How much training does a referee receive?

Minimum / Initial Training

LWYSA uses referees that have been licensed by the US Soccer Federation (USSF) and that hold a current USSF referee license. In Washington as of 2013, all referees begin with a "Grade 8" license. This requires the completion of online education (currently 18 modules) and 8 hours classroom/field instruction. They also must pass a written exam.

Continuing Education

To maintain their current license, each calendar year a referee must complete in-service education as defined by the WA State director of instruction. This is currently online education taking about 3 hours + 2 hours of classroom or field instruction. They must also pass an exam and pay a referee license fee.