WARREN — A course being offered next month in Warren will provide certification to become a United States Soccer Federation referee, providing the opportunity to referee contests played under USSF rules. 

The course is being offered March 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The PITCH in Warren.  

The course will cover the rules of the game, the mechanics of how to referee, the equipment you will need and how to get your assignments. This course will be a grassroots course, the starting level, and will cost $115.

The season for club (USSF) soccer is mainly in the spring and fall, and games are played locally. You are paid for the games you do; amount depends on age group and your place in the refereeing team.

There will be opportunities, as referees become more experienced, to go up in level and to do more challenging games further afield. Note that certification requirements differ for officiating high school and collegiate contests.

Registration can be completed at mainerefs.gameofficials.net. Once on the page, follow the link to referee and then new referee classes. Learning modules will be sent once you register.

Questions can be directed to Stephen Peats at peatss126@gmail.com.