USSF CERTIFYING AND UPGRADING INFO

 

CRITERIA
LINESMAN
ASSOCIATE
REFEREE 2
REFEREE 1
CLASS (10)
CLASS (9)
CLASS (8)
CLASS (7)

1. Minimum Age
None
None
None
17

2. Experience (minimum cumulative career outdoor games at designated level)
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Referee: 75 Linesmam: 25

a. Game level to be counted for advancement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
U. S. Soccer Federation games, College Varsity (DSC)

b. Time in present grade
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
12 months as Referee

3. Training Course Requirements
Successfully complete U.S. Soccer Federation Linesman Training Course
Successfully complete U.S. Soccer Federation Entry Level Training Course
Successfully complete U.S. Soccer Federation Entry Level Training Course
No additional requirements

4. Written Examination*
75% minimum score on United States Soccer Federation Referee Linesman Test
75% minimum score on United States Soccer Federation Referee Entry Level Test
75% minimum score on United States Soccer Federation Referee Entry Level Test
85% minimum score on United States Soccer Federation Referee Entry Level Test

5. Field Evaluation by currently registered United States Soccer Federation Assessor
Not required.
Not required. It is recommended that each new referee be observed in one on his first 10 games
Not required. It is recommended that each new referee be observed in one on his first 10 games
One evaluation as referee in an U-19 or higher level game employing the DSC

6. Physical Fitness Test
Not required
Not required
Not required
Required
 
ANNUAL RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS

In-Service Training
Five hours during the preceding 12 months
Five hours during the preceding 12 months
Five hours during the preceding 12 months
Five hours during the preceding 12 months

Refresher Test
Required
Required
Required
Required

Physical Fitness Test
Not required
Not required
Not required
Required

Notes and Comments: The criteria for certification of referees at these grades are divided into six categories: Age, Experience, Training, Written Examination, Field Evaluation, and Physical Fitness.

Registration and Upgrading. Registration, annual renewal, and requests for upgrading must be made through the appropriate State/Overseas Referee Administrator.

Upgrading. Referees must spend at least 12 months in each grade or class before making application to advance to the next grade or class. (National grade candidates must spend at least three years as a State I Referee.

Associate Grade: The Associate referee grade was designed to give official recognition and encouragement to volunteer referees for developmental youth games. Associate Referees MAY NOT be paid, nor may they accept a fee or expenses. There is no time in grade requirement to upgrade to a Referee Class 2.