REFEREES

Programs and Certifications

Providing trained and qualified referees for youth soccer games is important for the safety and enjoyment of the game by participants and spectators. IAFC employs a two-tier referee program where referees are assigned to officiate games based on training and experience.

USSF Certified Referees

USSF Certified Referees
Officiate Recreation, Academy, Select, and National League level games up to U19 based on the referee's age, certification level (Grassroots or Regional), and experience. Certified Referees can serve in either a Center Referee or Assistant Referee (lines person) role for a game. Certified Referees are trained by instructors from the Georgia State Soccer Association under the auspices of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) in a non-COVID-19 year.

Referee Certification

Visit the online U.S. Soccer Learning center to become a USSF certified referee.

LEARN MORE →

Once certified, a referee is eligible to officiate youth games throughout the State of Georgia and other states (e.g., tournaments, other local soccer associations) based on the guidelines for being either a Grassroots or Regional referee and state/local practices.

All referees are paid for games officiated according to the pay scale below. Pay levels generally increase in accordance with the age group and level of competition.

Referees are assigned to games by the IAFC Referee Assignor based on a number of factors including: games scheduled, referee age, experience, and training/certification. Every attempt is made to best match a referee with games that fit with their schedule and capabilities.

Payscale	Center	AR
U8-U11	$26	$18
U12 Academy	$30	$18
U13-U14	$36	$27
U15-U16	$42	$34
U17	$50	$40
U18-U19	$55	$42
DPL U13-U15	$80	$50
DPL U16-U19	$90	$60

Junior Referee Mentor Program

A big welcome to all our new referees and our phenomenal existing referee team! We're excited to start up the Spring 2023 season.

Last season, we raised all of our referee pay by up to 30% and consistently provided snacks, shade and water at the Arizona fields. We recognize and appreciate the time referees give to the beautiful game and they deserve the praise. We've been working with the IAFC staff along with referee assignor, Frank Williamson, on some new initiatives for our referee program.

We're proud to announce that Felix Rowe will be joining us as Inter Atlanta's Junior Referee Mentor. The Junior Referee Mentor will be educating, assessing and helping referees for the U8-U12 age group (7v7 & 9v9). This program will benefit our club by developing smart and confident young referees. Felix has been playing at Inter since 2012, refereeing with us for over a year, and has shown professionalism, confidence and leadership.

We're eager to promote our new programs and will be implementing a Referee Mentor for U13-U19 (11v11) in the Fall.

Thank you all for your support of the club, our staff, coaches and referees!