Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association is looking for new Grassroots referees.

Applicants must be at least 14-year-old.

The referee certification class consists of online and classroom learning so referees are able to step on soccer fields after games reboot in Eastern New York.

Classes are not taking place at the present time because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but applicants still can complete online training before the classroom sessions resume in the future.

A referee student must:

* Set up a profile on the U.S. Soccer Learning Center (https://learning.ussoccer.com/)

* Complete the Grassroots online training via Eastern New York’s State specific link to the U.S. Soccer Learning Center

* Students who are 18 and older must complete online Safesport Training. Link and code will be provided by Eastern New York

* Create a game officials profile on the game officials website

When your certification is completed after passing a rules test, a referee’s availability will be given to assignors so they will assign you games.

For more information on how to become a soccer referee, contact State Youth Referee Administrator Lee Suckle at [email protected].

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.