New Referees

To become a new referee, you need to take an entry-level referee class. In Tennessee, two types of entry-level classes are offered. One certifies you as a grade-8 referee and the other certifies you as a grade-9 referee.

For the most part, grade-8 referees manage and conduct youth-level matches at a competitive level (Divisions 1, 2, and 3 . . . including 'select' matches). The grade-8 entry-level class takes about 15 hours.

Grade-9 referees (sometimes referred to as 'recreational' referees) are trained to manage and conduct U14-and-younger matches within recreational leagues. The grade-9 entry-level class is about 8 hours; this class is not offered everywhere in Tennessee.

Grade-8 referees can referee recreational games, but grade-9 referees are not supposed to referee competitive games. For every grade-9 referee in Tennessee there are about a dozen grade-8 referees.

To register for an entry-level class, click Approved Classes (top menu bar) and follow the online instructions.

For detailed instructions, click here.

If you need assistance, please contact Peggy Gruzalski.