There is a desperate need for soccer referees across the US. The Saint Louis area is no different. If you are a parent or played soccer, think about giving back to the game by becoming a referee, here is how:
The United State Soccer Federation ( USSF) registers club referees. The USSF is the US organization which is part of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA). The USSF registration consists of going to a class and taking a test. The USSF site is where you can register for the class and test. Once you pass the test, you will be registered as a Level 8 referee and the USSF will send you back a round black patch to be worn on your uniform which can be purchased at Official Sports. Level 8 and 7 are local officials, 6 and 5 are State Referees, 4 and 3 are National Referees, and 2 and 1 are FIFA assistant referees and referees respectively. Next, find your assignor to give you games to referee. The USSF web site has a list of assignors.
The Missouri State High School Athletics Association (MSHSAA) registers high school officials in Missouri. To become a MSHSAA soccer official, you will have to pass the online web site test on the MSHSAA site. Once you have passed, they will send you a patch, and you can do games. MSHSAA has a list of assignors that will give you games to referee.
The National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) registers college soccer officials. These officials referee National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) games. The NISOA web site outlines the steps associated with becoming a member.