Advice To Referees
This book of Advice to Referees is specifically intended to give USSF referees, assistant referees and
fourth officials a reliable compilation of those international and national guidelines remaining in force,
as modified or updated. It is not a replacement for the Laws of the Game, nor is it a "how to" book
on refereeing. It is an official statement of Federation interpretations of the Laws. Affiliated leagues,
associations, competitions, and officials must implement them to the fullest extent possible.
Participants in affiliated matches must not impose personal, unsupported, or unofficial interpretations of
any provisions of the Laws of the Game. If a point is not made in this Advice, look first to the relevant
Law or Laws of the Game for the answer.
Referee Administrative Handbook
The Referee Administrative Handbook is meant to be used as a guide to the administrative processes of the U.S. Soccer Referee Program. It contains information about policies, by-laws and requirements that affect all referees. Of importance, are the various recertifying and upgrade requirements should any referee wish to consider moving to a different grade. Many questions can be addressed by the State Referee Administrator who may be more familiar with certain state procedures and protocols. If you do not know how to contact the State Referee Administrator in your area, you will find a list, with contact information, on our web site, www.ussoccer.com.
Course Materials
The U.S. Soccer Referee Department has published updated materials in 2009. Click the links below for more information, and stay tuned for additional courses to be posted shortly.
- Assignor Course - Download Now (.zip)
- Bridge Modules - Download Now (.zip)
- Entry Level (Grade 8) Referee Training Course - Click Here To Review Files
- Futsal Course - Click Here To Review Files
- Indoor Course - Click Here To Review Files
- Instructional Theory Into Practice (ITIP) - Click Here To Review Files
- Memorandums With Clips - Click Here To Review Files
- Mentor Program - Download Now (.zip)
- Recreational Referee Training Course (Grade 9, Includes RYRI) - Download Now (.zip)
- Recreational Youth Referee Instructor (RYRI) - Download Now (.zip)
Training Materials
The enclosed training materials are an aid to assist referees in preparation for the new fitness standards for 2010. Each one is designed to help choose which will serve referess' individual needs. Referees are urged to utilize these training methods and begin personal training as soon as possible.
Instructional and Assessment Guidelines
U.S. Soccer Federation Instructor Guidelines
U.S. Soccer Federation Assessment Program Assessment Guidelines
Beginning September 1, 2009, the traditional paper Assessment Game Report Form will be retired from circulation. All upgrade and maintenance assessments are to be posted online at ussoccer.gameofficials.net. (This does not affect developmental assessments which still may be done on paper). The new set of criteria for the referee and the assistant referees is shown below. These changes will provide faster, better feedback to the officials, giving them the opportunity to bring improvement o their next game.
- Assessment Criteria: National Assessment Program (.pdf) (Effective February 2009)
- Assessment Program Handbook (.pdf) (October 2005)
