1. Upgrade your Referee License
Online Training Script:
Welcome to U.S. Soccer’s online training for the Grade 8 Referee Course.
Training for this course is specific to preparing officials for the competitive youth game.
This presentation focuses on Law 1 – The Field of Play.
U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Referee License Progression

2. Referee License Progression
Advancing (upgrading) your referee license takes some time but will improve your ability to manage games and in some league pays you more money.
There are five (5) elements you must satisfy to upgrade your referee license:
Letter to the SRA requesting to begin the process & pay $20 admin fee
Game Experience Log
Assessments
Fitness Test
Written Exam
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

3. Referee License Progression
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) defines referee levels with the term “Grade”. Below is a chart which defines each grade and the guidelines for assignment.
USSF Grade
Minimum Age
Assignment Level
9 – Recreational Referee
None
Referee on recreational youth games U-14 and younger
only and assistant referee on any game U-14 or below
8 – Referee (Class II)
All youth games, assistant referee in comparable games
7 – Referee (Class I) 17
All youth games and mixed leagues, assistant referee in all adult
games below the top division
6 – State Referee (Class II) 18
All youth games and adult amateur games through second division and assistant referee in the top adult division and Amateur Cup game
5 – State Referee (Class I) 19
All youth games and adult games including first division and assistant referee in professional league and international cup games
4 – National Referee 23
All games except formal FIFA international matches; assistant referee for international matches
3 – Professional Referee
All games except formal FIFA international matches By invitation of U.S. Soccer
2 – FIFA Assistant Referee 25
All games
1 – FIFA Referee
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

4. Referee License Progression
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) defines referee levels with the term “Grade”. Below is a chart which defines each grade and the guidelines for assignment.
USSF Grade
Experience needed to attain this referee level
Game level to be counted for advancement 9
None (can begin at this level)
All USSF affiliated games 8 7
Referee: 75 games Assistant Referee: 25 games 6
Referee: 100 games Assistant Referee: 25 games
U-18 USSF affiliated games or higher 5
Referee: 150 games Assistant Referee: 50 games
Of the 150 games a minimum of 50 must be on USSF Adult Division 1 league games or higher
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

5. Letter to the SRA
“One of my goals as SRA is to make upgrading a referee license a seamless and smooth process” – Chad Collins (SRA Kentucky)
Your correspondence to the SRA must only include three things:
- Who you are (name & current grade)
- That you have satisfied the experience requirement(s) to advance
Your request to begin the assessment process
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Chad Collins (SRA)

6. Game Experience Log
The experience log needs to be sent electronically to two people: - District Referee Administrator (DRA) – for verification
- State Referee Administrator (SRA)
The log needs to include the following information:
Game Information (date, time, location, level of competition/age group, team gender and team names)
Your Position (whether you were the Referee, AR1, AR2 or 4th)
Referee Information (the names of the other referees on the game)
Assignor Information (who assigned you the game)
If you are upgrading from grade 9 to 8, you do not have to complete this process. You can simply attend a Bridge Course or Grade 8 Entry Level Course.
If you are upgrading from 8 to 7 and have been refereeing for at least 5 years, you can petition the KSRA referee committee to exempt you from this requirement. (Letters from assignors you have worked for may be requested)
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

7. Referee Requirement (s) Assistant Referee Requirement
Assessments
Once given authorization by the SRA to begin the assessment process, you will need to contact the Director of Assessment to schedule your observations.
Each grade has its own requirements which are listed here:
Upgrading to Grade
Referee Requirement (s)
Assistant Referee Requirement 7
(1) U18 or higher game 6
(1) U18 or higher game (1) Adult or higher game 5
(1) Adult or higher game (1) Adult Div. 1 or higher game
(1) Adult Div. 1 or higher game
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Bob Snook (SDA)

8. Assessments
You will receive a form from the SDA via which will track your progress. As soon as you receive a qualifying game assignment from an assignor, contact the SDA so that he can schedule an assessor. Two weeks notice is preferred.
Assessors look for specific qualities in each referee grade. The details as set forth by US Soccer follows on the next several slides.
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Bob Snook (SDA)

9. Performance Expectations Grade 8: Entry Level Referee
The following is a list of “Performance Expectations” for referees based upon grade level.
Grade 8: Entry Level Referee
The referee is expected to demonstrate the following skills:
• Has an elementary knowledge of the game.
• Recognizes obvious fouls and misconduct but may not recognize subtle fouls, such as persistent infringement and tactical fouls.
• Keeps his assistant referees (AR’s) in view while running the diagonal system of control but often has a diagonal that is rigid and rarely does the referee go wide or deep into the corners or enter the penalty area when the game demands it. Does not recognize the need for a flexible diagonal.
• Has basic fitness but often runs at a constant pace or walks and doesn’t demonstrate sprinting to recover from deep positions, when required. • Gives a basic pre-game briefing which usually focuses on mechanics and signals for proper communication.
• Main focus is on fouls and lacks the personality to manage players when the game demands it.
• The referee is in proper uniform and gives a good first impression upon arriving at the pitch.
• Applies the Laws of the Game as written with little or no understanding of the Spirit of the Game.
• Deals with violent conduct and serious foul play for game control but lacks the experience to always recognize when they occur.
• Generally ignores coaches and doesn’t have the courage or understanding to ensure they behave and are not abusive.
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

10. Performance Expectations
Grade 7: Referee – Intermediate level
Referee is expected to demonstrate the following skills in addition to those found in a Grade 8:
• Demonstrates fitness to run a flexible diagonal for the entire game and always keep the AR in view.
• Has a work rate that varies from a jog, to light sprint, to a full out sprint when the game demands it.
• Has a firm grasp of the Laws of the Game and understands when to invoke the Spirit of the Game vs. the Letter of the Law while managing the game and the players.
• Demonstrates some personality in managing players and uses some preventative mechanics to avoid problems during the match.
• Demonstrates self confidence in decisions and is willing to be approached by players who have questions.
• Demonstrates a strong presence with the use of the whistle, appearance, and body English.
• Demonstrates the proper use of advantage.
• Demonstrates foul recognition and foul discrimination.
• Makes good use of cards for game control and demonstrates good card mechanics.
• Makes effective use of assistance given by AR’s on offside, and misconduct.
• Often ignores dissent rather than deal with it.
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

11. Performance Expectations
Grade 6: Referee – Adult Level Games
Referee demonstrates all the previous grade skills plus the addition of higher level skills in managing the game and players:
• Demonstrates an understanding of subtle and tactical fouls.
• Demonstrates a high level of fitness and dynamic positioning to ensure a proper view of challenges.
• Demonstrates proper mechanics and positioning for static restarts.
• Uses personality to help defuse flash points and to manage players.
• Demonstrated consistency in fouls recognition, foul discrimination and use of cards.
• Demonstrates the ability to read play and anticipate rather than react to game situations.
• Demonstrates good eye contact with AR’s on all dead ball situations and makes good use of their assistance on offside decisions and fouls, as appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the Laws of the Game, proper mechanics and procedures, knowledge of recent memoranda, and proper restarts for all situations. Is beginning to develop a solid and thorough understanding of the most recent teachings and directives from U.S. Soccer.
• Demonstrates some preventive refereeing skills.
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

12. Performance Expectations Grade 5: Referee – Advanced Level Adult Games
Referee demonstrates all the requirements for the lower grade levels as well as:
• Capable of refereeing the highest level amateur games within the state and in regional and national tournaments. AR on higher level games including some professional games.
• Demonstrates pre-game planning and game preparation skills.
• Recognizes tactical play, player roles, and tactics the teams are employing to achieve their goals.
• Demonstrates good fitness and a flexible diagonal to stay close to critical play without interfering with player’s options and always having the AR in view.
• Exhibits regular good physical presence, strength of whistle, body language and presence when making/selling decisions.
• Makes use of his/her personality to manage the game with calculated risk taking, 100% enforcement of misconduct and good game control.
• Demonstrates the ability to distinguish between trifling fouls and fouls that need to be called based upon the skill level of the players.
• Recognizes fouls that are reckless and meant to injure players and issues the appropriate cards in response to those actions.
• Demonstrates the use of advantage when appropriate and allows teams to take the quick free kick when they wish to do so.
• When cards are given, always gets something in return that results in player behavior modification.
• Demonstrates management of the game techniques in recognizing gamesmanship tactics, simulations, delaying tactics, etc., which results in maximum playing time for both teams.
• Demonstrates a thorough verbal and relatively consistent application of U.S. Soccer teachings and directives on the field and during off-field discussions.
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

13. Performance Expectations
Grade 3/4: National Referees and National Candidates
Referees must perform at the highest level and are capable of refereeing high level senior amateur matches and professional matches. Referee demonstrates all the requirements of the lower level referee as well as:
• Demonstrates the use of personality to diffuse and prevent escalation of physical play.
• Demonstrates the use of personality to provide a calming influence when the game intensity is increasing.
• Demonstrate the ability to open a clear line of communications with players and coaches.
• Demonstrates the ability to set the bar for misconduct and violent conduct/serious foul play by “drawing the line in the sand” early so players and coaches know what to expect.
• Demonstrates knowledge of when the game the changes, why it changes and acts to control the changing temperature of the game.
• Demonstrates the ability to allow the game to flow, by proper selection of fouls, and distinguishing between trifling fouls and fouls that need to be called at the professional level.
• Demonstrates the proper response to 100% misconduct.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize moments of truth and takes appropriate action accordingly.
• Demonstrates the ability to have a feel for the game and to have flexibility in making sure the punishment is appropriate to the crime.
• Demonstrates the ability to use preventative techniques to eliminate/prevent misconduct and aid in game control.
• Exhibits the ability to deliver the appropriate message in a way (based on the game, the situation and the personality of the player) that results in the desired outcome.
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

14. Performance Expectations
Grade 3/4: National Referees and National Candidates (con’t.)
• Demonstrates common sense and consistency in decision making so that players and coaches feel that the decisions are fairly and equally given.
• Manages the game so that he entertainment value is maximized without disregard to game control
• Demonstrates the ability to identify and correctly deal with elbows and tackles that endanger the safety of an opponent or could injure an opponent.
• Demonstrates the ability to use personality and preventative techniques to prevent the escalation of physical play that would result in violence.
• Demonstrates a feel for the game and when to change tactics to head off escalation of physical play.
• Differentiates between fouls/misconduct that are “careless” and “reckless” versus “using excessive force” with the possibility of injuring an opponent.
• Demonstrates the proper response to dealing with bench behavior that is irresponsible or abusive, using the guidance put forth by US Soccer directives. Demonstrates the use of techniques to prevent escalation of
improper behavior within the technical area.
• Understands the requirements and expectations of professional players.
• Demonstrates full knowledge of and the ability to implement all current U.S. Soccer teachings and directives. Is up to date on all memoranda and position papers and applies them as required during the game.
• Is a leader of the officiating team both on and off the field. Takes charge.
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

15. Fitness Test
The FIFA High Intensity & Interval Tests are used by Kentucky to evaluate referee fitness. Details on these tests can be found on the Downloads page of
Most referees complete the fitness requirement as part of their annual recertification at the Advance Referee Course held in August. However, if you would like to upgrade mid-year contact the SDI so that arrangements can be made.
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Tony Crush (SDI)

16. Proposed Referee Grade
Written Exam
The written exam is offered online. Below is a chart which details the minimum passing score and the corresponding exam type for each referee grade.
Proposed Referee Grade
Test Type
Minimum Passing Score
7 – Referee (Class I)
Referee Recert Exam
85%
6 – State Referee (Class II)
State Referee Exam
75%
5 – State Referee (Class I)
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Most referees complete the written exam requirement as part of their annual recertification at the Advance Referee Course held in August. However, if you would like to upgrade mid-year contact the SDI so that arrangements can be made.
Tony Crush (SDI)

17. Application Review/Approval
Based on your success completing the aforementioned five steps, your application for upgrade will be reviewed by the SRA and the Kentucky Soccer Referee Association (KSRA) Board. Upon approval, your registration will be processed and you will be mailed a patch by the Logistics Coordinator.
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Chad Collins (SRA)
Bob Gilchrist (SLC)

18. Referee License Progression
Referee Emeritus
The purpose of the emeritus grade is to retire from the highest level the referee has
attained. It may not be used to circumvent the testing and registration procedures of U.S. Soccer.
The emeritus grade allows a National or State Referee the option of retiring from those
levels of officiating while retaining that grade and continuing to referee at a lower level.
To become an Emeritus Referee, the official must submit a personal letter of intent to the
State Referee Administrator who will initiate the appropriate paperwork. The referee must have held the grade for a minimum of three years prior to the request. (The three years do not have to be consecutive or immediately preceding the request for emeritus status – but at any time in the referee’s career.)
Active Emeritus Referees must qualify each year for the level that they will be officiating
and pay the published fees for that level. Emeritus Referees will receive an Emeritus
Referee Badge, a card, law book and all general mailings.
An Emeritus Referee may reinstate as an active referee at the level the official retired from once all the criteria for the grade has been met.
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points: