BECOME A CERTIFIED
SOCCER REFEREE IN
ORANGE COUNTY, LA &
SAN DIEGO
Your complete roadmap to becoming a CalSouth-certified soccer referee. We guide new officials through every requirement — from registration to the field — with the standards, mentorship, and support of an elite academy.
R E F E R E E. C E R T I F I C A T I O N · S O U T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A
W H Y T R A I N W I T H U S
THE GOLD STANDARD IN REFEREE DEVELOPMENT
Certification is just the beginning. At Elite Academic Referees, we prepare officials across Southern California to handle any moment on the field — with safety, professionalism, and confidence.
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CALSOUTH APPROVED
An official CalSouth referee association serving Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Every certification is fully recognized statewide.
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L O C A L
ELITE ACADEMIC REFEREES
Your local association — assigning games, providing education, and advancing your career.
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HANDS-ON MENTORSHIP
Pair with experienced officials who walk you through your first matches. Real coaching, real games, real growth.
T H E C E R T I F I C A T I O N P R O C E S S
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CAREER PATHWAY
From your first youth match to advanced certifications — we map your path forward with clinics, assessments, and assignments.
FOUR STEPS TO THE FIELD
Follow the path below to earn your CalSouth referee certification. We're with you at every step.
S T E P O N E
JOIN THE ELITE ACADEMIC REFEREES ASSOCATION
Membership in a local CalSouth-affiliated association is the foundation of your referee career. As a member, you'll be assigned to matches, mentored by veterans, and supported through every certification milestone in Southern California.
S T A T E
CALSOUTH
Administers and approves all referee certifications throughout Southern California.
Complete the online Grassroots Referee Course
Attend an in-person field session in OC, LA, or San Diego
Emotional and physical misconduct prevention
Verify your status on the CalSouth officials List
Receive your first game assignments through EAR
Pair with a mentor referee for your debut matches
Begin building your career as a Southern California Official
N A T I O N A L
U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION
Sets the national curriculum and certification standards for all referees.
S T E P T W O
COMPLETE CALSOUTH REFEREE CERTIFICATION
The CalSouth Referee Program is the official certification path for new soccer officials in California. Our team helps you navigate registration, online coursework, and in-person clinics so nothing slows you down.
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Create your CalSouth account and start your referee profile
Pass the certification exam and receive your USSF badge
S T E P T H R E E
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S T E P F O U R
Every referee 18 an older must complete SafeSport Trained certification before stepping onto the field. This free course protects players and officials alike, and is required for the current CalSouth season.
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Why this matters: You must belong to a CalSouth-recognized association to be assigned games as a certified referee. Joining EAR is your entry point.
Need help? Our mentors host weekly walkthroughs to guide new referees through every CalSouth registration step. Book a session →
EARN YOUR SAFESPORT & CONCUSSION CERTIFICATIONS
Every referee 18 an older must complete SafeSport Trained certification before stepping onto the field. This free course protects players and officials alike, and is required for the current CalSouth season.
Mandatory Reporting protocols
Concussion Awareness Certification ( Separate requirement)
How to submit: Once complete, upload your certificate to your CalSouth profile or email it to your association. CalSouth provides a free access code — check your inbox after joining EAR.
GET LISTED & TAKE THE FIELD
A L R E A D Y C E R T I F I E D ?
ANNUAL RE-CERTIFICATION
Existing referees must re-certify every year to stay active with CalSouth. Renew your membership, complete updated SafeSport training, and stay eligible for the upcoming season.
REFEREE CERTIFICATION FAQ
How old do I have to be to become a soccer referee in California?
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You must be at least 13 years old to begin CalSouth referee certification. Officials 18 and older have additional SafeSport requirements.
How much does referee certification cost?
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CalSouth registration fees vary by year. SafeSport training is provided at no cost through CalSouth's access code. Elite Academic Referees membership covers your local association dues.
How long does the certification process take?
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Most new referees complete certification within 2–4 weeks, depending on clinic schedules in Orange County, LA, and San Diego.
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Can I referee both youth and adult matches?
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Do I need to renew my certification every year?
C O M M O N Q U E S T I O N S
Your initial Grassroots certification qualifies you for youth competitive matches. Advanced certifications unlock higher levels of play.
Yes. All CalSouth referees must complete annual re-certification to remain eligible to officiate matches.