We are often asked whether younger referees should certify as Grade 8 Referees or Grade 9 Recreational Referees. This page describes the difference between the two grades. Note that Referee “Grades” are not the same as school grades. The US Soccer referee grading system goes from Grade 1 (International Referees that referee FIFA appointments, such as the FIFA World Cup) all the way to Grade 9 referees, who work recreational games.
Certification and Re-certification classes can be found on GameOfficials.NET, at the following address: https://rireferees.gameofficials.net/public/class/classSearch.cfm.
Assignment Level
The Referee Administrative Handbook states that Grade 9 Recreational Referees are authorized to officiate recreational (aka “house league”) matches up to the U14 age division, and may be assistant referee (AR) on competitive youth matches (such as the Super Liga) up to the U14 division. In addition, grade 9 referees are permitted to be referee in competitive matches up to the U10 division. Assignment is not strictly limited to those matches; if the need arises, assignors may assign a Grade 9 Recreational Referee to a higher level match to fill an assignment or to provide a slightly higher level of difficulty to an official looking to upgrade. In general, a Grade 8 Referee will receive priority in assignment over a Grade 9 Recreational Referee.
Referee Training
The Grade 8 Referee course for new referees consists of a series of online referee course modules (3 hours) followed by 6 hours of classroom training (usually over 2 nights) and costs $65, while the Grade 9 Recreational Referee course is 5 hours (over 2 nights) and costs $50. A referee uniform fee of $55 is included in the cost of online pre-payment. The Grade 9 Recreational Referee course and test is geared towards those age 14 and younger; questions tend to be based on basic knowledge of the Laws of the Game. The Grade 8 Referee exam includes analysis of more difficult game situations, esoteric situations, and has more complex wording.
For example, consider the following two questions from the 2011 Grade 9 and Grade 8/7 Referee Exams:
From the 2011 Grade 7/8 Referee Exam:
A player injures himself/herself while taking a shot on goal. As the ball is being retrieved, the player is being treated off the field. Just before the ensuing goal kick can be taken, the player is ready to return to the field. The referee may allow the player to return before the goal kick is taken.
A. True
B. False
From the 2011 Grade 9 Recreational Referee Exam:
A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.
A. True
B. False
My son may be interested in becomming a league referee. He has played CSA recreational and competitive for several years. How do you begin, when are the classes and how do you sign-up?
Classes will be posted on GameOfficials (Link: https://rireferees.gameofficials.net/public/class/classSearch.cfm) as they are announced. Currently, only Grade 9 new referee courses are available; Grade 8 new referee courses will be announced as well.
I have 2 nephews (age 11 and 12) who love playing soccer…They’re interested in becoming entry level referees…When and where are the next Grade 9 certification courses being offered?
On the Game Officials link I only saw Grade 9 “re-certification”courses…Did I read wrong or mis-understand for the “certification” course…Also, what’s the minimum age for registration?
Most new referee courses are generally scheduled in the winter (Jan – Mar) with a few in the summer (Jun – Aug), and they are announced periodically. Keep an eye on our web site and on GameOfficials (https://rireferees.gameofficials.net) for the next offering.
The State Referee Committee has chosen not to set a minimum age for Grade 8 and 9 referees provided they are able to pass the referee exam.
What is the process to update my son’s Grade 9 to Grade 8?
Referees wishing to upgrade from grade 9 to grade 8 can do so by attending a grade 8 new referee class during the winter. This can be done in lieu of attending a recertification event.