All referees, upon successful completion of the entry level Grade 8 course, are assigned the USSF level of
Grade 8. In this capacity, your assignor will consider you for initial assignments at U9/10 games and
depending upon your previous experience, U11/12 games.
It is your responsibility to keep records of the games you were assigned by date, age level and location -
either as a (Center) Referee or Assistant Referee (AR).
Grade 8 to Grade 7
To upgrade from a Grade 8 to a Grade 7 is a big step. Proficiency is required as an Assistant Referee as
well as a Referee. You must pass one assessment as a Referee in a competitive U17 game or higher using
the 3-person system, the Diagonal System of Control (DSC).
Requirements:
- Age 17 or older
- Completed a minimum of 100 games - 75 as a referee and 25 as an AR. Only US Soccer Federation games
count (school games are excluded).
Note: You may count rec games toward your game count provided they are age group U9-10 or higher
- Pass a formal evaluation by a USSF Assessor in an affiliated competitive U17 or higher-level game,
employing the DSC. The assessment must be conducted prior to the registration year of the upgrade.
- Pass the physical fitness test.
- Attain a minimum grade of 85% on the 100-question referee exam.
- Clinics and training criteria must be completed. Consult with a WSRO officer for details.
See the
USSF Referee Administrative Handbook for details.
Index » Certification Criteria » Referee Grades 8 and 7.
See WSRO Officers/Contacts for the person to contact about upgrading or for additional information.
Grade 7 to Grade 6
See the
USSF Referee Administrative Handbook for details.
Index » Certification Criteria » State Referee Grades 6 and 5.
See WSRO Officers/Contacts for the person to contact about upgrading or for additional information
Grade 9 to Grade 8
Grade 9 Referees who have the desire to referee games at a more competitive level and are looking to
continue officiating are encouraged to upgrade to the Grade 8 level.
There are no age, game count nor physical examination requirements. The only requirement is taking
the "Bridge Course"; a ten-hour program similar to the Grade Level 8 entry course.
Courses are posted on the website and
www.sportssignup.com/wsroref.start
