Question Number: 28052

Other 12/9/2013

RE: Recreational Under 12

Brian H of Seattle, Washington USA asks...

After two seasons officiating 11-per-side U10 through U12 in the closed-loop referee system of my local recreational league, and with over 30 games as an essentially solo referee under my belt, I am finally going to take the USSF Grade 8 training, and I have this website to thank for giving me the will to do it.

I will be 31 years old at the time I take the Grade 8 course. I am not currently in ideal physical condition, but I can do two back-to-back U12 games of 30-minute halves without problem, and I think I can meet the current Grade 7 fitness test requirements after a little bit of training. Assuming I stick with it and advance through the ranks at appropriate intervals, how high can I reasonably expect to advance as a referee given the age at which I'm entering as Grade 8? State? Higher?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Brian
It all depends on your desire, commitment and willingness to progress. Also there there is no typical road one takes from a Grade 8 referee to higher.
At 31 you still have age on your side and much can depend on other factors which include ability, opportunity to advance, good refereeing performances etc.
Proving onself capable of handling more difficult games is always the test and getting those opportunites is the key to progression.
Probably best to set out a five year plan and discuss that with the relevant persons in your location.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

How far you can advance will depend partially on how much time you can devote to being a referee. You will need to demonstrate your commitment to advancing: doing a lot of games, attending training sessions, being available when your assignor needs you for last-minute changes, etc.

Another factor is the type of games that are available in your area. Being in a major metropolitan area, you should have opportunities to eventually get a sufficient number of adult games - that's not always the case in more rural areas.

You do have time on your side, and should be able to get to a State level at least. Beyond that it's often a matter of being in the right place at the right time, and impressing the right people.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 28177