United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Referee Grades

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To provide uniform standards for soccer officials, the following grades have been established and supersede any and all other levels so that uniform and comparative grading exists throughout the U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program.

Grassroots: Referee
The purpose of the Grassroots 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.

Grassroots Advanced: Referee
The purpose of the Grassroots Advanced Referee 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.

State/Regional Referee
The purpose of the State/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.

State/Regional Advanced Referee
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
Recommended Assignment Level: All games except formal FIFA international matches By invitation of U.S. Soccer

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