Upgrading

Current U.S. Soccer Referees who are interested in refereeing more challenging levels of competition may consider upgrading to the next Referee grade.

Prior to making this refereeing commitment, a Referee should communicate with EPSARC’s SRA (Ian Bongaardt).

Upgrade requirements:

Read this important document: Referee Advancement in EPA 2022_Updated
16 years of age or older
Minimum of one year as a Grassroots Referee
Pass the Fitness test
- FIFA Women’s Fitness test category 3
Three (3) Passing Evaluations. Two (2) at the adult amateur level, One (1) at the highest youth level in the state. (U18 or U19 2 x 45 minute halves)
- Evaluations must be done by three (3) different referee coaches.

To upgrade:

Review the Regional Referee Certification Requirements
Log into your EPSARC account
Register for the Referee – Regional Recert clinic (online):
- From your home page, click on the Registration drop down and select “Register for a clinic/fitness test”
- Go through the prompts to select Referee > Upgrade
Complete:
- Online modules
- Online test
- Current background clearances
  - Must be completed every 5 years
  - SafeSport must be redone yearly
Register for the Fitness Test
Contact your Assignor for games that qualify for upgrade assessment

United Soccer Coaches, an Associate Member of U.S. Soccer, is continuing to recognize the contributions of soccer officials at all levels beginning with “The Referee Experience” at the 2023 United Soccer Coaches Convention which will be held on January 13-14 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. United Soccer Coaches (formerly the NSCAA) has long recognized the need to include soccer officials, without whom the organized game cannot be played, into its extended family with the understanding of the importance of sharing common ground information as well as the need to improve communication, cooperation, and camaraderie between Referees and Coaches, who have long suffered from an unfortunate disconnect.