Question Number: 23845

Law 5 - The Referee 8/28/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Erik of Arlington, TX USA asks...

I have a crazy idea of signing up to be a full fledged referee, probably for the spring season. Though,I still want to play competitively. Would I have to give up playing soccer in order to referee games?

How long would it normally take before officiating older youth games, like U16? How do you get graded and promoted to higher level games?

Also, watching some MLS games, I see most referees with a yellow USSF badge, however some have a large, white FIFA badge. I see a few EPL referees with that same badge. How do you go about getting to that level?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Taking the referee course can not only lead to some employment, but will also help you improve in your games. You certainly don't have to give up playing in order to referee. Most assignors will work around your playing schedule when assigning you games to ref. You need to cultivate a good relationship with your assignor(s), creating an atmosphere of trust. If the assignor can trust you to be at the game and do your best, you will get more assignments.

Most new referees should get assignments at lower levels to begin. You would get centers starting at U8 or U10, whatever the lowest age group with referees is. And you would get AR assignments at U12 or U14. When you have proven yourself at those levels, you will start to move up in age groups and skill levels (select or premier leagues).

Depending on how TX-N has referee training set up, you would begin as either a Grade 8 (referee) or Grade 9 (recreational referee). Many states now start all referees as Grade 9, and they can take a bridge class to upgrade to 8 when they get a little experience. The next step is Grade 7, which requires an assessment at U17 11v11 or better game, plus 100 games experience, and passing a physical. Grades 6 and 5 are State Referees; Grades 4 and 3 are National Referees. (At the lower number you are considered a candidate for advancement to the next level; for example, a Grade 5 is a National Candidate.) State Referees do a lot of adult games; National Referees begin getting domestic professional games. Beside continuing to accumulate game counts and assessments, you often have to attend special training sessions and referee camps to reach these levels. FIFA referees are Grade 1 (centers) and Grade 2 (assistants). These grades are the only ones where the referees specialize by position. Several years ago it was noted in international competitions that many AR's did not know proper techniques, because they almost never were on the line - they were always in the center. So referees at that level need to choose a specialty. These refs wear the white FIFA badges you see on TV.

Some referees become Nationals while still in their mid 20's. FIFA referees rarely are younger than 30, and must retire by age 45.

One thing about being a referee - you are held to a higher standard at all times, even while you are playing. There is a Referee Code of Conduct which governs behavior toward other referees. For example, if you should get sent off for abusive language toward the referee, there will be reprecussions as a referee as well as being suspended as a player.

Becoming a referee can be a rewarding way to experience another aspect of the Beautiful Game. Good luck.