USSF Referee Administrative Handbook

CRITERIA FOR CERTIFYING AND UPGRADING
CRITERIA ASSISTANT REFEREE
(Grade 10)
ASSOCIATE
(Grade 9)
REFEREE 2
(Grade 8)
REFEREE 1
(Grade 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
Assistant: 25
a. Game level to be counted for advancement Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable USSF games (DSC)
b. Time in present grade Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable 12 months as Referee
3. Training Course Requirements Successfully complete USSF Assistant Referee Training Course Successfully complete USSF Entry Level Training course Successfully complete USSF Entry Level Training course No additional requirements
4. Written Examination* 75% minimum score on USSF Assistant Referee Test 75% minimum score on USSF Referee Entry Level Test 75% minimum score on USSF Referee Entry Level Test 85% minimum score on USSF Referee Entry Level Test
5. Field Evaluation by currently registered USSF Assessor Not required Not required. It is recommended that each new referee be observed in one of his first 10 games Not required. It is recommended that each new referee be observed in one of his first 10 games One evaluation as referee in an U-19 or higher 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:

Registration and Upgrading: Registration, annual renewal, and requests for upgrading must be made through the appropriate State or 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 1 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 for expenses. There is no time in grade requirement to upgrade to a Referee Class 2.

*Persons failing the written examination may not take it again for at least 3 months and the entire examination must be retaken.

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