Frequently Asked Questions

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1. First time users click on “Register” to create your username and password, then click “Create Account”.
2. Click “Register Now!” at the top of the page and enter in your contact info, then click “Update”.
3. Click “Register Now!” again to enter your child’s information, then click “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
4. Select your child’s age group under “Developmental Academy” and click “Continue”.
5. Fill in the information on the next page and click “Continue”.
6. If you are only registering one child, click “Continue” and then “Submit Order”.
7. If you are registering more than one child, scroll to the top of the page and click “Add Participants” and follow the directions again. You will see your previous child’s registration but will still be able to add your new child too!
8. Once finished registering, click “Continue” and “Submit Order”.

Each of our programs have different practice schedules:

Developmental (In-House): Practices are once a week, and games are held on Saturdays. Specific practice days for your child's age group are determined prior to start of the season and are not released until after registration is closed. If you have questions regarding specific days and times of practice, please reach out for further asssistance.

Competitive (Travel): Practices are typically twice a week, and games are played on Sunday afternoons. Days, times, and weekly occurrences are determined by the Head Coach prior to start of the season.

Winter Training: Sessions are once a week and do not include games. Exact day and times are determined once registration is closed.

Eligibility & Age Requirements

• Must      be at least 13 years old to begin US Soccer Grassroots Referee      training.
• Youth      referees (ages 13–17) may use a parent-signed affidavit instead of FBI      fingerprint clearance.
• Referees      age 18+ must complete full background checks and SafeSport certification.

Required Clearances & Training

All referees (age 14+) are required to complete the following:

• PA      State Police Criminal Record Check
• PA      Child Abuse History Clearance
• FBI      Criminal Background Check (or affidavit for minors)
• SafeSport      Training (mandatory for ages 18+
• Annual      refresher courses are required at no charge
• Clearances      are valid for 5 years. 

For more information on obtaining your clearances, visit How to Become a Referee. 

Registration & Coursework

1. Create      an account on the US      Soccer Learning Center.
2. Register      in the PA West      Online Management System (OMS).
3. Pay      the course fee (typically around $65) and upload all clearance documents.
4. Complete      online modules and exam through the Learning Center.
5. Register      for and attend an in-person field training session.

Uniform & Equipment Requirements

• Upon      certification, referees should acquire and maintain:
• Clothing:
• Yellow      USSF-approved referee shirt
• Black      referee shorts (with pockets)
• Black      socks (with two-stripes)
• Black      shoes (cleats or turf shoes)
• Equipment:
• Whistle      (Mini Fox 40 recommended)
• Wrist/finger      lanyard
• Stopwatch
• Yellow/red      cards (this is called the card "wallet" and is not required),      flipping coin

Certification & Recertification

• Once      certified, referees receive an official USSF badge and ID number.
• Annual      recertification is required (approx. $50) and includes:
• Updated      SafeSport certification (20)
• Online      refresher modules and exam
• Updated      background clearances if expired

Advancement & Referee Pathway

• Grassroots      Referee: Eligible for youth and amateur adult matches
• Regional      Referee: Requires assessment and fitness tests

Each of our programs have different season lengths:

Development (In-House): 

• Fall - Beginning in 
• Spring -

Competitive (Travel):

• Fall - Practices begin in mid-late August. The last game of the season is typically the first week of November.
• Spring - Practices begin in late March. The last game of the season is typically mid June.