Referee FAQ

Q: Do I have to recertify every year?
A: USSF requires that a five hour refresher course be taken every year. To help you meet this requirement, a list of statewide scheduled referee clinics can be found in the Referee section of our web site, www.tnsoccer.org. Re-certification begins September 1 and goes through December 31. There is a $15.00 late charge for re-certification forms received in the State Office after December 31, and no re-certification forms will be accepted after March 1. If you need more information contact the State Office at 423-559-1150 or 1-800-367-8772.

Q: HAre there additional requirements, other than those in the USSF Referee Administrative Handbook, for TN referees to maintain their existing referee grade level?
A: Yes, it is the TN Referee Program's requirement that all upper level referees, State 5-6 as well as grade 7's, that they make themselves available to referee at one of the Tenessee's two Division 1 State Tournaments.
Q: How do I report serious injury or misconduct while officiating?
A: Complete and submit a referee report to the State Office within 48 hours of the incident.

Q: Where do I get a referee report form?
A: A form is available in the Forms/Referee section of our web site, or contact the State Office at 423-559-1150 or 1-800-367-8772 ext 10.

Q: Must I file a referee report?
A: A referee report must be submitted to the State Office for any match during which a red or yellow card is issued,someone is seriously injured, or there is an unusual incident (a coach or other non-player is ejected, a match is terminated, etc.).

Q: What are the different grades?
A: 9 - Recreational Referee
Minimum Age: None
Patch: USSF Recreational Referee, current year
Assignment level: Referee on recreational youth games under-14 and younger only and assistant referee on any game U-14 or below.

8 - Class 2 Referee
Minimum Age: None
Patch: USSF Referee, current year
Assignment level: All youth games, linesman in comparable games

7-Class 1 Referee
Minimum Age: 17
Patch: USSF Referee, current year
Assignment level: All youth games, and mixed leagues, linesman in all amateur games below the top division

6 - Class 2 State Referee
Minimum Age: 18
Patch: USSF State Referee current year
Assignment level: All youth games and amateur games through second division and linesman in the top amateur division and amateur cup games

5 - Class 1 State Referee
Minimum Age: 19
Patch: USSF State Referee, current year
Assignment level: All youth games and amateur games including first division and linesman in professional league and international cup games

4 - Class National Referee
Minimum Age: 25
Patch: USSF National Referee
Assignment level: All games except formal FIFA international matches; linesman for international matches

Q: I didn't register last year; do I have to go through another 16 hour clinic?
A: Any referee who was not registered the previous year may be certified at the grade he/she previously held by taking a re-certification clinic.

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All referee reports must be completed on the proper referee report form. If a supplementary form is needed but not available, please include a complete narrative to replace the supplementary form. As always, the State Referee Council values your input and ideas. Let us know what you're thinking. Working together we can raise the standard of officiating in Tennessee to a truly professional level.