Soccer
Soccer Officiating Foundations
Read the match, protect players, restart with confidence.
Aligned with NFHS Soccer Rules. Always confirm current-year rules and state association adaptations; youth leagues may use different rules.
Individual enrollment
$50
One-time, full course access
Course outline
Your Role and Pregame Preparation
- 20 min
The Referee's Role and Professional Equipment
Understand impartial authority and the limits of the assignment. Prepare the uniform and equipment needed to serve a school match.
- 20 min
Pregame, Crew Systems, and Basic Whistle Work
Coordinate the authorized officiating system and complete required checks. Practice purposeful whistles and clear restart preparation.
Playing Area, Equipment, and Game Basics
- 20 min
Field, Goals, Ball, and Player Equipment
Inspect the playing environment and recognize equipment concerns. Apply whole-ball boundary principles accurately.
- 20 min
Time, Scoring, Kickoffs, and Substitutions
Learn school-soccer timing and scoring fundamentals. Administer substitutions using NFHS opportunities rather than another rules code.
Core Rules: Recognizing Infractions
- 20 min
Fouls, Contact, and Handling
Distinguish fair challenges from penalized actions. Evaluate handling using the current rule rather than calling every arm contact.
- 20 min
Offside and Goalkeeper Restrictions
Separate offside position from an offside offense. Learn goalkeeper handling limits without importing another code's timing rule.
Core Rules: Applying Decisions
- 20 min
Free Kicks and Penalty Kicks
Choose the correct free-kick type and location. Administer penalty kicks with clear positioning and follow-through.
- 20 min
Throw-ins, Goal Kicks, Corners, and Dropped Balls
Select boundary restarts from the last touch and exit location. Learn when the ball becomes live and avoid outdated penalty-area exit requirements.
Positioning, Signals, and Crew Communication
- 20 min
Positioning, Offside Lines, and Transition
Use angles and teamwork to see both challenges and developing play. Practice the movement required by your assigned system.
- 20 min
Signals, Advantage, and Crew Communication
Communicate decisions without unnecessary drama. Apply advantage thoughtfully and share factual information through approved mechanics.
Game Management, Safety, and Reporting
- 20 min
Game Management, Misconduct, and Sidelines
Use calm preventive communication and proportionate enforcement. Manage team areas and involve the host when spectator conduct becomes unsafe.
- 20 min
Concussion, Weather, and Incident Reporting
Recognize situations requiring immediate safety action. Follow emergency, suspension, and reporting procedures without guessing about medical clearance.
Final Review and Certification
- 30 min
Final Review & Certification Exam
Review the complete decision process and complete a twelve-question course assessment. Course completion does not replace registration, screening, testing, or licensing required by your state association.