U.S. Soccer National Referees and Assistant Referees are qualified to officiate the highest level of domestic competition, including NWSL, USL Championship and MLS games.
EligibilityNational Referees and Assistant Referees are selected and certified directly by U.S. Soccer after meeting the minimum eligibility standards:1. Minimum of Two (2) consecutive years as a Regional Referee2. 100 Games at the Adult Amateur Level: 50 – Referee, 50 – Assistant Referee3. Minimum of three (3) passing evaluations in the selected track done by three (3) different National Referee Coaches, must come from affiliated games with a minimum of 45-minute halves4. FIFA Fitness Test - Track & Gender Specific – Category 1
Course RequirementsFirst time and re-certifying National referees must pass an Online National Test, complete SafeSport Training, complete the Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments and pass the NCSI background check.
The 2023 National Referee and Assistant Referee Application launched July 1st. The application will close July 31st at 12:00pm CT. Please ensure you have submitted all fitness tests for your regional referees to Rick Eddy. If they are applying for a national license, we will require that information. Please see attached for instructions on how to apply. If your referees have any questions about the application process, please have them email referee@ussoccer.org with the subject line “National Application”.