2025 US Soccer Referee Recert Quiz

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2025 Referee Recert Quiz

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2025 Referee Recert Quiz

This is the U.S. Soccer Referee Program Quiz for 2025.

It is based on the Online Grassroots Referee Licensing Course, and it includes questions from IFAB’s Laws of the Game. The RE-certification quiz is for all referees renewing their Referee license from July 2, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Please Provide Your Full Name, Date of Birth and email.

Referee Association *

1) Which of the following best describes a Grassroots team coach and their staff of assistant coaches? *

2 points

a) The coach(es) leading small-sided 7v7 youth games

b) The coach(es) leading competitive youth and adult teams

c) The coaches leading NWSL and MLS teams

d) Both a and b are correct

3) What are some items that a referee can work on to help with making clear, confident, and consistent decisions? *

2 points

a) Before the game, review 4 key moments of soccer to increase understanding of the game: winning the ball, attacking, losing the ball, and defending

b) During the game, practice reading the game to anticipate where play will go next and move to a position close enough to see without interfering with the game

c) After the game, reflect on my movement and positioning to see the action

d) All of the above are correct

5) Welcome back to U.S. Soccer Grassroots refereeing! Which of the following exists to offer support and opportunities for your training and development as a Grassroots referee? *

2 points

a) U.S. Soccer member association’s State Referee Committee or U.S. Soccer affiliate member(s)

b) U.S. Soccer certified/licensed Referee Mentor

c) Both of the above are correct

7) The performing environment of the Grassroots referee includes the following *

2 points

a) Grassroots games (youth and adult) in small-sided, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 competitions

b) Professional stadiums

c) Professional players and coaches

9) Players, coaches, and spectators must: *

2 points

a) Cheer for their team and yell at the referee team

b) Respect each other, the referee team, and the referee team’s decisions

c) Blow whistles that interfere with the game

11) I do not feel I was assigned many games in my first season. I should: *

2 points

a) Communicate with my assignor(s) to let them know that your goal is to increase the number of games in the current season without sustaining an injury for working too many

b) Demand 2-3 games per day regardless or decline when I only get one game

c) Decline more games until I get what I want

13) My goal this season is to increase understanding of the "four moments of soccer" in order to anticipate and apply moving to an optimal position to see the action without interfering. The four moments of soccer are: *

2 points

a) Attacking, defending, substitution, and water break

b) Winning the ball, attacking, losing the ball, and defending

c) Attacking, losing the ball, defending, and fouls

d) Winning the coin toss, attacking, losing the ball, and defending

15) I have completed my Online Grassroots Referee Course, and I can go back and reference the material as many times as needed to review various concepts including: *

2 points

a) More details about the offside decision with animated clips and video examples

b) Understanding the basics about two teams competing in a game: attacking, losing the ball, defending, and gaining the ball

c) The basics of a fair, careless, and reckless challenge and one using excessive force

d) All of the above are correct

17) I am more confident and comfortable making an offside decision. I understand when an offense occurs and when to raise my flag straight up to alert the referee that an attacking player on the opponent’s half of the field was: *

2 points

a) In an offside position at the moment the ball was last played/touched by a teammate

b) Involved in active play by interfering with play, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage

c) Both a and b are correct

19) In order to complete my Grassroots Referee Licensing Re-certification process, I must also complete the following: *

2 points

a) Risk management: SafeSport (If 18 years or older), up to date Background Check (if 18 years or older) and the Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environment online training

b) 18 hours of in-person lecture(s)

c) 8 hours of an on-field session experience

21) A direct free kick signal by the referee involves one arm straight up with the palm open. *

2 points

a) True

b) False

23) As a referee when I see a careless foul, my whistle is softer in volume and shorter in length compared with when I see a reckless offense. *

2 points

a) True

b) False

25. “Over my experience (1 year or more), I am more aware and understand the importance
ofmoving into a position to see a challenge for the ball between opponents by...”:
*

2 points

a) Staying in motion (walking, jogging, running, or sprinting) in a similar way as the players

b) Staying close to play, about 15 yards, while avoiding being in the way, typically using the diagonal as a reference

c) Both of the above options are correct

27) The referee kicks-off the game with a loud whistle. As an assistant referee during the game, I must position myself: *

2 points

a) Along the touchline with a defender other than the goalkeeper

b) Along the touchline of one half of the field, in line with the player attacking to goal

c) Along the touchline of one half of the field, either by the team benches or by the spectators, in line with the second to last defender

d) Along the touchline of one half of the field, either by the team benches or by the spectators, in line with the second to the last defender, or in line with the ball whichever is closer to the goal line

29) I am the assistant referee in an adult 11v11 game, and I see an offense committed by an attacker against an opponent while challenging for the ball. I should convey this information to the referee if the whistle is not blown to stop play because there is no advantage. I should: *

2 points

a) Look at where the referee is, determine if they saw the action

b) Look at where the referee is, determine if they saw the action and if their view was obstructed

c) Look at where the referee is; determine if they saw the action; if their view was obstructed, raise my flag with my left hand so long as there is no advantage, slightly wave my flag and after they stop the game, point in the direction of the restart

31) The following are true about reflection after each game EXCEPT *

2 points

a) Reflection is a way to practice lifelong learning

b) ‘What went well’ only and NOT about ‘what didn’t go well’

c) We learn from our mistakes but it is important to recognize our successes!

d) ‘What did not go well’ and ‘how’ to improve next time

33) Early in the second half, the ball crossed over the touchline for a throw-in in the assistant referee’s side. I correctly signaled a throw-in for the team wearing white shirts. The referee signaled in the opposite direction and then corrected the signal. What can we do to improve on similar situations in the next game? *

2 points

a) As the referee, remind oneself in which direction each team is attacking

b) As the referee, when the ball goes out on the assistant referee’s side and he doesn’t need my assistance, mirror my assistant referees signal

c) Both a and b are correct

35) Wow! My confidence and comfort level have increased after several games and with the help of my fellow referees. I have also started my self-reflection journal where I write brief notes on: *

2 points

a) ‘What went well’ and ‘why’

b) ‘What did not go so well’ and ‘why’

c) Determining what steps to take to help me with addressing some of the items that did not go so well such as reviewing part of the online and/or specific law

d) All of the above are correct

37) After my first game, my referee team talked about the game: what went well and what did not. Are these ALL the components for reflecting as a team? *

2 points

a) Yes! Let us now go eat

b) Not quite. Our referee team should also discuss steps to how to improve next time!

c) Also, part of reflecting together includes offering and receiving honest feedback

d) Both b and c are correct

39) I have also spent some time on my own, self-reflecting about my last game. What else can I do to help me improve in my next game(s)? *

2 points

a) Reference a portion of the Online Grassroots Referee Course to refresh on a topic such as the offside offense or the most common fouls that can occur during a game

b) Attend a referee field session(s) in my area

c) Study 2-3 laws of the game at a time related to what occurred in my game

d) All a, b, and c are correct

41) A deliberate handball by a defending player is considered a deliberate play for purposes of the
offside decision.
*

2 points

a) True

b) False

43) Any offense (not only a foul) which “interferes with or stops a promising attack” should result in *

2 points

a) Warning

b) Yellow card

c) Red card

d) None of the above

45) For a free kick by the defending team from inside their own penalty area the Laws of the Game allow for: *

2 points

a) The kicker’s team to kick while an opponent(s) is/are moving out of the penalty area

b) The ball to be in play when it is kicked and clearly moves

c) Both a and b are correct

47) All teammates of the kicker(attacking team) must remain at least ___ when three or more defending team players form a “wall”: *

2 points

a) 10 yards from the wall

b) 4.5 yards from the wall

c) 2 yards from the wall

d) 1 yard from the wall

49) A shorter time spent during subs is possible by applying the substitution procedure. This includes the referee *

2 points

a) Allowing a player being substituted to leave by the nearest point on the boundary line in most cases

b) Allowing only 5 substitutions per team in every match from grassroots to professionals

c) Allowing a maximum of 3 minutes for the player who is to be substituted to leave

51) At the taking of a direct free kick, the ball accidentally bounces off the referee and enters the goal. What decision should the referee make? *

2 points

a) The referee should allow the goal

b) The referee should disallow the goal and play is restarted with an indirect free kick

c) In such a situation, a goal can never be awarded

d) The referee drops the ball for one player of the team that last touched the ball at the position where it last touched a player, an outside agent, or a match official

53) The referee mistakenly stops the first half of a match 5 minutes short. They do not realize the error until the match has finished. What action should the referee take? *

2 points

a) The referee should report the fact to the appropriate authorities, specifying the reasons for the decision in the Referee Report and Supplemental Report

b) The referee should recommend teams play an extra 5 minutes when they play again

55) An obvious goal-scoring opportunity is denied by a player who deliberately kicks the opponent. Is this situation of kicking an opponent considered serious foul play? *

2 points

a) Yes, always

b) No, never

c) Yes, if the offence is committed using excessive force

d) Only if it prevents an obvious goal-scoring opportunity

57) A player who is off the field of play to receive medical treatment trips a player who is on the field of play. What decision does the referee make? *

2 points

a) The referee shows a red card and sends off the player. Play is restarted with an indirect free kick.

b) The referee shows a yellow card and cautions the player. Play is restarted with an indirect free kick.

c) The referee either cautions or sends off the player as appropriate. Play is restarted with either a penalty kick or a direct free kick.

d) The referee cautions the player and restarts with a dropped ball.

59) When is a player NOT penalized for being in an offside position if they receive the ball from the team-mate? *

2 points

a) As long as they are in the opponent's half of the field of play

b) Whenever they receive the ball directly from a goal kick, corner kick or throw-in

c) They are penalized in all cases

d) As long as they are interfering with play

61) Which of the following offences committed by the team in possession of the ball does not require the referee to stop play? *

2 points

a) A substitute enters the field of play without the referee's permission

b) Any infringement of Law 4 (The Players Equipment)

c) A substituted player enters the field of play without the referee's permission

d) Any infringement of Law 13 (Free Kicks)

63) An assistant referee signals that the ball has passed over the touch line. A defender inside the penalty area violently strikes an attacker after the ball leaves the field of play. What decision should the referee make? *

2 points

a) The referee should send off the offender and show the red card to the defender for violent conduct. Play is restarted with a throw-in.

b) The referee should send off the offender and show the red card to the defender for violent conduct. Play is restarted with a penalty kick.

c) The referee should caution and show the yellow card to the defender for unsporting behavior. Play is restarted with a throw-in.

d) The referee should caution and show the yellow card to the defender for unsporting behavior. Play is restarted with a penalty kick.

65) The two team captains agree to eliminate the halftime interval but one of the players insists on a halftime internal. What decision should the referee make? *

2 points

a) The referee should ignore it

b) The referee must grant a halftime interval

c) The referee should send off the player

d) The coach should substitute the player

67) A corner kick is taken, and the ball deflects off the referee and into the goal. What decision should the referee make? *

2 points

a) The referee awards a goal

b) The referee stops play and a dropped ball is awarded

c) The referee stops play and awards an indirect free kick

d) The referee stops play and has the corner kick retaken

69) Is it permissible to make a mark outside the boundary of the field of play? *

2 points

a) No

b) Yes, 10 yards from the corner arc

c) Yes, 10 yards from the corner flag post

d) None of the answers are correct

71) A player leaves the field of play to correct their footwear. Can the referee give them permission to return while the ball is in play? *

2 points

a) No

b) Yes, but only if the referee gives permission

c) Yes, but they can only re-enter the field of play from one of the touch lines

d) None of the answers are correct

73) Before the kick-off, a team-mate of the player taking the kick-off is standing in the opponents' half of the field of play. The player takes the kick-off and scores directly into the opponents' goal. The referee ... *

2 points

a) Orders the kick-off to be retaken

b) Orders the kick-off to be retaken, caution and show the yellow card to the player for unsporting behavior

c) Awards a goal to the opposing team

d) Awards a goal to the opposing team, cautions, and shows a yellow card to the player for not complying with the kick-off procedures

75) Can an assistant referee enter the field of play to help check if the defenders' wall is 10 yards from the ball? *

2 points

a) No

b) Yes, as long as the free kick is given near the touch line and the referee is aware the assistant referee is entering the field of play

c) Yes, always

d) It is at the discretion of the referee

77) The attacking team correctly takes a throw-in, and the defending goalkeeper tries to catch the ball. The goalkeeper does not touch the ball, and a team-mate of the goalkeeper punches the ball over the crossbar, stopping a promising attack. What decision does the referee make? *

2 points

a) The referee awards a penalty kick, displays a red card, and sends off the player for preventing a goal with his hand

b) The referee awards a penalty kick, displays a yellow card, and cautions the team-mate for unsporting behavior

c) The referee awards a penalty kick and warns the player

d) The referee orders the throw-in to be retaken

79) The ball accidentally touches the attacker's hand or arm and goes to a team-mate that scores a goal directly into the opponent's goal. The referee's decision is. *

2 points

a) Allow the goal to stand

b) Below the whistle for a handball offence

c) Award a penalty kick

d) Award a drop ball

81) During the game, another ball enters the field of play. Should the referee stop the game? *

2 points

a) No, the referee stops play only if the second ball interferes with play

b) Yes, the referee stops play immediately

c) No, the referee stops play only if one of the match officials sees the second ball

d) Yes, the referee stops play but not immediately

83) According to the correct procedure to allow a substitution, is it always necessary for a substitute to enter the field of play for the substitution to be completed? *

2 points

a) Yes

b) No, if she goes to take a corner kick or throw-in

c) No, if she goes to take a corner kick or throw-in and the referee allows it

d) None of the answers are correct

85) Accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or creating a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offence. *

2 points

a) True

b) False

87) The lines on the field of play must be the same width, which must not be wider than ___ inches. *

2 points

a) 2 inches

b) 3 inches

c) 4 inches

d) 5 inches

89) At the taking of a throw-in, an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower (including move closer than 2 yards to the place where the throw-in is taken). What is the correct decision? *

2 points

a) They are cautioned and shown the yellow card for unsporting behavior

b) A free kick is awarded to the attacking team

c) They are sent-off and shown the red card for violent conduct

d) No action is required by the referee

91) Which of the following statements IS NOT true regarding the procedure of the taking of a corner kick? *

2 points

a) The corner flag post must not be moved

b) The ball is in play when it is kicked and leaves the corner arc

c) The kicker must NOT play the ball again until it has touched another player

d) The ball must be kicked by a player of the attacking team

93) If an opposing player did not have time to leave the penalty area at the taking of a goal kick, can the player play, touch, or challenge for the ball? *

2 points

a) Yes, the referee can allow play to continue

b) No, if an opponent plays, touches or challenges for the ball, the goal kick is retaken

95) Applying 'advantage' means ... *

2 points

a) Allows play to continue when an offense occurs, and the non-offending team will benefit from the 'advantage' and penalizes the offense if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at the time or within a few seconds

b) The player who commits the offense benefits from the action

c) Play continues if the team the offense was committed against remains in possession of the ball

d) None of the answers are correct

97) Which of the following instances is NOT an example of allowance made for lost time? *

2 points

a) Assessment of injured players

b) Time wasting

c) When the ball goes out of play in any normal situation in the game

d) Substitutions

99) An attacker in an offside position at the moment of the touch by a teammate receives the ball from a deflection by a defender. Is this an offside offense? *

2 points

a) Yes, the attacker is involved in active play by interfering with play

b) Yes, the attacker is involved in active play by interfering with an opponent

c) Yes, the attacker is involved in active play by gaining an advantage by playing the ball

d) No, not an offside offense

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