Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. With its popularity, it offers ample opportunity for referees. One of the first steps to becoming a volleyball referee is looking the part. So what should you wear to referee soccer?
Typically, soccer referees wear a jersey, shorts, socks, and shoes and their gear includes a whistle, a wristwatch, red and yellow cards, and flags. The exact uniform can vary from league to league, with some requiring specific jerseys or jersey colors and some have stricter shoe requirements. For example, United States Soccer Federation requires a very specific referee uniform.
Below you’ll find a list of typical soccer referee gear and an estimated cost for everything you’ll need to get out on the field. If you purchase everything on the list including the optional items, we estimate it will cost you around $150, but this could be higher or lower depending on the exact gear you purchase. We recommend getting your apparel at Ump-Attire.com, where you can save 5% by using the code SILBO5, but you should be able to find similar gear at any sports official apparel store.
Suggested Gear for Refereeing Soccer:
Apparel:
Yellow Soccer Referee Shirt ($27)
Yellow referee jerseys are often considered the standard color. Black, red, blue, and green are often used as alternates. For some leagues and levels, you’ll only need a yellow jersey, but in others, additional colors may be required. In leagues requiring multiple colors, you’ll always want to make sure you are wearing the same color as the other referees on your game.
Black Shorts ($20)
Pretty simple. Bonus if they have pockets.
Black Socks ($8)
These particular socks meet the new USSF 2-stripe design standard. In some leagues you’ll be able to get away with just all black socks.
Black Shoes ($65)
The main requirement for shoes is that they must be mostly black (a white manufacturer’s logo is allowed). From there it comes down to preference.
Equipment:
Whistle ($6)
Loud, attention-grabbing, and one of your most powerful tools.
Breakaway Lanyard ($3)
Pairs with the whistle
Linesman Flags ($10)
Standard yellow and red linesman flags for signaling on the sidelines.
Red and Yellow Cards ($4)
A yellow card for warnings and red for ejections. Hopefully you won’t have to use these much.
Wristwatch or Stop Watch ($10)
A must for keeping track of the game time.