The Elite Referee Program is a highly-intensive training program for referees who are interested in, and show the potential for, eventually officiating in the professional game in the United States. Participants take part in monthly web-based training sessions, monthly group training exercises, and four in-person training sessions per year. Participants are held to strict fitness standards that are measured annually, and are required to participate in at least 75% of all training sessions. Additionally, participants are required to work a specific number of match assignments each month for the National Assignor for U.S. Soccer.
Participants must comply with all program expectations on a regular basis or are subject to removal from the program.
There are four tiers of match officials within the Elite Referee Program, with each tier being eligible to work increasingly higher-level games.
The program is designed to develop the skill set and professionalism required to officiate professional soccer, as well as develop positive working relationships between the match officials participating in the program.
2024 PROGRAM EVENTS CALENDAR
2024 Elite Program Referee Development Events
2025 PROGRAM EVENTS CALENDAR
2025 Elite Program Referee Development Events
Elite Referee Program Policies
Assignment and Assessment Policy
Match Administration Policy
Dress Code Policy
Social Media Policy
U.S. Soccer Assignment Priority Protocol
Elite Referee Program Expectations
Elite Group Expectations
Advanced Referee Program Expectations
Youth Referee Program Expectations
If you are interested in exploring this program, please fill out the interest form for the Youth or Advanced Referee Programs to get started.
