Class is full. Submit your name for the waiting list.
2008: February 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3
Six consecutive Thursday evenings
USSF Level 8 Referee Certification Course
Belmont, CA

The San Andreas Referee Association invites you to become a USSF Level 8 referee. SARA has scheduled classes and on-field training sessions so you can learn to apply the Laws of the Game (LOTG), get up to speed quickly, and start enjoying the game from inside the field.

All referees assigned by SARA are certified by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). A USSF Level 8 referee is permitted to run centers as well as lines. Successfully completing 18-hour of instruction is necessary to become a Level 8 USSF referee.  Although there is an end-of-program certification test on the material covered during the instruction, there are no physical fitness requirements. Annual renewal is required, but the process consists only of sending in the renewal form and paying the annual membership fee. Continuing education, retesting, recertification, and physical fitness tests are not required for level 8 renewal.

Dates: February 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27, and April 3 (All 6 classes are usually required. Discuss exceptions with the course instructor at the first meeting.)

Times: 6:30-10:00 p.m. (Some sessions may end sooner.)

Location: Belmont Sports Complex; Belmont    [Directions]  

Cost: $75 covers your instruction, course booklet, a referee's complete uniform (jersey, shorts, socks), whistle, and card set, association dues for one year in the San Andreas Referee Association, and a SARA badge for displaying your colors at unaffiliated games. An additional fee of $25 for your USSF membership, USSF badge, and insurance will be collected after you successfully complete the course. (USSF referees assigned by SARA can generally expect to earn back the entire cost of becoming certified in 3-4 games.)

Registration: Online by clicking here. (Once you have registered, select the program Type as "Adult", and then select the radio button for the "Spring 2008 Referee Course".)

Refunds: Full refund before the first class. After the course has begun, no refund.

Class Limit: The course is limited to approximately 30 participants. First priority will be given to SAYSO coaches, players, and families. However, participants from other cities, clubs, leagues, and districts are always welcome.

Minimum Age: There is no minimum age prescribed by USSF. Referees are required by most leagues to be at least two years older than the age group of the game they are officiating.

Bring: You will need: pencil and notebook. A checkbook will be needed at the last course to pay the USSF registration fee. Bring your bag dinner.

How to Register: Two ways:

1. (Preferred Method) Do it online and pay by credit card: Click here. (You'll have to establish an account. After, select the program Type as "Adult", and then select the radio button for the "Spring 2008 Referee Course".) Registration assistance is available from Sonja Anderson, sanderson@sayso.org, 650-593-5161, ext. 121.)

2. Send your name, desired jersey color*, uniform sizes (specify 2 sizes, YS, YM, YL, AS, AM, AL, AXL, or AXXL, one for the shorts and one for the jersey), address, telephone number, email address, and $75 registration fee to

San Andreas Referee Association
1250 Fifth Avenue, Suite 123
Belmont, CA 94002

*Shorts and socks are black. Your jersey will be standard yellow unless you specify a different color - black, red, or blue.