What is the Upgrade Path for Referees?

Referee Grades

Referee

The purpose of the Referee Course is to prepare officials for the competitive and recreational youth game. Based on the level of training provided, U.S. Soccer recommends that these officials be assigned accordingly to best service the game.

Referee Advanced

The purpose of the Referee Advanced Course is to prepare officials for the amateur adult game. Based on the level of training provided, U.S. Soccer recommends that these officials be assigned accordingly to best service the game.

Regional Referee

The purpose of the Regional Referee Course is to prepare officials for the most competitive matches within their state and region. Based on the level of training provided, U.S. Soccer recommends that these officials be assigned accordingly to best service the game.

Regional Referee Advanced 

Recommended Assignment Level: All youth games and adult games including first division and assistant referee in professional league and international cup games.

National Referee and National Assistant Referee*

Recommended Assignment Level: All games except formal FIFA international matches; assistant referee for international matches.

Professional Referee and Professional Assistant Referee*  (P.R.O. Referee)

Recommended Assignment Level: All games except formal FIFA international matches by invitation of U.S. Soccer.

International Assistant Referee*  (FIFA Assistant Referee)

Recommended Assignment Level: All games U. S. Citizen By nomination of U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, and approved by FIFA

International Referee*  (FIFA Referee)

Recommended Assignment Level: All games U.S. Citizen By nomination of U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, and approved by FIFA

*Referees at these higher levels are trained and certified at the national level.  Lower levels are trained and certified at the state level.

97%+ of referees in Washington state are Referee or Referee Advanced.