ATLANTA, GA. – U.S. Soccer’s Referee Program brought together State Referee Committee (SRC) leaders February 21–22 for the annual Refereeing Leadership Conference, held in conjunction with the U.S. Soccer Annual General Meeting. The gathering reinforced a unified national vision as the Federation prepares for a historic cycle of major global events on home soil.
The conference centered on strengthening leadership, modernizing infrastructure, and aligning development systems nationwide to support continued growth of the game.
The conference opened with updates on Phase III of the Referee Abuse Prevention (RAP) policy, including the upcoming launch of an enhanced reporting tool to further protect match officials. Additional guidance on Safeguarding processes and responsibilities ensured consistent standards across all levels of competition, reinforcing U.S. Soccer’s commitment to referee safety and accountability.
A central focus was the continued evolution of referee education, coaching, and technology. U.S. Soccer outlined its vision for an accessible, modern, and scalable development system. Plans to strengthen coaching infrastructure include expanding and supporting mentors and instructors, lowering barriers to entry, and creating clearer development pathways for officials at every stage.
Technology remains a key driver of this work. RefEval, U.S. Soccer’s centralized evaluation system, and U.S. RED, the Federation’s education and development platform, are modernizing content delivery, standardizing evaluation processes, and increasing accessibility nationwide.
Coaching and mentoring were emphasized as catalysts for retention and progression. Through case studies and peer examples, leaders highlighted how structured mentoring pathways, consistent touchpoints, and transparent progression systems strengthen engagement and long-term referee development.
Match assigning was also identified as a powerful development lever. Discussions focused on how transparent tiering systems, committee-based processes, unified assigning platforms, and improved data visibility can enhance governance, reduce administrative burden, and intentionally support referee growth at scale.
With the World Cup cycle approaching, the conference concluded with a forward-looking emphasis on recruitment and retention. State leaders were encouraged to leverage the sport’s increased visibility and were provided “Become a Referee” and “Respect the Call” campaign assets to support nationwide outreach and positive engagement.
As the United States prepares to host the world, U.S. Soccer Refereeing continues to align leadership, strengthen safety measures, and invest in the systems and pathways that support referees at every level.
