When seeking an upgrade, referees should refer to the Referee Administrative Handbook for specific requirements. Following are general requirements for upgrading:

Before considering an upgrade, 2 criteria must be met: minimum age requirements and the number of cumulative career affiliated outdoor games at the designated level. Referees should be maintaining an accurate record of all the matches they officiate, including referee/AR role, date, teams, age level, etc.

Once these first 2 criteria are met, then attendance at an appropriate Upgrade Clinic is required. This includes achieving the minimum score on the required USSF test.

Once the Upgrade Clinic requirement is achieved, the next step is passing the physical fitness requirements (fitness runs). Again, this depends on your age and what grade level you are trying to upgrade to.

Finally, the last requirement is passing the necessary field assessments either as a referee, assistant referee, or both. The Referee Administrative Handbook has specific requirements on the number of assessments needed, depending on what grade you are trying to upgrade to.

Please note that attendance at the Upgrade Clinic, physical fitness tests, and assessments MUST be done in the same calendar year.

For the Assessment Policy click here.