Policies & Procedures

Mission:
The USSF and South Carolina Assessment Programs aim to improve referee performance and enhance the soccer experience. Assessors maintain high ethics and professionalism, providing unbiased feedback to help referees improve.

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Purpose:
Referees are evaluated by third-party assessors for feedback on their performance. The assessment focuses on control, fairness, fitness, knowledge, and judgment. State tournaments prioritize referees who have been through the upgrade process or recommended by their Assessor.

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Assessor Code of Ethics:
Assessors must be honest, respectful, and maintain confidentiality. They must provide constructive feedback and avoid conflicts of interest.

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Assessor Duties:
Assessors must complete a minimum of 10 assessments per year, including 4 full assessments. They must also complete 6 hours of refresher training annually. Feedback should be provided within 7 days.

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Recertification Requirements:
Assessors must re-certify yearly, completing a minimum of 5 assessments, including 2 at the U-19 level or above. State assessors must complete 8 assessments, with 3 at a higher level.

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Unaffiliated Games:
Assessors cannot evaluate referees in unaffiliated games.

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Out-of-State Assessments:
Assessors can work out of state with permission from the SDA. Assessments outside the state cannot fulfill South Carolina’s assessment requirements.

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FAQ

Assessor Grades and Duties:

• Referee Assessor: Observes and evaluates Grade 7 & 8 referees.

• State Assessor: Evaluates up to Grade 6 referees and performs developmental, maintenance, and upgrade assessments.

• National Referee Coach: Conducts assessments for all grades under the National Director of Assessment.

 

Payment:
Assessors are paid based on assessment type, ranging from $40 for developmental assessments to $70 for upgrades. Travel expenses are reimbursed depending on the distance traveled.

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​To enhance your understanding of the assessment process, costs, scheduling, and available support, please refer to the following sections:​

 

What is an Assessment?

An assessment is an evaluation conducted by a certified assessor to provide referees with feedback on their performance during a specific match. There are three main types of assessments:​

• Developmental and Guidance (D&G) Assessments: These are feedback-only evaluations suitable for referees at all levels, aiming to identify areas for improvement.

• Upgrade Assessments: Necessary for referees seeking to advance to Grade 6 and above, these assessments involve a performance evaluation and rating during a match.

• Maintenance Assessments: Required annually for referees at Grade 6 or above to maintain their current grade, these assessments also include performance evaluations and ratings.

 

When is an Assessment Required?

Assessments are mandated at various stages of a referee's development:​

• Upgrade Assessments: Conducted when a referee aims to progress to a higher grade, such as Grade 6.

• Maintenance Assessments: Performed annually to retain higher grades, ensuring referees continue to meet the standards required for their current level.

 

Who Pays for My Assessment?

The financial responsibilities for assessments vary:​

• Developmental and Guidance (D&G) Assessments: The cost is included in your annual registration fee. 

• Upgrade Assessments: These are part of the upgrade process, with arrangements and costs managed by the State Director of Assessments (SDA) once you've been approved for the program. 

• Maintenance Assessments: While the assessment fee is included in your registration, any additional costs, such as those for fitness tests, are the referee's responsibility. 

 

How Do I Request an Assessment?

To request an assessment:​

1. Developmental & Guidance (D&G) Assessments: Contact your Area Referee Administrator (ARA) or the State Director of Assessments (SDA) at any time to schedule one. 

2. Upgrade and Maintenance Assessments: Coordinate with your local assignor and ARA. Then, reach out to the SDA to arrange the assessment. 

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Mentoring Program

Mentoring is an ongoing and continuous informal program endorsed by US Soccer and SC Referees.  Mentoring is local and a by-product of senior referees giving back.  There are unlimited means and methods to effectively engage our next generation of referees and have them benefit from the shared experiences of senior referees.  The Area Referee Administrators (ARA) will oversee the local effort with the emphasis on understanding, enjoyment and improvement and strive to adhere to US Soccer policy, teachings and standard referee mechanics.

SC Referees and the State Referee Committee (SRC) will use its discretion to form temporary and/or permanent statewide programs that provide advanced opportunities under the guidance of designated referee coach-mentors.  Such programs will instill comraderie and prepare and train referees for state cup readiness and eventual assignments, not to mention US Soccer identification events within the Region, Developmental Academy, Premier or other showcase events that present regional and national exposure and experience.