Become a Referee

Refereeing is a great opportunity for youth (particularly soccer players) AND adults to learn the game from another perspective and earn some extra cash.

Referees must be at least 13 years old when they register for the course. Adults are strongly encouraged to do the certification with their youth. Refereeing is a great way to spend time together!

There are several online components to the certification process

• (18+ only) Background check — this process takes about 15 minutes (cost of $30/2 years, plus a small fee)
• (18+ only) SafeSport assignment that must be completed to learn about player safety and health 
• Online Grassroots Referee Course in the US Soccer Learning Center 
• Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments (30 minute presentation)
• Laws of the Game Update
• First Time Grassroots Referee Quiz

All new referees must also complete an IN-PERSON training session

Payment for the online component and the In-Person component will be completed online at the US Soccer Learning Center and is a total of about $60 for both.

How to register for an ONLINE and IN-PERSON course

• Create a US Soccer Learning Center Profile
• All referees must have a Learning Center Profile. Your account profile will contain your unique e-mail address, password, mailing address, phone number, etc. 
• To create a Profile, go to the US Soccer Learning Center at https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee and click on ‘Sign Up’.
• Follow the instructions provided in Learning Center Signup.
• When registering, carefully input your name, mailing address and email address (must be unique to you, not a shared email) as this becomes a record for the entire time you are a referee.
• IMPORTANT for YOUTH REFEREES: Do not use the same email address your parents used to register you as a player.

• After you’ve created your Profile, click on ‘Courses’. Then, click on ‘Go to Course List’. Find "IA - Grassroots In-Person Course" and click on ‘Course Details’.

• Following the successful completion of the online assignments component, you will attend the in-person course component to complete the requirements necessary to become a referee.

• Once you have taken and passed the course, email the DMSC Director of Referees (referees@desmoinessoccerclub.org) to get set up in the assigning system and start refereeing games!

DMSC Referee Support & Benefits

Certification Reimbursement

Referees who officiate more than 10 DMSC games each season in a calendar year, are eligible for reimbursement of the Grassroots Course Fees or Recertification Fee.

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The Des Moines Soccer Club organizes several skill-building and refresher workshops throughout the year. Referees who have officiated at least one game in the prior season will receive invitations via email.

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Check out the DMSC Referee Welcome Packet for more information!

DMSC Referee Mission



1. Our SHARED GOAL is to facilitate a positive and safe game experience for parents and players.
2. DMSC seeks to cultivate a “club of choice” reputation among referees.
3. DMSC provides support for referee skill development and growth.