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The decision to referee soccer can be rewarding and fulfilling. One can reap many benefits at all levels of officiating. Officiating soccer is a chosen profession. Soccer referees are professionals, not because they are paid to officiate (for many are not), but because they are trained, tested, and registered before they begin officiating, and they must maintain their training and registration to continue officiating. To choose to officiate at a high level of competition is a "Career Choice." If a referee wants to progress through the various grades, which correspond to the level of game competition, he/she should plan for the work and time required to rise through the ranks. The higher the progression the greater the time requirement, planning and commitment.
This Progression Plan discusses the steps to develop from a basic Referee - Referee 2, USSF Grade 8 - up to a National Referee, USSF Grade 4. The beginning point is the Entry Level Clinic. All referee candidates must take a sixteen hour clinic and make a grade of 75% or higher on the Entry Level test to qualify as a Referee 2. The steps to upgrade from Referee 2 to Referee 1 (Grade 8 to 7), Referee1 to State 2 (Grade 7 to 6), State 2 to State 1 (Grade 6 to 5) and finally State 1 to National (Grade 5 to 4) will be described in the following paragraphs.
While every referee's progression through the grades will be at a different pace, an average of 2 years per grade will provide a rough guide line for the time required to meet all the requirements of each grade, including the game experience necessary to move on.
As you progress, so do the level of competition, your knowledge of the game, the physical requirements, and your time commitment. Refereeing at the higher levels of play is a career choice that demands additional time and effort. Consider, for instance, the requirements for the National Referee Physical Test. To pass this test, a referee must establish a regular workout routine to maintain the necessary physical conditioning. This workout routine is over and above officiating games. You cannot get to this level of conditioning just by "doing games".
There is a reason for every grade of referee, beyond the obvious element of a more impressive badge. (Actually, some grades wear the same badge.) Every grade represents a higher level of achievement and a greater competency. At every level it is essential that the referee be educated in the Laws and procedures of the game, be able to recognize and understand the action of the game, and have the experience of different levels of the game. This will allow the referee to develop skills and apply them correctly in game situations.
All of the upgrade requirements described in the following paragraphs are taken from the "Referee Administrative Handbook" published by the United States Soccer Federation.
REFEREE 2 TO REFEREE 1
Grade 8 to Grade 7
This is the first major decision point in a Referee's career. This is where you decide to be a referee at the more competitive levels, or to concentrate on officiating recreational soccer. Either decision is a good one, and represents a commitment to the game of soccer and to those who play and enjoy it. Your decision should be based on your desire to referee at the more competitive levels (or "in the competitive leagues.") as well as wanting the distinction that comes with higher referee grades.
To upgrade from Referee 2 to Referee 1, the following is required:
The time required to accumulate these games will depend on your level of commitment to refereeing, your personal time constraints, game availability, and how important it is to you to upgrade. Why so many games? To get practice, to experience various types of games, to get accustomed with many different officials, to give you time to get rid of any bad habits you may have. Don't be impatient; this is a learning period.
You must be able verify how many games you have officiated. Keep a written record of the games you have done; use the BASRA Game Roster or something similar.
When was the last time you looked at the Laws of the Game? Most folks pick up the book the night before the test and assume this is enough. If your book looks new, you have not used it enough. Each time you read it you will learn something new.
You can not referee effectively if you are not physically fit. This applies to old and young, and at any level of competition. Being a center referee means more than staying in the center circle. Running is an important part of the game. If you can not keep up with the players, you will lose credibility.
After having completed all the necessary requirements, you must register. You may choose to wait until the annual registration. This will cost $25. If you choose to upgrade during the year there will be a $10 upgrade fee.
REFEREE 1 TO STATE 2
Grade 7 to Grade 6
The State Referee 2, Grade 6, must understand the game of soccer at the Amateur Division 1 level. As a result, the progressive requirements leading to State 2 are a significant part of the preparation of the Referee.
To upgrade from Referee 1 to State Referee 2, the following is required:
You must be able verify how many games you have officiated. Keep a written record of the games you have done; use the BASRA Game Roster or something similar.
A State Referee 2 must submit a yearly record of at least 15 games as referee and 5 games as assistant referee at the Amateur Division 1 level to maintain State Referee 2 status. Five of these 15 games should be women's or co-educational games.
Education is the second major requirement of the State Referee 2. To upgrade from Referee 1 to State Referee 2 it is necessary to attend a 19 hour upgrade clinic. All referees desiring to upgrade must attend this clinic. Clinics in South Texas are usually held in late October or early November in Houston. The clinic fee is $15.
At the clinic, the instructors are certified State and National instructors who will discuss in detail what is necessary to referee at the State level. This includes the level of play, foul recognition, administering the game, player management, "the spirit of the game", trifling offenses, the flow of the game, referee appearance, traveling to games and many more topics.
Unlike the entry level exam, the state exam not only tests the referee's knowledge of the Laws of the Game, but it also examines the referee's ability to apply and interpret the l Laws in particular situations important to the higher levels of soccer. A State Referee 2 must pass this written test every year.
The state level physical fitness test is required in each year for which the state level is held.
The upgrade process is complete when the State Referee Administrator (SRA) receives and approves the Referee's request for upgrade (the referee registration form), a complete list of the required games, formal proof of the assessments, formal proof of clinic attendance and a passing score on the test, and the required registration fee. The SRA will forward the completed paper work to the USSF for registration. Badges and membership cards come from USSF.
The cost to register as a State Referee 2 is $50 annually. Upgrading during the year separately from the annual registration requires an additional $10 upgrade fee.
STATE 2 TO STATE 1
Grade 6 to Grade 5
After having attained State 2, the next upgrade step is to State Referee 1, Grade 5. The decision to upgrade from State 2 to State 1 needs to be made well in advance. You will need to spend 12 months as a State 2 prior to making application. You will also need to maintain the level of physical conditioning required to pass the physical test, to gain a greater knowledge of the game required to earn a score of 85% or better on the written test, and to plan for and attend the state upgrade clinic usually offered annually in March in Houston.
To upgrade from State Referee 2 to State Referee 1, the following is required:
You must be to able verify how many games you have officiated. Keep a written record of the games you have done; use the BASRA Game Roster or something similar.
The advanced referee training is required. This training is usually given annually in March in Houston. The cost for this clinic is $15, plus any travel costs. Historically the State Association has paid for the candidate's hotel room, based on double occupancy; any other travel costs are the Referee's responsibility.
The written test is the State Level referee test also given for State 2 upgrade. However, an 85% grade is needed to upgrade to State 1. The test must be retaken annually to maintain grade.
The physical test given with the clinic is the same for State 1 or State 2, and is required annually to maintain grade.
The clinic results are good for one year, and can be used for upgrade the year of the clinic or the following year, provided the upgrade is within 12 months of the clinic.
The upgrade process is complete when the State Referee Administrator (SRA) receives and approves the Referee's request for upgrade (the referee registration form), a complete list of the required games, formal proof of the assessments, formal proof of clinic attendance and a passing score on the test, and the required registration fee. The SRA will forward the completed paper work to the USSF for registration. Badges and membership cards come from USSF.
The registration fee for State 1 Referee is $50, or a $10 upgrade fee if made during the year.
STATE 1 TO NATIONAL 2
Grade 5 to Grade 4
As a State Referee 1, Grade 5, you may be eligible to be considered as a National Referee candidate. The first requirement is that you must be in grade at least three (3) years from the date you register as a State 1 before you can apply to become a candidate. If you wish to be considered, you must write the SRA to let her know your intentions. The SRA will then forward your request to the TSSAS State Referee Committee (SRC) who may, or may not, make a recommendation. The SRC must make the recommendation to the National Referee Committee before you can be considered. The National office must be notified by the SRC on or before the last day of December prior to the year of National camp.
If you are considered a candidate for National Referee, you will be invited to the National Referee Certification Session (Camp), usually held in January in Tampa, Florida.
Once you are declared a national candidate, you will then be required to obtain the following prerequisites:
You will need to submit the National Referee Application and Composite Record Sheet to the USSF National Referee Program by the date specified, usually no later than November 15 of the year before Camp, along with a required, non-refundable administrative fee of $15. The SRA will carefully screen all candidates and certify their applications.
Even when candidates have met all the basic requirements, it is the SRA's responsibility to give the National Referee Committee any administrative information they feel is pertinent to the Referee's qualifications to become a National Referee.
A full explanation of the upgrade requirements is contained in the "Referee Administrative Handbook" published by the United States Soccer Federation.
MAINTAINING YOUR CURRENT LEVEL
The preceding sections dealt with upgrading from one grade to the next. If you choose to remain in grade then you must meet specific minimum requirements regarding training, fitness, and assessments to maintain the grade you currently hold.
Training: Grades 8 through 5 must complete five hours of in-service training annually; National Referees must attend a Recertification Session (Camp). All grades must take and pass the appropriate test.
Physical fitness test: Grades 7 through 4 must take and pass the appropriate fitness test.
Assessments: Grades 6 and 5 must have one successful assessment as center at the appropriate level annually; Grade 4 must have two as center and one as AR. They all must have twice as many successful assessments as unsuccessful.
Any Referee who cannot meet the recertification requirements for his/her current grade may recertify at a lower grade, providing those requirements are met.
The assessment program is a process to develop and evaluate referees. It is a process which allows the Referee to determine his/her current level of competency, and to receive feedback designed to help improve performance.
USSF has a fully developed assessment program which is administered by certified Assessors. Assessors must attend an assessment clinic, pass an assessment test, and perform a specific number of developmental assessments before becoming certified. They may be active or retired referees. Assessors can attain higher grades the same as referees; Assessors can perform assessments only up to the equivalent referee grade; for example, only National Assessors, Grade 4, can perform assessments for National Referees, Grade 4.
BASRA uses two types of assessments, the informal or developmental assessment, and the formal assessment used for upgrades or grade retention. In both types, the Assessor's job is to appraise the referees appearance, pre-game instructions, fitness, attitude, courage and consistency, position and mechanics, accuracy of decisions, and game control. The Assessor determines the degree of difficulty of the game and if the performance of the referee was acceptable. The Assessor will provide verbal feedback at the field and a written report on the game. The feedback will consist of areas of proficiency, alternative practices to employ, or new skills to develop and an action plan for follow up. For a formal assessment, the Assessor will recommend the Referee as ready for upgrade, retain current grade, or evaluate further at the current level.
BASRA has many assessors who are willing to help you advance to the next grade or improve your performance. Before you get a formal assessment, use these people for practice runs. Try to use different assessors to get a varied point of view. Each may pick up a problem or habit you do not realize you have. The reason you are assessed is to see if you are ready to referee at a higher level, and to provide guidance on those areas needing improvement.
Developmental assessments are usually scheduled by BASRA to assess and aid less experienced referees; these are normally held during tournaments where one Assessor can see several referees. A Referee may request a developmental if he/she wants feedback or specific advice; these are usually paid for by BASRA. A Referee may request a formal assessment for upgrade or grade retention purposes; these are paid for by the Referee, usually the greater of $25 or the Referee's game fee. Either type may be scheduled through the BASRA Director of Assessment; this requires about two weeks notice and an appropriate game assignment.
The day of the assessment is too late to prepare. Start several days before by reviewing the Laws and by checking your uniforms and equipment; if something is lacking, you have time to correct it. The night before check that your uniform and equipment are ready; call your Assistant Referees to confirm their attendance. Get to the field at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start time If you arrive before your ARs, check the field yourself. Meet your ARs and walk the field again; this is a team effort, and you will be assessed on your performance as a team. Have your pre-game with your ARs; inform them of their duties in assisting you. Double-check to assure you have all your equipment and proceed to do the match.
Part of any assessment includes your appearance. When was the last time you looked in the mirror and saw how good or bad your uniform looked? When was the last time you polished your referee shoes? Do the blacks of the shirt, shorts and socks match? Having a professional looking uniform gives you confidence and lends authority. You should have at least one backup uniform in your bag.
Many Referees look on assessment as something to be feared... and we won't go in to how they view Assessors! A better, and more correct, attitude is to look upon the assessment as a tool to help you improve your skills as a Referee, and the Assessor as the person who will provide and help you use that tool. As with any tool, it's what you do with it that counts.
from USYSA NETWORK
Your personal commitment to the game has brought you into a role that is unglamorous and frequently unpopular - a role in which you may sometime feel inadequate, alone, abandoned. Whatever your motives, you chose to fulfill this role to ensure that others, the players and spectators, can enjoy the game. With this determination you will seek out the necessary experience.
While you are gaining experience, there are other things you can do to improve your effectiveness on the field. These are things that are within your grasp and ability.
First is the knowledge of the Laws of the Game. At the conclusion of your entry level clinic you passed an exam that tested your knowledge of the Laws. Could you pass that test today? Have you studied the Law book? Have you read the International Board decisions contained in the Law book? These are easily and readily available to you any time you want them. This knowledge is closely linked to experience for effectiveness. This knowledge is essential. You must know it cold. There is no time during a match to stop and consult your book to determine whether a direct free kick or an indirect free kick is the proper restart.
Next is mechanics. Knowing the mechanics of officiating takes less effort than knowing the laws but has greater practical impact on your effectiveness. Do you know the diagonal system of control as endorsed by the US Soccer Federation? This is what you must master. Do you know and practice the approved signals for referees and assistant referees? These are available for you to study and review. The appropriate mechanics must become reflexive in nature and are the second requirement for effectiveness on the field.
Lastly is concentration. Do you psych yourself up before a match, as the players do? Do you mentally rehearse the game and envision what could happen on the field? What kinds of fouls are likely to occur with the level of competition and the age of the players? How will you position yourself to best observe these fouls? Anticipate what can happen. Good concentration will allow you to quickly assess the conditions of the match - who are the strongest players, what is the style of play, what influence the spectators have, any potentially hazardous situations. You must learn to focus on each tiny incident. You must learn to be aware of what is happening off the ball and be able to distinguish to which incidents you should respond. This is concentration.
These three things - knowledge of the Laws, mechanics and concentration - are obtainable on your own. You should also reinforce your understanding of these by seeking opportunities to work with more experienced referees, by attending additional clinics and seminars, and by observing other officials on the field. Through your own willingness and efforts you can improve your skills and grow confident while you are gaining experience. Your experience will be quality experience and cumulative instead of a series of one-game experiences.
It is the purpose of this policy to provide standard requirements and procedures for selecting the BASRA Youth Female and Male Referees of the Year.
To be eligible for nomination and selection as the BASRA Youth Female or Male Referee of the Year, an individual must--
Any member of BASRA may nominate an individual to be the BASRA Youth Female or Male Referee of the Year.
A nomination must be submitted on a copy of the standard BASRA Nomination Form. Copies of the Form are available as attachments to this Handbook, from the BASRA Secretary, or on the BASRA Web Site. Nominations will be accepted through the December meeting, for the upcoming year.
There should be attached to each Nomination Form sufficient documentation and solicitations attesting to the accomplishments of the individual being nominated as a referee, student, and contributing member of the community. These materials should be as specific as possible in citing accomplishments and personal attributes. Form-type letters will not be considered.
The BASRA Vice President is responsible for ensuring that an appropriate announcement soliciting nominations and a copy of the Nomination Form are included in the BASRA Arbiter and with the BASRA meeting minutes.
A completed Nomination Form for an individual, with supporting documentation and solicitations, must be received in hand (not postmarked) by the BASRA Vice President no later than the December meeting to be considered. An individual whose Nomination Form is received after that date will not be considered.
The BASRA President shall provide to STYSA, as soon as possible after December 31 of each year, a list of the names of the individuals nominated as Youth Referees along with copies of their nomination forms and supporting materials. Each nominee will be evaluated/assessed in actual games through the year by individuals/mentors/assignors. The BASRA Board will meet in December and review the nominations.
The BASRA Board of Directors will select the Youth Female Referee of the Year and the Youth Male Referee of the Year at a Board meeting in December.
The BASRA Vice President will notify the individuals selected as the Youth Referees of the Year of their selection. On notification, the BASRA Vice President is responsible for contacting those individuals to make arrangements for their attendance, and their parents or guardians, at the BASRA Meeting where their awards will be presented.
BASRA will be responsible for obtaining plaques and gifts to present to each Youth Referee of the Year.
The names of the BASRA Youth Referees of the Year will be submitted to STYSA for consideration and selection as STYSA Youth Referees of the Year
The goal of the New Referee Support Program (NRSP) is to provide opportunities for new referees to have a more experienced referee (assessor) attend one or more of his/her first games. The intent is to utilize our BASRA assessors to work individually with new referees to get them through the 'first game' jitters, explain the areas of confusion, and provide them with documented positive game mechanics feed back. Other assessments may be scheduled if an assigner recommends and/or the BASRA VP determines that additional support is needed.
Managing the New Referee Support Program
The BASRA VP will be responsible for directing the NRSP. The BASRA referee assigners will provide the BASRA VP with a schedule of game assignments reflecting the new referees. Using this schedule, the BASRA VP will make assessment assignments and monitor the results. Monitoring the results will constitute looking for referees that need more assistance to suggesting additional training that might benefit many new referees (this would be coordinated with the ADRI). For performing the assignment task, the BASRA VP will receive $1.00 for each assignment.
Instructors/Registrar
As new referees successfully complete the USSF Entry course, their names will be given to the assignors as ready for game assignments.
Assignors
The assignor(s) will keep track of the new referees to allow for quick identification and keep track of those individuals that have completed a support assessment. Assignors will provide the BASRA VP with a schedule that reflects the assignments of new referees. Assignors will try to make game assignments to maximize the opportunities for RSP assessments.
Assessors
Only BASRA member assessors that agree to perform developmental assessments will be utilized. The main target of the assessments will be the new referee, although others may be included as determined by the BASRA VP. The expected support role of the assessor is to rate the referee's performance for development purposes, but also to mentor the new referee through their first game. It may not always be their first game but every attempt will be made to work with a new referee for their first game. The assessor will get their assessment schedule from the BASRA VP. When the assessment is completed, the assessor will provide a copy of the assessment to the BASRA VP along with the Referee Development Assessment Game Roster. The assessor should send a copy of the development forms to the State Director of Assessors.
These individuals will be paid by BASRA $10.00 for each 'assessment' they perform. Only assessments scheduled/authorized by the BASRA VP will be approved for payment.
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Last page update April 11, 2002