Question Number: 15102

League Specific 4/2/2007

RE: Under 19

Aaron of Milwaukee, Wisconsin United States asks...

As I have gained experience through my reffing career, my eyes have been opened to how many leagues there are. Could you shed some light on the hierarchy US Soccer leagues follow?

I ask this because I have just received an assignment to an Adult Reserve game and I was wondering where that fit into the broad scheme of things.

Thanks.

Aaron

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

US Soccer Referee Committee declares that the following National and International appointments have precedence or priority over all other matches:

1. All FIFA Appointments
2. All CONCACAF Appointments
3. International A Matches
4. Any U. S. National Team Matches
5. Professional Division 1 League Matches (MLS)
6. Foreign Pro Club vs Foreign Pro Club
7. National Cup Finals (all matches)
8. All Regional Cup Finals
9. Other Professional League Matches (A-League, D3 Pro)
10. National Tournaments (Adult and Youth matches ?must be 90 minutes in length)
11. Interstate National Cup Competitions (Adult)
12. National Adult Leagues
13. Intrastate National Cup Competitions (Adult)
14. State Cup Competitions (Adult and Youth matches ? must be 90 minutes in length)

No other match (with the exception of the above) has appointment priority or precedence over any other match within the state.

The priority policy does not apply:

1.Within 72 hours of the scheduled match time unless an emergency situation exists, or

2. When a substantial financial commitment has been made for the referee appointment (e.g., non-refundable airline tickets).

Men's Amateur competition is above the U-19 level in the scheme of things. When reporting your match experience there is a block for top level amateur as well as men's matches. Note this applies to ONLY USSF sanctioned matches. If it is a bandit league [unaffiliated] USYSA U-5 takes precedence.

Regards,