Question Number: 16663

League Specific 9/12/2007

RE: Rec and Select Under 13

Steve Shuler of Bryant, AR USA asks...

I am a grade 8 referee and I'm really trying to upgrade to my 7 and eventually higher. I understand to do so, I must complete 75 games as a center with a three-man crew and 25 games as an AR. But I've heard varying opinions as to exactly which games count toward my totals. Specifically:

1. Do full-sided games using club linesmen count? For instance, a U-16 game, 11x11, 40 minute halves, but I have no AR's. Does it count?

2. Do small-sided games count? For instance, my district only allows 8 players per side for U-12 games, 6 per side for U-10, etc. (I don't include U-8 because they don't use goalkeepers.) I've been told by one person that they count and by another that they don't, and I consider both people equally reliable. I think they count, because U.S. Soccer allows for eight players per side, but I want to be sure. This one's particularly important to me, because I center between three and four U-12 games a week.

3. Kind of a combination of the first two. Do small-sided games using club linesmen count? This is my most common scenario any given Saturday.

Thanks very much for your service. I should let you know when parents or coaches have particularly nuanced questions regarding my or another official's ruling, I refer them to your website. You guys do a great job.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The requirement is diagonal system of control, not solo, not dual, diagonal. Club linesmen make it that. On your assessment you will be a full time match with currently licensed assistant referees.

Good luck Steve. Keep us informed about your progress and please don't hesitate to ask questions, in two days we'll get you an answer and that answer, though unofficial, will reflect current US Soccer policy -- that's a promise.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I'll be very interested in the official answer. We were always told any games played under USSF affiliation counted towards your grade seven, as long as it was a full sided game for the age group. So, the small sided games could count. However, if you wish to move to Grade six, they will all have to be 45 minute half games, although you can still count those meeting that criteria from your 07 upgrade. Read everything you can from USSF and FIFA in preparation, talk to and work with the most respected referees in your area, and ask LOTS of questions! Best of luck.