The Wisconsin Program for Referee Development provides a listing of all referee clinics offered within the state. If the clinics isn't listed here, it has not been approved and graduates will not be registered with the USSF. Clinics are added each week as scheduled by the local districts and referee units. Referees are responsible for paying the appropriate clinic fee (typically $20-$30) as well as the current year USSF registration fee ($40) each year.

You must sign-up in advance for all clinics with the local contact person.

Entry Level - Level 8 - The Level 8 Entry Level training course is a 16 hour course. It is designed to provide entry level referee skills and information through classroom and field training for referee candidates. Emphasis is on preparing for youth program participation - including recreational and completive games. Field emphasis is on practice of specific procedures. Participants must be at least 12 years old prior to attending this clinic. Those who are 12-13 years old will be registered as a level 9 referee, or recreational referee, and will be limited to working games at the recreational level only. Those who are 14 years of age or older will be registered as a level 8 referee. Administration of the USSF written examination is included. Minimum passing score is 75%. Level 8 Entry Level Clinics

Level 9 to 8 Course - The Level 9 to 8 Course is designed to bridge the knowledge for referees wishing to upgrade from level 9 to level 8. The instruction from this course will provide the skills necessary for properly managing soccer matches at the youth level and higher. It is also intended as a basis for developing officials to move to higher levels of the game. Level 9 to 8 Courses

Recertification - Levels 8 & 9 - The recertification clinic is a 5 hour course. It is designed to instruct a licensed referee on any changes to the Laws of the Game and additional techniques on match management. In addition to the 5 hour course, each referee is required to take a written exam. Level 8 & 9 Recertification Clinics

Advanced Recertification - Levels 5, 6, & 7 - The advanced recertification clinic is a 5 hour course. It is designed to instruct a licensed advanced level referee on any changes to the Laws of the Game and additional techniques on match management. In addition to the 5 hour course, each referee is required to take a written exam and physical fitness test. There are only three advanced recertification clinics scheduled each year within Wisconsin. Advanced Recertification Clinics

19-hour Advanced Upgrade - The upgrade clinic is required for all referees requesting an upgrade to State Level. State Referees who have not taken this course, as well as all instructors and assessors, are also encouraged to attend. This 19-hour course is offered over a weekend (Friday night and all day on Saturday and Sunday). 19-hour Advanced Upgrade Clinics

Instructor - Instructor courses are not designed to increase your soccer knowledge; teaching methods are the primary focus - as a result, you must have been a referee for three years and pass a rules exam prior to taking a course. The Associate Instructor Course (16 hours) is the entry level course for instructors. The Instructional Theory Into Practice (ITIP) course is the 24-hour upgrade course. Instructor Clinics

Assessor - Assessor courses train existing referees to become assessors. The Associate Assessor Course (16 hours) is the entry level course for assessors. Assessor Clinics

Assignor - A recent USSF Board of Directors policy decision requires the registration of all referee assignors, effective September 1, 2001 - this course satisfies the requirement for registration with the Federation as a Referee Assignor. Assignor Clinics

Questions about referee clinics can be directed to Bill Vanasse, State Director of Referee Instruction, at sdi@wisref.org.