2010 New Referee Procedures:

Novice Referees (USSF Grade 9)

• The first day of any GCSOA sponsored clinic for New Referees is the Novice (Recreational) portion of the certification and is eight (8) hours and you will take a test at the end of that day.

• Information on the definition of a Novice Referee can be located at: http://www.www.ohnrefs.org/join.htm

• How to register and select clinics instructions can be located at: http://www.www.ohnrefs.org/files/pdf/New_Referee_Registration_Instructions.pdf

• Registration , clinic selections and paying USSF State and National fees are performed at:  https://www.ussoccer.info/ .  I f you also want to become a Grade 8 referee, register for the separate GCSOA sponsored Bridge clinic at the same time.

• If you are age 18 or older, you must obtain the required "Risk Management" approval from OYSAN. See the OYSAN Risk Management Instructions section of this page.  Scroll down three (3) sections.

• Do not forget to bring a copy of the printed online registration and OYSAN Risk Management support with you on the first day.  Note:  The USSoccer (USSF) fees paid online will cover both the Novice and Bridge clinics.  If you want to also become a Grade 8 referee, register for the Bridge clinic at the same time. Note:  The fees paid online will cover both the Novice and Bridge clinics.

• Bring a $20 check payable to GCSOA for setting up the location and running the clinic.

Bridge Clinics (Upgrade to a USSF Grade 8 Referee)

• The second day of any clinic for New Referees or existing Novice Referees wishing to upgrade to a Grade 8 referee is the "Bridge" portion of the certification. This clinic is eight (8) hours and you will take a test at the end of that day.

• New Referees: See Novice Referee registration above.  

• Registration for Existing Grade 9 (Novice) referees upgrading to a Grade 8.   Registration , clinic selections and paying USSF State and National fees are performed at:  https://www.ussoccer.info/ .  Refer to information received from  the U.S. Soccer Federation in the mail for detailed instructions from U.S. Soccer. 

• Risk Management for Existing Grade 9 (Novice) referees upgrading to a Grade 8.   If you are age 18 or older, you must obtain the required "Risk Management" approval from OYSAN. See the OYSAN Risk Management Instructions section of this page.  Scroll down two (2) sections. 

• Both New and Existing Grade 9 Referees:  Do not forget to bring a copy of the printed online USSoccer (USSF) registration and OYSAN Risk Management support with you on the first day. 

• Bring an additional $20 check payable to GCSOA for setting up the location and running the clinic.

All referees, in grades 7,8 and 9, are to have a minimum of five hours of in-service training during the previous 12 months to "retain" your current USSF Grade license.  GCSOA provides opportunities to meet this requirement with clinics scheduled throughout the year. Attendance at clinics, that are associated with tournaments, is acceptable.

All referees must take an annual refresher test on the laws of the game with their application.  A minimum score on the refresher test of 75% is expected.

Grade 7 referees are required to pass an annual physical fitness test to maintain grade.

If any of the above requirements are not met then registration will be held by the ASRA until the requirements are completed.

2010 Referee Registration (Existing Referees/Recertification)

• Everything related to your USSF Re-Certification fees will be handled on-line.  Pay your 2010 fees and choose a clinic to attend at https://www.ussoccer.info/.  Refer to information received from  the U.S. Soccer Federation in the mail for detailed instructions from U.S. Soccer. 
• If you are age 18 or older, you must obtain the required "Risk Management" approval from OYSAN. See the OYSAN Risk Management Instructions section below.
• Do not forget to bring a copy of the printed online USSoccer (USSF) registration and OYSAN Risk Management support with you on the first day.    

OYSAN Risk Management Instructions:

• Specific instructions can be found at www.ohnrefs.org 

• Enter all information or you will not be able to proceed.

• Enter 70855 in the "CODE" box when it appears.

•  Choose "1OYSAN Referee" on the payment page.

• It takes about a week for you to get an email that you are approved.

• Print the approval letter for your records.

• You MUST bring a copy to the clinic.

Contact Thomas Lewis, GCSOA's ASRA, to obtain the necessary upgrade form.

You must complete all necessary requirements including attendance at an advanced training course for your next grade.  These training courses are presented each year by the Ohio Soccer Association-North's instructional program.

The overall requirement of each grade can be found in the USSF Referee Administrative Handbook.  Be familiar with its contents.

FIFA Laws of the Game are available on-line for both viewing and downloading at the FIFA web site.  In addition, the  USSF Memorandum for the current year is available for viewing and downloading from US Soccer.  Both of these links will open a new browser window.