.

How often do I have to take the training?

This LAAR training is good for one year. You will need to take similar training each year. There is a plan for offering additional training during the year. It is possible that additional training may allow the LAAR to skip the required annual training. More information will be available this Fall.

What if I want to be a Referee - the one in the middle with the whistle?

Fantastic! You will need to complete USSF certification through the Illinois State Referee Committee (ISRC). Contact them for additional information about their clinics. ISRC

I still have questions

You can contact Illinois Referee Alliance at: ILRefAlliance@gmail.com