Question Number: 19976

League Specific 9/17/2008

RE: Rec, Select, Adult, etc.

Kelly of Lexington, Kentucky USA asks...

What is required to upgrade from a Grade 8 to a Grade 7? I've been a Grade 8 for several years now, average about 40 games a season (at levels ranging from U10 Rec to Adult League Competitive), and have tried for some time to find out just WHAT I have to do to upgrade with no success. All I've gotten from my region administrator and state staff is a vague 'you have to do so many games first'. Oookkaaay... doing the games shouldn't be a problem but how many are required, how do I prove that I've done them & who do I have to prove it to? And I know there's got to be more to it than that but no-one can (or is willing?) to tell me what... Can you help a confused ref who's in it for the long haul & wants to advance?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Here is the URL for the Referee Administrative Handbook: http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/2008-09%20RAH.pdf
Page 21 has the criteria for upgrading to an 07.

You need at least 75 games as a referee and 25 as an assistant referee in USSF affliated games over your career. You will need to take 5 hours of training over and above your recert training - most states have a grade 7 upgrade course you can take where the physical you must run and pass is also offered. You will have to retake the entry level test and pass with a minimum score of 85, and you will need to get a field evaluation on a full length game with 45 minute halves. Any U17 or above game or full sided adult game would count. You will need proof of your game count (basically, a list of when, where, teams, level and whether you were R or AR.)
Each year you will need to run the physical again, take a recertification clinic and get an assessment. Those requirements are listed on page 28.
Get hold of your State Director of Instruction and find out when the next 07 upgrade will be held, and/or intermediate level training course. If they cannot or will not help you, go to an adjoining state and get what you need there.
Good luck!