1. How to Register as a USSF Referee (Required Before Joining PYSA)
The First Time Referee Course is an introductory course for aspiring referees ages 13 and older. Students who pass the course will be eligible to officiate a variety of recreational and competitive matches for both the youth and adult games as either a referee or assistant referee depending upon age and experience.
Register | Cost: $99, plus $25 background check fee for those over 18
US Soccer requires that those who register MUST be 13+ at the time of registration. There are no exceptions to this requirement. 2026 Referee Registration Period US Soccer opens the 2026 registration year on July 1, 2025. Your 2026 referee license will be valid from the time you complete ALL the requirements below through Dec 31, 2026.
There are TWO components for the First-Time Referees Course & Students Must Complete Both to be Certified
Part 1:
After registering for the course in the US Soccer Learning Center, you will have immediate access to the online portion of the course. The online coursework consists of modules, videos, quizzes, and updates to the Laws of the Game. You can start and stop the online modules as you need to, your work will be saved.
- Online Referee Course Modules – 4.5 hr.
- First-Time Referee Quiz - 45 mins.
- Laws of the Game Update – 20 mins.
- SafeSport (if 18 years or older) - 1 hr.
- Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments – 1 hr.
Part 2:
All referees are required to attend an IN PERSON Field Training Session. The field training will take approximately 3 hours and there is no additional cost. Once registered and certified, your USSF badge is mailed to you; it must show the correct year for assignments.
2. How to Register in RefTown
RefTown is the referee roster/payment/assignment system used by many Oregon leagues, including PYSA.
Visit www.RefTown.com
Create an account or log in.
Search for your association:
Request to join PYSA as a referee through your RefTown profile.
Ensure your USSF certification year is current (e.g., 2026) — otherwise you won’t get assignments.
3. How to Find PYSA in RefTown After Registering
After logging into RefTown, go to the organization search or your profile settings.
Filter by State: OR and find PYSA (Portland Youth Soccer Association).
Click “Request to Work For” or similar option.
Wait for approval from PYSA’s assignor/referee coordinator — approval enables game assignments.
4. Spring & Fall Season Dates
Spring 2026 (Recreational)
April 4, 2026 - First Game of the Season
May 16, 2026 - Last Game of the Season
Potential Play Dates - April 4, 11, 18, 25 & May 2, 9, 16
New Referee Training Dates - March 21, 22, 28, 29 at Buckman Field & Portland Christian HS
Fall 2026 (Recreational)
- September 5, 2026 - First Game of the Season
- October 24, 2026 - Last Game of the Season
- Potential Play Dates - Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24
- PYSA Fall Shootout Tournament: November 7th & November 14th, 2026
- New Referee Training Dates - TBD at Buckman Field & Portland Christian HS
5. Pay Per Game
Payroll is through RefTown via direct deposit and is submitted every two weeks.
Youth Rec Game Fees (per match):
6. Independent Contractor / Flexible Schedule
Youth soccer referees in the U.S. are independent contractors, not employees. This means:
7. General Location of PYSA Fields (Portland Area)
PYSA games are generally played on fields in and around Portland, Oregon — including:
- Inner SE, NE, Outer SE, North, Westside, Parkrose
Field locations vary by club and schedule — check weekly schedules once they’re posted.
8. PYSA Email Contacts for Questions
General PYSA Questions: [email protected]
Referee Specific Questions: assignor@portlandyouthsoccer.com