About Us
IL Soccer Clinics Inc is a non-for profit corporation organized in July 2021 after the IHSA informed clinicians that the IHSA would no longer be financially sponsoring clinics. Attendance at a level 2 clinic once every three years is required for soccer referees. Previously, soccer referees did not have to pay a fee to attend a clinic while some sports had charged for registration.
The $25 registration fee covers the cost of the clinics and overhead expenses. The content in these clinics is original. IHSA soccer clinicians write new presentations each year. They also capture and edit high school soccer video to keep the presentations robust and to save referees from death by Power Point. A typical four hour clinic has more than 100 unique high school videos. Since 2017, feedback from IHSA officials has overwhelmingly requested more videos at the clinics.
Behind the scenes, some clinicians spend more than 100 hours per year on a voluntary basis. In addition to producing the presentations, these clinicians draft and edit the annual level 1 and level 2 soccer exams, respond to rules inquiries from coaches and referees, and propose rules changes to the NFHS soccer advisory committee.
Going forward, a small annual surplus will be allocated towards continuing education. For example, when the Officials’ Conference reconvenes in person, IL Soccer Clinics Inc will invite outside speakers and compensate them. In recent years, two former FIFA referees have driven to Peoria and presented to the IHSA soccer referees at the Officials’ Conference– free of charge. To attract, to retain, and to expand, funds are needed. Thank you for understanding. And thank you to the IHSA soccer referees for giving so much time to the students who play soccer in Illinois.