Indiana Soccer FAQs
Your Questions Answered
Coaching Education
Where can I find a listing of available courses?
A list of all available courses can easily be accessed by clicking on this link: https://www.soccerindiana.org/education/coaching-courses-schedule/
Where do I start my coaching education pathway?
Where can I find Training Session Plans for the various play formats?
Indiana Soccer offers Training Sessions Plans for various play formats designed to develop a specific target play group, alternating with an attacking and defending theme each week. Click here to access the resources.
Where do I view all Coaching Education frequently asked questions?
OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Where can I find information about the Olympic Development Program?
You can find information about our program on the homepage of ODP: https://www.soccerindiana.org/odp/about-odp/
Who do I contact with questions about the Olympic Development Program:
For informational questions, please contact Indiana ODP Administrator Georgi Emenhiserr. You may reach Georgi at 317-975-2007 or by emailing her at georgi.emenhiser@soccerindiana.org . Please always include your player’s name and birth year when you send an email.
When are tryouts for the Olympic Development Program?
Tryouts for the Olympic Development Program start the first training date of the season for non-high school players. This date is usually either the last part of August or the early part of September depending on the ODP calendar. Tryouts for high school players start in late October according to the ODP training calendar (no high school player can start the program until his or her high school soccer program has ended). You may find more information at the following link: https://www.soccerindiana.org/odp/odp-try-outs/
Where do I find more ODP frequently asked questions?
TOURNAMENTS
What is the selection criterion for the Indiana State Cup?
The top ranked teams for age groups 13U-19U will be selected to participate in the Indiana State Cup. The Indiana State Cup Champions will advance to the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series Midwest Regionals. Champions from the Midwest Regional event will advance to the National Finals.
What is tournament sanctioning?
Tournament sanctioning helps to ensure a safe, fun, age-appropriate environment and is a benefit both to member clubs and to tournament participants.
ADULT SOCCER
How do we become a member of the Indiana Adult Soccer program?
Leagues can affiliate to receive the benefits offered by the association. For more information about affiliating, please contact John Mitchell at john.mitchell@soccerindiana.org
REFEREES
Who should be the first point of contact if you have issues with assignments?
Your primary assignor. This is the person with whom you will be assigned most of your games. There may be other assignors you work for, but this is the first person you should talk to regarding getting games, not getting enough games, problems occurring during games, problems with GotSoccer, etc
What are the costs involved in becoming a referee?
There is both a training class and USSF Registration fee. Total fees for a First Year Entry Level Referee is $90.00. This would not include the cost of the Referee Uniform. The Referee Uniform would be the Referee’s expense.
Why am I NOT State approved in GotSoccer?
You will not be in the USSF system for at least 30 days following the completion of the training class you attend. You will not be getting assignments through Got Soccer for at least 30 days following the date of your training class.
Do I need to Re-Certify each year?
Yes. A 1-day recertification clinic is required for all Referees Grade 8 and higher.
Is there a minimum age to become a referee?
The USSF has no minimum age requirement. However, in Indiana you must be at least 12 years of age to obtain a work permit for youth sporting events.
Where is my patch?
Click HERE to check the status of your registration.
Can I get a refund for my training class registration fee?
NO REFUNDS! We are not able to offer refunds once the registration fees have been paid. This is stated clearly on this website as well as on the Game Officials website when you register for the class.
For New Referees, what is the minimum age to become a referee?
Anyone over the age of 12 years old may sign up to take the course to become a referee.
What are the uniform requirements?
Now that you’ve passed the test and have registered with USSF it’s time to go out and buy your first uniform. The basic uniform for referees is a yellow shirt, black referee shorts, black socks and shoes. Though there are several places to buy uniforms, USSF is officially sponsored by Official Sports Inc., (view website) or print this flyer for a discount package on an Indiana Starter Kit. Your starter kit should include just about everything you need to work your matches. For completeness here is a short list: Uniform (Referee jersey and black shorts), watch with a timer, whistle, a pad of paper to keep score, a flipping coin, red and yellow cards and a set of flags.
How do I get games?
Now that you’ve passed the test, bought your uniform and all the equipment, you’ll need to talk to a licensed USSF assignor who will schedule your games. Not sure who your local assignor is – not to worry. Your training class instructor will give you the name and telephone number of the referee assignors in your area. Once you become a referee, you can always ask current licensed referees for help in contacting licensed referee assignors in your area.
What Does My First Year Of Officiating Look Like
Now that you have been on the field as a referee, gained valuable experience, learned how to blow the whistle properly, understand the importance of good positioning, communication, and applying the laws, now what? Every year you will be required to follow a recertification process to keep your referee registration.
How Do I Advance My Officiating Career?
So you’ve been doing recreational games and are ready for more challenging games. How do you get these games? Again you’ll have to work with your local assignor who will get a hold of your local assessor. The assessor will come to the field and evaluate your game and give you pointers on how to improve your game. The assessor is there to help you and take their feedback as constructive criticism. View the assessment information on this website for full details on what you need to do.