Upgrading

John Schmitz, National Referee and Assessor
When traveling to tournaments out of state/country having upgraded helps with letting the assignor know you're capable of more competitive assignments; it allows you to do more competitive matches in your state, work with more experienced referees who are also working (on a more regular basis) the more competitive matches, it also lets you see players who are more skillful (and you can even work your way up to the professional level, working matches in RFK stadium and getting some free TV time, or, as with Brian Hall this year, referee in the World Cup itself). All these things are possible with "upgrading." Upgrading also allows you to give back more to other referees, especially new ones, because the advanced training you'll receive--more classroom instruction and a greater variety of referee related topics going beyond the laws of the game to include player, coach, and referee psychology, the many aspects of the "spirit" of the game, people management techniques, etc., in addition to physical fitness tests, assessments, and interacting with a greater number of referees -- will make you better at what you do on and off the field.

Don Walthall, State Emeritus Referee and State Assessor
From my perspective, one reason for upgrading is that it puts the referee into a group that, at a minimum, will get an annual observation that should encourage him/her to improve their performance. If a referee does not upgrade, they theoretically could referee for years without getting any objective observations on their performance (notwithstanding the constant "help" we all get from the touchline). If they do not get this and do not try to improve, they could develop a number of bad habits that will be difficult to break once and if they are pointed out to them. Also referees who upgrade tend to be assigned to work with better referees which will also help improve their performance. It also requires the referee to meet minimum physical requirements that should be maintained.

George Molessa, State Referee recently upgraded from 7 to 6

- you become a better ref

- you see more...have to react to more...make more mistakes... and learn to get better

- you get to do better games...more skilled players, better competition (i.e. WAGS/NCSL U-17/U19 Div 1 teams, state cup games, tournament semi-finals and finals, etc). having said all that, some people are very happy doing recreational league games and do not want to advance. Nothing wrong with that either. Everybody just needs to try and find the level they are best at/most comfortable with

- with upgrading, you start to do higher level adult amateur leagues, which continues to build your foundation and frame of reference.

Tim Ehrsam, National Referee

Challenge - You never know how good you are until you challenge yourself to become better. The attempt to upgrade will make you a better official as you will receive more instruction/feedback from more assessors and higher level referees. If you stay at Grade 8, the only feedback you will receive is from parents who think they know more than they do!

Opportunity - As you upgrade you'll receive more opportunities to officiate at higher levels. You may be given the opportunity to travel to other parts of the state, other states, or even internationally. Want to know how it feels to step onto the pitch at RFK Stadium to officiate a match? It doesn't happen to referees who stay at Grade 8!

Variety - The higher your level, the more variety of games you'll have. As a Grade 3, I can officiate a high school match on Friday night, a U12 girls match Saturday morning, and a Professional level match Sunday afternoon. Trust me, officiating at the same level all the time, even at the professional level, does not help you grow as an official. Eventually, you get bored doing the same games and your game suffers.

Friendships - It's hard to meet other officials when you only referee one-official games! The more levels of play you officiate, the more friendships you'll form. Coaches, players, and fans will recognize and respect you and you'll all enjoy the game more. I have as much fun being with FIFA and World Cup referees like Brian Hall, Esse Baharmast, George Vergara, Sandra Hunt, and Vinnie Mauro, as I do with new Grade 8 and 7 referees looking to be mentored. Upgrading gives you the chance to make more friendships that will last a lifetime!

Esref Bilgihan, State Referee
The reason that I went for an upgrade is to do more competitive games and learn from other senior/experienced referees. I certainly benefited from refereeing with many other senior referees. I occasionally refereed games with the National referees. Those were very educational. Of course, attending the Senior Referee Clinics were also most interesting and educational for me. I met many National and International officials, learned from their experience. The Senior Clinics are also best place to listen and watch video highlights of the games officiated and commented by the National, International, and MLS referees. The other aspect of the upgrade is the assessment. Someone will be telling me (officially) how I officiated the game. Many times ARs don't pay attention to what you say during the pre-game coverage. Especially, if you are not a good/experienced referee you might be leading the ARs in a wrong direction. If an assessor doesn't tell you your mistakes, you probably will never change. If you don't do the higher level and more competitive games, your improvement will be very limited with only the yearly re-certification. In a nut shell, I recommend everyone 18 and older upgrade and do more competitive games.

D. A. Nunley, State Referee

You will make more money, because you will work better games.

You will make more money, because you will work better games as the referee and not as an assistant referee.

You will have more fun, because you will work better games.

You will have more fun, and improve your skills, because you will work with better referees.

You will develop a better and deeper understanding of the game.

You will receive training far superior to that received by the ordinary referee.

You will have more choice in the games you work.

You will be offered opportunities to travel and work prestigious games and tournaments.

You will be recognized as exceptional. In Virginia we have over 6200 registered referees. Over 96% are R-8's or lower. Slightly less than 2% are R-7's (Senior Referees). Slightly over 1% are R-6's (State Referees). Less than .05% are R-5's (Senior State Referees). And only .009% are R-4/R-3's (National or FIFA Candidate Referees).

The game today requires a higher lever of competency, not only of the players, but also of the officials.

Bob Snyder, State Referee

I was recently sent overseas on a temporary military assignment. At one point some servicemen were playing soccer and once they found out I was a Grade 7 they fell all over themselves trying to get me to referee their games. Since I didn't have my gear with me I at first turned them down. But they persisted and they provided everything: shoes, shirt, socks, shorts, and even the whistle. What a feeling!

Another thought, I always wanted to instruct referees, but instructors have to be "(1) Referee grade: achieved grade of Referee, Grade 1 (R-7)."

And, if you ever want to be an assessor of referees you must: 1. Be (or have been) at least as State 2 (R6) referee and have 10 years of soccer officiating experience.

Upgrading has fringe benefits besides better assignments in both quantity and quality, both local and out-of-area tournaments.

Minimum Age
Must be at least 19 years old

Experience (cumulative game count)

150 Games as Referee using DSC (Diagonal System of Control) USSF Affiliated

50 Games as Assistant Referee USSF Affiliated

Of the 150 games, a minimum of 50 must be on adult Division 1* league games

Games are a cumulative career total of outdoor games at designated level

All games counted for experience level must be USSF affiliated games. High school, college, and all non-USSF affiliated games can NOT be counted in the total above

For a list of top adult leagues covered by DC/NOVA click here

Time in Grade for Upgrade
You must have been a Referee Class 2 (Grade 6) for at least 12 months prior to application

Training Course Requirements

You must have 7 (seven) hours of In-Service USSF State Referee Training

You can get this kind of training by attending training sessions conducted by your local referee association, special clinics conducted by the State Referee Committee or other special training opportunities conducted by other referee organizations

In order to receive a professional match assignment for your Assistant Referee assessment, you must have attended the Pro Clinic the last time it was given prior to your Assistant Referee assessment and must have passed the physical fitness test at that clinic, thereby obtaining (or retaining) your Professional Referee I.D. Number

Training must be conducted by USSF certified Instructors

Click here for Referee Training/Recertification Classes

Written Exam
Must attain an 85 % minimum score on the USSF State Referee Exam

Field Evaluations -- (Assessments)

You must pass two field assessments as the Referee in top adult Division 1 leagues or higher level game employing the DSC (Diagonal System of Control). It is recommended that one of these assessments be conducted out of area (CVSA Premier, Richmond or VA Rush, Southside Premier, Virginia Beach, etc.)

Out of area assessments must be requested in writing or by email and pre-approved by the State Director of Assessments

You must pass one field assessment as an Assistant Referee employing the diagonal System of Control. This assessment should, if possible, be on a professional match, since officials attempting to move to Grade 5 should be aspiring to referee at the next level (W-League, PDL, USL Division 2 & 1) and will provide good experience and exposure to the upgrade candidate

One-man games do not count

Both Assistant Referees must be current year USSF registered and assigned to the game. Sorry, Club Linesmen do not count

For a list of top adult leagues covered by DC/NOVA click here

Physical Fitness Test

Minimum Age

Must be at least 18 years old

Experience (cumulative game count)

100 Games as Referee using DSC (Diagonal System of Control) USSF Affiliated

25 Games as Assistant Referee USSF Affiliated

Games are a cumulative career total of outdoor games at the U-19* Competitive leagues or higher level.

All games counted for experience level must be USSF affiliated games. High school, college, and all non-USSF affiliated games can NOT be counted in the total above.

While some assessments may require a higher level of competition, minimum age level for formal assessments will be U17.

Time in Grade for Upgrade

You must have been a Referee Class 1 (Grade 7) for at least 12 months prior to application.

Training Course Requirements

You must have 19 (nineteen) hours of USSF State Referee Training

You can get this kind of training by attending training sessions conducted by your local referee association, special clinics conducted by the State Referee Committee or other special training opportunities conducted by other referee organizations.

Training must be conducted by USSF certified Instructors

Click here for Referee Training/Recertification Classes

Written Exam

Must attain an 75 % minimum score on the USSF State Referee Exam

Field Evaluations -- (Assessments)

You must pass two field assessments as the Referee and one as assistant referee. (1) Of the 2 field assessments as a referee, at least one must be on an adult senior amateur match. The other match may be on a Youth U19* level of competition. (2) The field evaluation as an assistant referee must be on an adult senior amateur match or on a youth match at the U19* Youth Regional level or higher.

One-man games do not count.

Both Assistant Referees must be current year USSF registered and assigned to the game. Sorry, Club Linesmen do not count.

While some assessments may require a higher level of competition, minimum age level for formal assessments will be U17.

Physical Fitness Test

Assessment Coordinators

Virginia North
Chuck Watts

Virginia Central
Bob Martin
804-745-4361
Alternate: Larry Edwards
804-273-0886 BEFORE 9:00 P.M.

Virginia South
Martin Hooker
757-484-0243

Virginia West
Samson Yakubu
214-676-2933

Minimum Age

Must be at least 17 years old

Experience (cumulative game count)

75 Games as Referee using DSC (Diagonal System of Control) USSF Affiliated

25 Games as Assistant Referee USSF Affiliated

Games are a cumulative career total of outdoor games at designated level

All games counted for experience level must be USSF affiliated games. High school, college, and all non-USSF affiliated games can NOT be counted in the total above.

Time in Grade for Upgrade

You must have been a Referee Class 2 (Grade 8) for at least 12 months.

Training Course Requirements

You must have 5 (five) hours of USSF Intermediate Level Training during the preceding 12 months.

You can get this kind of training by attending training sessions conducted by your local referee association, special clinics conducted by the State Referee Committee or other special training opportunities conducted by other referee organizations.

Training must be conducted by USSF certified Instructors

You must attend the 7 Upgrade clinic.

Click here for Referee Training/Recertification Classes

Written Exam

Must attain an 85 % minimum score on the USSF Referee Exam

Field Evaluation -- (Assessment)

You must pass one evaluation as the Referee in an Under-19* or higher level game employing the DSC (Diagonal System of Control)

One-man games do not count.

Both Assistant Referees must be current year USSF registered and assigned to the game. Sorry, Club Linesmen do not count.

While some assessments may require a higher level of competition, minimum age level for formal assessments will be U17.

Physical Fitness Test

There is no physical fitness test required to upgrade to Grade 7.

Preparing for your first assessment

Your responsibilities.

Work with your assignor to ensure you have ARs assigned to the match. Make sure they are registered with USSF for the current year .

Contact your ARs. They need to know about the assessment. Nobody likes surprises.

Do your homework. Find out what you can about the competition and the teams.

Check your kit and make sure you have everything. Look sharp!

Arrive at the venue early. One hour is not out of the question. Check the field, relax, do a thorough pre-game and relax. And, don't forget, relax.

Relax, do "your" game, and have fun. The assessor is there to help you improve your game.

Be receptive to the assessor's comments. Feedback for improvement is the name of the game.

Assessment coordination.

The assessor should contact you before the match to confirm the arrangements. If the assessor has not contacted you by the day before the match, you should contact the area coordinator to confirm.

Try to get the assessor's home or cell phone number in case the game is cancelled or changed at the last minute. You should inform the assessor of any changes.

Payment for the assessment is due to the State Referee Program - not the assessor. The fee for the assessment is $45.00 or the game fee, whichever is higher.

Be receptive to the assessor's comments. Feedback for improvement is the name of the game.

Assessment Coordinators

Virginia North
Chuck Watts

Virginia Central
Bob Martin
804-745-4361
Alternate: Larry Edwards
804-273-0886 BEFORE 9:00 P.M.

Virginia South
Martin Hooker
757-484-0243

Virginia West
Samson Yakubu
214-676-2933

Assessment Coordinators

Virginia North
Chuck Watts

Virginia Central
Bob Martin
804-745-4361
Alternate: Larry Edwards
804-273-0886 BEFORE 9:00 P.M.

Virginia South
Martin Hooker
757-484-0243

Virginia West
Samson Yakubu
214-676-2933

If you are considering an upgrade to National Referee please go to VADC Soccer Ref and check out the Policy Manual at the Downloads Area. Here you will find all you need to know and more.

How many referees are in Virginia?

Grade 8 - Referee Class 2, First level of Certification [need info]
Grade 7 - Referee Class 1, First level after upgrade [need info]
Grade 6 - State Referee 2 [need info]
Grade 5 - State Referee 1 [need info]
Grade 4 - National Referee [need info]
Grade 3 - National Referee International Panel Candidate [need info]
Grade 2 - International Panel (FIFA) [need info]
Grade 1 - International Panel (FIFA) [need info]

What is the Assessor's Purpose?

POLICY 302—FOCUS OF ASSESSMENTS
Taken from the POLICY MANUAL OF THE STATE REFEREE PROGRAM OF METROPOLITAN DC–VIRGINIA SOCCER ASSOCIATION, INC. AND VIRGINIA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION, INC. REVISED May 7, 2002

Assessors perform assessments within the State Referee Program (SRP) to assist referees at all levels of the game to improve and sharpen their officiating skills. The assessment program is one of several elements of the SRP to help improve the quality of support it is able to provide to our customers, the youth and amateur soccer programs in the state.

Assessors should approach each match as an objective observer of the officiating team’s performance in executing their duties and responsibilities. An assessor translates his or her observations into constructive feedback to reinforce areas of high proficiency and to identify areas of weakness with suggested changes that will help the officials improve and sharpen their officiating skills.

At the same time, the assessor is serving the SRP by providing feedback on the referee’s ability to effectively officiate at the level of competition consistent with his referee grade (or requested upgrade). Objective, honest observation of the official’s performance will allow the assessor to meet both feedback requirements.

An assessor approaches each assessment with these priorities in mind: Reinforce good practices, identify potential problem areas and recommend solutions, and make a factual report of the official’s abilities to the SRP. The guiding principle for all assessments in the state should be the same: Help the official become a better referee.

What kind of match counts?

POLICY 301—FIELD EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS
Taken from the POLICY MANUAL OF THE STATE REFEREE PROGRAM OF METROPOLITAN DC–VIRGINIA SOCCER ASSOCIATION, INC. AND VIRGINIA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION, INC. REVISED May 7, 2002
Formal assessments will only be performed on matches scheduled for 2 full 45-minute halves. (Tournament games, regardless of level, do not count if halves are less than 45 minutes.)
Both teams must be currently registered with USSF.
Minimum age level for formal assessments will be U17 (some assessments may/will require a higher level of competition).

What are Minimum Match Requirements?

POLICY 201—MINIMUM MATCH REQUIREMENTS
Taken from the POLICY MANUAL OF THE STATE REFEREE PROGRAM OF METROPOLITAN DC–VIRGINIA SOCCER ASSOCIATION, INC. AND VIRGINIA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION, INC. REVISED May 7, 2002

Can I get two assessments in one day?

POLICY 301—FIELD EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS
Taken from the POLICY MANUAL OF THE STATE REFEREE PROGRAM OF METROPOLITAN DC–VIRGINIA SOCCER ASSOCIATION, INC. AND VIRGINIA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION, INC. REVISED May 7, 2002
USSF guidelines dictate that an official may only count one assessment in any calendar day regardless of the position being assessed.
For circumstances where there is more than one assessment scheduled in a day, the officials are responsible for informing the assessor(s) which match will be counted for which official.
The assessor should assist the officials by reminding them of this requirement. If the officials fail to declare prior to the first match, then only the first assessment of the day will count.