Referee Upgrade Process
There are Several Steps Involved in the Upgrade Process
1.) MUST complete a cumulative game record (using the form below) and submit to the Illinois Soccer Referee Committee (ISRC) at info@illinoissoccerrefereecommittee.org. ONLY USSF-affiliated games count. Tournament Games do not count for upgrade to Grade 6 or Grade 5. NO high school or college games count toward upgrade. However, the Committee is interested in College games done. No assessments will be scheduled until Game Record is received and approved by ISRC (CANNOT REVIEW during Clinic Season, January-April each year). If you make up your own form, it will create delays if the information we need is not listed.
2.) MUST complete required clinic hours and pass appropriate written exam (listed by Referee Grade as follows).
- Grade 8 to 7 - 85% on Recertification Exam
- Grade 7 to 6 - 75% on State Exam
- Grade 6 to 5 - 85% on State Exam
- Grade 5 to 4 - Handled by the Federation (USSF) through the SRA.
3.) MUST complete a Fitness Test (in addition to ISRC Fitness Tests, the ISRC will also accept College Fitness Tests):
- ISRC Fitness Tests may be found under "Clinics"
- College Fitness Tests may be found at www.gccsoccer.com
4.) MUST complete required assessments (submit a Request Form for each assessment to the ISRC Office, 1655 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 207, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 with the appropriate check). A minimum of 2 weeks notice is required to schedule and ensure availability of assessor. NO e-mail or faxed requests are accepted. Any out-of-state upgrade assessments MUST have prior approval by the current SDA.
- Grade 8 to 7 - One field assessment in the Center in an affiliated U-17 or higher level game employing the DSC.
- Grade 7 to 6 - Two field assessments in the Center (one must be on Div. 2 adult or higher) and one as an Assistant Referee in U-19 competitive league or higher.
- Grade 6 to 5 - Two field assessments in the Center and one as an Assistant Referee in affiliated top adult Division 1 leagues or higher.
- Grade 5 to 4 - Handled by the Federation (USSF) through the SRA.
5.) Submit the Final Request for Upgrade Form and check to Illinois Soccer Referee Committee, 1655 S. Arlington Heights Office, Suite 207, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 after you have successfully completed all of the above requirements.
Refer to your Referee Administrative Handbook for any questions regarding upgrade requirements ("Certification Criteria" found in the Table of Contents).