The official uniform of US Soccer Referees is provided by Official Sports International, though there are similar styles available from other sites, such as Referee Store or Winners Sportswear.
The first color a grassroots referee should buy is yellow. After a few games, green should be purchased, as that is the most used secondary color in our area.
Though they cost a little extra, one recommendation is to purchase the "pro" or "elite" versions. The extra velcro closures help ensure nothing falls from your pockets as you run.
What You Need to Have
An approved U.S. Soccer referee uniform.
• Referee jersey (if worn, undershirts should be black)
• Solid black referee shorts or black shorts with the U.S. Soccer Referee logo on the leg.
• Black socks with the U.S. Soccer logo at the top. Socks should always be pulled up to your knees.
• Solid black shoes – a brand logo is OK, preferably only white, but no other colors or decorations – you will
be spending a lot of time in your referee shoes so make sure they are very comfortable (and keep them
cleaned as much as possible).
• Your current year U.S. Soccer badge on the left shirt pocket of your jersey.
• A watch with stopwatch functions – two watches are preferred, one for starting and stopping and
one for keeping a running time in case you forget to start or restart the first one
• Pens/pencils
• Notebook
• Red and yellow cards
• Tossing coins
• Whistles – always have an extra in your bag
A referee bag that should contain the following:
• Your current U.S. Soccer Grassroots Referee License certificate for tournaments. You will get a new License certificate each year. Your USSF ID number is attached to your Learning Center Profile page.
• Flags for the Assistant Referees or Club Linesmen (if you are working alone)
• Cold weather gear when the time of year makes it necessary
• Street shoes and dry socks
• A large plastic trash bag (to put your ref bag inside in case of rain)
• Sunscreen
• Snacks (energy bars are great!) if you are going to be doing more than one game
• Rubber bands or baggies to hold and separate player/coach cards for each team
• Water – referees are also athletes, and proper hydration is important for performance