Referee Information
Interested in refereeing with NUCS? Whether you want to officiate Challenger/Recreation games or work toward State Level Grassroots certification for AA and club competition, this page has the information and links you need to get started for the Spring Challenger Season 2026.
Two ways to start refereeing
We have two referee pathways depending on the level of games you want to work.
State Level Grassroots Referee
This certification allows referees to work AA and club competition games.
- Best fit for referees who want to work higher-level competitive matches
- Register for courses through Utah State Referee Committee
- Stay informed by signing up for course reminders
IRef Certified Referee
IRef certification is for referees working Challenger and Recreation games.
- The course is available online 24/7 so you can complete it anytime
- The class itself is free when you use the NUCS coupon code
- The course takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete
- You may sign up for games before finishing the course, but please complete it before the season starts
- Anyone who takes and passes the IRef course will receive a $20.00 bonus after refereeing at least 5 games during the season
Helpful referee resources
Register for the Grassroots referee course For AA & club competition (State Level Grassroots) Get reminded about the next course Join the reminder list Sign up for Challenger games Use My Ref Schedule to view games, sign up, and manage your assignments Challenger 2 referee rules Review game-specific rules before officiating Get a Challenger referee jersey Order your official Challenger referee jersey Laws of the Game (2025/26) Official IFAB Laws of the Game referenceChallenger-specific information
For Spring Challenger Season 2026, NUCS is now using My Ref Schedule instead of SignUpGenius. This new system makes it easier to view available games, sign up for assignments, and keep track of your referee schedule.
Each game listing includes helpful details such as a field map, game pay, and a place to submit a game report if needed.
The referee portal is mobile-friendly, and app availability is expected soon.
Challenger 2 Rules
Please review the Challenger 2 referee rules before your games.
League-Specific Rules
Some NUCS league rules are different from state competitive/AA rules and from what you are taught in IRef. Be sure to review the League Info section in the referee portal or app before your games.
Season expectations
Cancellations & No-Shows
If you sign up for a game, please do your best not to cancel. Repeated cancellations, late notice, or no-shows may affect your ability to referee in the future.
Game Issues
If you have problems with a team, parents, coaches, or anything else during a match, please submit a game report afterward. If something needs immediate attention, use the red flag button in the system.
Reminders & Pay
You will receive a reminder the day before each game you are assigned to referee. NUCS may begin issuing paychecks midway through the season and again at the end, with possible direct deposit information to come.
How to take the IRef course
Follow these steps to register and begin the 2026 IRef course:
- Go to irefthegame.com
- Click Login
- Click Register
- Complete the registration process
- Click on 2026 Course
- If it says you are not registered, click the Click Here link
- Enter the coupon code IREF26NUCS to waive the $75 fee
- Click Back to Home, then click 2026 Course again to begin