MENTOR

• Focused on supporting the development of new and less experienced referees
• Provides match observations and insights to referees

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Online Referee Mentor training
• Online Laws of the Game update

MENTOR+

• Focused on supporting the development of new and more experienced referees
• Supports referee education sessions organized by State Referee Programs, competitions, and/or U.S. Soccer
• Collaborates with State Referee Programs, and/or U.S. Soccer in training new or experienced Referee Mentors/Mentors+

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Online Referee Mentor+ training
• Online Laws of the Game update

REFEREE COACH

• Focused on developing referees who are motivated to reach the next level
• Conducts match evaluations for Regional Referee licenses (maintenance or upgrades)
• Leads referee education sessions organized by State Referee Programs, competitions, and/or U.S. Soccer
• Collaborates with State Referee Programs, and/or U.S. Soccer in training new or experienced Referee Mentors/Mentors+

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Online Referee Coach training
• Online Laws of the Game update
• In-person Referee Coach course – four (4) days
• In-course assessments requiring a passing grade

NATIONAL REFEREE COACH

• Coaches match officials in youth, adult, and professional competitions
• Conducts match evaluations for Regional & National Match Official licenses (maintenance or upgrades)
• Contributes to the development of match officials transitioning from Regional Referee into National Referees and Assistant Referees
• Leads referee education sessions organized by State Referee Programs, competitions, and/or U.S. Soccer
• Collaborates with State Referee Programs, and/or U.S. Soccer in training new or experienced Referee Mentors/Mentors+ and Referee Coaches

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Online National Referee Coach training
• Online Laws of the Game update
• Seven (7) evaluations of match official performance including post-game reflection
• U.S. Soccer National Referee Coach Camp – four (4) days

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Those participating in the referee coach pathway are expected to engage match officials using an interactive dialogue to guide and support their development, as well as engage with peers to reflect on their own performance by offering and accepting feedback.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

All licensed match officials with U.S. Soccer – in both referee and referee coach pathways – are required to:

• Complete the Intro to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments online module
• Maintain a valid background screening (18 years and older)
• Maintain valid SafeSport training (18 years and older)

More information on course and licensing eligibility and requirements for both referee and referee coach pathways can be found by clicking here.