NEW Referee training is now available for 2026
Steps to become a certified referee
1) Register for (1) 4-hour in-person training session (Register below and then complete online training)
2) Complete SAY Referee online training modules
3) Complete concussion certification
4) Complete certification test
5) Complete SafeSport certification (if 18 years or older)
Must be at least 14 years old in August or entering the 9th grade or later
Cost is $25 and will be payable at the in-person training session. Cash or check will be accepted at the in-person training sessions.
NEW referees will be provided a SAY Soccer rule book, training materials, SAY Soccer referee badge, and a whistle.
Further details will be provided at training for other uniforms & equipment.
You may register online for a training session and then complete the online training materials prior to attending!
Step 1: In-Person Training Registration
Registration is REQUIRED, spots are limited for each session
Attendance to ONLY 1 training session is required, as this will include field training, how to apply the laws to the field, WCSA rules, and much more.
In-Person Training Dates
1) Sunday July 12th - 1:00-5:00 pm - Delhi Senior/Community Center (647 Neeb Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233)
2) Sunday July 26th - 1:00-5:00 pm - Delhi Senior/Community Center (647 Neeb Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233)
A date may get added in August if needed
Registration
CLICK HERE to for instructions on how to register for 1 in-person date and create your WCSA profile
After completing your account, go to wcsasoccer.com/current-programs and register for 1 in-person training session under the "2026 NEW Referee Registration"
Step 2: SAY Referee online training
Online training materials must be completed prior to attending an in-person training session. Follow each section in order by reviewing each powerpoint, then take the 10-15 question knowledge check in each section. The knowledge checks are NOT the test, they are just to assist with your learning on the way. These do not have to be completed in 1 sitting, but all sections must be completed prior to attending the in-person training
Section 1
Powerpoint
Section 2
Powerpoint
Knowledge Check #1
Section 3
Powerpoint
Knowledge Check #2
Section 4
Powerpoint
Knowledge Check #3
Section 5
Powerpoint
Knowledge Check #4
CLICK HERE for the SAY Soccer Rulebook (Online reference only)
Step 3: Concussion Certification
All referees must complete concussion training as required by law. This training is approximately 30 minutes and must be completed online. Training is good for 3 years and is required before officiating any games.
The FIRST APPROVED OPTION is provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations Concussion in Sports – What You Need to Know, which can be found at NFHSlearn.com. This online course will require you to click on the “order here” button to begin the training. It will ask you to complete a brief registration form prior to beginning the course, which is solely for the purpose of registering you in their data base as having successfully completed the online material. After you have completed this course, you will be given the option to print out a personalized certificate of completion (It is suggested that this certificate be printed out in pdf format, otherwise your name may not appear on this certificate).
The SECOND APPROVED OPTION is through the Center for Disease Control and their Prevention Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports Online training program, which is at https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/training/youth-sports.html. Click on the online training course button to begin your training. After successfully completing the on-line training, you will be offered an opportunity to print out a personalized “certificate of completion”. FYI – this option does not keep a record of your completing this training.
After completing either the FIRST OR SECOND APPROVED OPTION, you will need to print out your personalized “certificate of completion” and keep a copy with you at ALL games.
Save a copy in PDF format as well, as you will submit this on your WCSA website profile
Step 4: Certification Test
Link to the certification test will be available after completion of all online training material and an in-person session
Step 5: SafeSport Certification (18 & older)
WCSA staff will send instructions to those individuals that are 18 & older after registration