WisRef has partnered with the WYSA to offer a $40.00 reimbursement for those who successfully complete the 2026 requirements to be registered as a NEW Referee. The reimbursements will be processed during September.

2026 “NEW” Referee Course Instructions

• Upcoming NEW or First-Time Referees Courses are open.
• Course Cost is $75.00 (if over 18 years old an additional $24.00 for 2-year background check).
• Licenses will be valid until December 31, 2026. Once expired, Referees do a Recertification Course annually.
• All referee certifications are done through the US Soccer Learning Center. The NEW Referee course is comprised of online assignments / Referee Course Modules PLUS mandatory attendance at the 3-hour On-Field Training Session.
• The online assignments / Referee Course Modules are:
  • Online Referee Course Modules (4) (Introduction, Preparing for, During & After the Game)
  •  Laws of the Game Update
  • Introduction to Safe and Health Playing Environments
  • First-Time Referee Quiz
  • Background Check (if 18 years or older) – must CLEAR background screening before requesting attendance at the On-Field Training Session. Allow a minimum of 10-14 days for processing of Background Check.
  • SafeSport Training (if 18 years or older)
• When the above Modules are 100% complete, then attendance at an In-person On-Field Training Session can be scheduled. Some tournaments take place near the end of August, so schedule your On-Field Training Session appropriately.

To register for a NEW First-Time Referee course:

1. Go to US Soccer’s Learning Center at: https://Learning.ussoccer.com/referee.

2. If you have not set up a profile, you must click on SIGNUP, in the upper right, complete all information to create your Learning Center Account and click Continue.

3. Once your profile is set up, simply log in and click on COURSES at top of the page, goes to AVAILABLE COURSES, OR, in another webpage, go to this course: https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/10000006/list , which shows 2026 WI New Referee Course-Register here.

4. Click on COURSE DETAILS > on the right to register for online assignments.

5. Once registered, click on COURSES at top, then MY COURSES, then RESUME/Red Arrow and click on the ASSIGNMENTS tab at top of page to complete the online requirements. Assignments will show in GREEN and marked “satisfactory” when completed.

6. When the Online Assignments are 100% completed, email [email protected] to request a Field Training Session. Online assignments need to be completed 48 hours before the start of a requested Field Training Session. There are NO refunds.

Please reach out to Sam Bass if you have any questions.