Question Number: 15060

Law 5 - The Referee 3/28/2007

Marc of Kansas City, USA asks...

In the criteria for upgrading referees it states under exeperience that you need 75 centers and 25 AR cumulative career
affiliated outdoor games at designated level. Is the designated level U17 and higher? (because it states that your assesment must be u17 or higher). If not, what is the designated level? Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

You will be assessed at a boy's competitive U-19 level or a men's amateur. Your experience is on diagonal system of control US Soccer or affiliated matches in the numbers indicated. Solos, club linesmen or dual system of control matches don't count toward the 75/25 matches. It is recommended you have a Development and Guidance evaluation before being assessed. I tell referees to pass the written and physical tests before having the required assessment done [that costs money].

Unless you are comfortable with the level of play at which you will be assessed you should not attempt an upgrade. A grade less than passing on an assessment triples your cost.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Your State could be different. Upgrade must be a competative 90 minute game. All U17 games are 90 min utes so they technically qualify but some states mandate U19 or above. Additionally, many states requires it be an all male game. This strikes me as odd as some of the most difficult and demanding games I've done have been U19 and adult ladies matches. I would love to hear the rationale given that women's games are not competative or physically demanding.
As to the 75/25, they do NOT have to be 90 minutes games. They must be full-sided, 3 man system, diagonal method of control. When I took my Grade 7 upgrade it was peppered with U12-U14 games although there were plenty older matches. As Ref Fleischer states, take the physical and written first. If you can't pass them you have slim chance of passing an assessment.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

For going from a 8 to a 7, the matches need be USSF games at U11 or higher using the diagonal system. Mr. Fleisher stated that the match must be U19 or amateur. This may vary from state to state. Here in WI, they will some times accept highly competitive U17 matches. The match also must be deemed competitive by the assessor. It cannot be a napper.