RECERTIFICATION

            Recertification (and initial certification) clinics are listed on the Metro DC/VA State Referee Program website.  The website is www.vadcsoccerref.com.  Click on Clinic Listing.

UPGRADING

            From Grade 9 to Grade 8

           -  Although there are no minimum requirements to upgrade from Grade 9 ( recreational referee) to Grade 8, you are expected to have had some past match experience as an official for at least one or two seasons prior to upgrading .

            -  You will need to take a "bridge" course of approximately 10-12 hours of additional classroom instruction and pass a little more difficult written test,  so as to demonstrate a minimum required level of knowledge on the Laws of the Game. Your prior match experiences would be a big asset to you to understand the Laws more thoroughly.

            -  As a Grade 8, you will be certified to officiate in a much wider range of games than as a Grade 9, commensurate with your experience, maturity and officiating skills.

            From Grade 8 to Grade 7

             -  As you gain match experience, within a couple of seasons you should consider upgrading to Grade 7.  To do so,  you must:  be at least 17 year old; pass a formal field assessment; attend an upgrade clinic; pass a physical test and endurance runs; receive at least 5 hours of class room instruction; and, take a written test at a higher passing grade level.

            -  If successful, you will be certified to be assigned  as a referee or assistant referee on all USSF youth games.

            -  As a Grade 7, you will receive more training that takes you beyond the Laws of the Game and equips you with even more knowledge to referee more effectively at all youth levels.

ASSESSABLE GAMES

            If you plan to upgrade or need a game for grade maintenance or if you simply have questions about upgrading, call the Norrth Area Director of Assessments, Chuck Watts at cwatts03@comcast.net.  Make this call early in the season or between seasons.

            Due to the increasing number of requests for assessable games, Deplitch and Houston will divide the responsibility for assigning assessable games.  Both will of course assign assessable games as a normal part of assigning but will be specifically responsible as follows:

                                    -- Referees last name starting A-L – Houston

                                    -- Referees last mane starting M-Z – Deplitches

            Once you have a confirmed assessment scheduled, be sure to tell your assignor so we can be sure you’ll have a full crew.

Qualifying Assessment Games