Climbing the ref ladder

[Anonymous]

Do you have to be an azz kisser or is there genuine possibility for a young fit man to become national referee through VA/DC apparatus?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have to be an azz kisser or is there genuine possibility for a young fit man to become national referee through VA/DC apparatus?

Pucker up!

[Anonymous]

Not sure about the apparatus here but nephew is early 20s nd refs here and there down South and was approached by a MLS assignor about getting him on the path to become one of their officials. This was second time he was approached about moving up the chain but each time he has declined. My guess is you have to be good, good enough not to be an azz kisser and they will probably find you. Hopefully you actually are good and want to do it.

[Anonymous]

If you are coming here to ask that question, I can already tell that you will never make National.

[Anonymous]

You don't need to be an ass kisser, but be prepared to say "yes" constantly, and hope he's flexible enough to be able to miss a lot of work.
The main avenue these days is though reffing Academy games, and then going to every major tournament in the country that they want you at, and also constantly working State Cup games to endear yourself to the locals as well.
After that, it's just trying to get any high end job with few openings...a combination of skill and luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to be an ass kisser, but be prepared to say "yes" constantly, and hope he's flexible enough to be able to miss a lot of work.
The main avenue these days is though reffing Academy games, and then going to every major tournament in the country that they want you at, and also constantly working State Cup games to endear yourself to the locals as well.
After that, it's just trying to get any high end job with few openings...a combination of skill and luck.

Yes to all this, but remember, it's really hard to get the National Badge these days...they give out very few.
So make sure you get your regional badge as soon as you can, hope you can start doing MLS Next/Academy games.
Used to be you had to go through USL, and work up from there, but now, just like the players, the Academy showcases are the best place to be if you want to move up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to be an ass kisser, but be prepared to say "yes" constantly, and hope he's flexible enough to be able to miss a lot of work.
The main avenue these days is though reffing Academy games, and then going to every major tournament in the country that they want you at, and also constantly working State Cup games to endear yourself to the locals as well.
After that, it's just trying to get any high end job with few openings...a combination of skill and luck.

Yes to all this, but remember, it's really hard to get the National Badge these days...they give out very few.
So make sure you get your regional badge as soon as you can, hope you can start doing MLS Next/Academy games.
Used to be you had to go through USL, and work up from there, but now, just like the players, the Academy showcases are the best place to be if you want to move up.

What's a "regional badge" and how do you get it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to be an ass kisser, but be prepared to say "yes" constantly, and hope he's flexible enough to be able to miss a lot of work.
The main avenue these days is though reffing Academy games, and then going to every major tournament in the country that they want you at, and also constantly working State Cup games to endear yourself to the locals as well.
After that, it's just trying to get any high end job with few openings...a combination of skill and luck.

Yes to all this, but remember, it's really hard to get the National Badge these days...they give out very few.
So make sure you get your regional badge as soon as you can, hope you can start doing MLS Next/Academy games.
Used to be you had to go through USL, and work up from there, but now, just like the players, the Academy showcases are the best place to be if you want to move up.

What's a "regional badge" and how do you get it?

https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/06/new-us-soccer-referee-pathway-expands-access-and-opportunity-for-all-referees