GLASA Referees

How to Become a Referee

The simple answer: attend and successfully complete a referee training program. GLASA typically offers two entry level training programs before each season as do most medium and large member associations in North Texas.

Note: You can attend a referee clinic anywhere in North Texas and referee in GLASA.

Grade 9 Recreational Referee Requirements:

As a candidate, you must be 12 years old or older, on or before March 1st for the Spring season or, September 1st for the Fall season. No experience is required, however one will have a better chance of successful completion with a basic understanding of the game. Requirements to successfully complete the Grade 9 Recreational Referee program include:

  • 9 ½ hours of classroom instruction
  • A field session where you must demonstrate the lessons learned during the classroom
  • A written exam that requires a score of 75 or better in order to pass the course

At the completion of the program you will register with North Texas and the United States Soccer Federation as a Grade 9 Recreational Referee. There are two restrictions you should be aware of:

  1. As a Grade 9 Recreational Referee you will be restricted to officiating recreational youth games U-14 and below
  2. As an Assistant Referee you will be restricted to any game U-14 or below (competitive or recreational)

Grade 8 Basic Referee Requirements:

As a candidate, you must be 14 years old or older, on or before March 1st for the Spring season or, September 1st for the Fall season. No experience is required, however one will have a better chance of successful completion with a good understanding of the game. Requirements to successfully complete the Grade 8 Basic Referee program include:

  • 16 ½ hours of classroom instruction
  • A field session where you must demonstrate the lessons learned during the classroom
  • A written exam that requires a score of 75 or better to pass the course

At the completion of the program you will register with North Texas and the United States Soccer Federation as a Grade 8 Basic Referee. As a Grade 8 Basic Referee you will be allowed to referee all age groups once you have gained the confidence of your local assignor.

Goto the Clinics tab to see when, if any, clinics are scheduled to be hosted by GLASA.

If the GLASA clinic dates do not work with your schedule or if no clinics are available in GLASA, goto NTSSA Referee Clinic List and find one that works with your schedule and "driving comfort". Contact the clinic host to find out how to register for the clinic and register. Most clinics fill up fast, particularly the Grade 9 Recreational Referee, so do not dilly-dally around if you are truly interested in refereeing.