Realistic advancement schedule?

7. January 2009 edit

  • Obviously, I can look at the administrative handbook and figure out minimum time for advancement, but I was curious what was a realistic advancement schedule for someone who was serious about moving through the ranks (but wasn't quitting their day job to do so).

    How long would it realistically take for someone to go from "Never called a game" to "Center at a MLS match". Is this a 10 year endeavor? Longer?

    Of course, I'm assuming that this person has the talent to make the grade at each level and the dedication to stick with it through the whole process...

    Just curious (hope I don't kill any cats).

    Jarrett


  • Thanks guys. Since I'm 30 years old and just got my grade 08, I was curious about how old I would be when I made National :)

    Who knows if I'll enjoy it and stick with it all the way, but I'm the kind of person that likes to set long term goals and work towards them. I find that it makes things more enjoyable to set a really high bar and challenge yourself day in and day out!

    BTW, is there a mandatory retirement age for national and international refs?

    Jarrett


  • i am very interested in becoming a ref but have never called a game. i have no illusions of becoming anything more than a state-level guy as i run a business and have a family, etc. i just love football and it seems there are never enough refs for things, etc.

    i am 37, is it too old to start?


  • Moving through the ranks up to State 6 isn't a problem for the most part. Takes 2-3 years if you already have experience. Going up to a State 5 might take some doing as assignors get very selective who will run middles on their amateur matches. Locally it takes us about 3 years to go from 6 -> 5.

    That's 7 years before they'll even consider you for a national badge. To get the badge is an entirely different matter, and upgrading to 3 is very selective. I think they had 271 people at national camp this year and those are candidates + current nationals. If you have what it takes you're probably looking at another 3-4 years.

    Overall I'd say you're looking at around 11-12 years to go through the entire process. It's not something that you can do overnight so it's best not to rush things and just make sure you're comfortable at whatever your highest level is before moving on.


  • As Nike says, Just Do It!

    Never too old to start. I work with several guys in their 60s. I have trouble keeping up with them.

    Start by taking the USSF level 8 test, find an assignor, and go to work. We need more refs with a passion for soccer. :)


  • Exactly, KidRef. You can get the badge relatively quickly but nobody will take you seriously. It's a stigma you will bear for the rest of your career as a referee. You might have the # next to your name, but everybody will know you didn't really "earn" it and take your licks like they did.

    If you truly want to be the best referee you can, take your time and value each step of the upgrade process. By the time you reach the top, then you really WILL be on top with nobody arguing otherwise.


  • Originally posted by Alberto
    In the USA thankfully no. It would be discrimination. For FIFA it's 45.
    (but check out Alberto's siggy!) and hopefully something will change soon....48 or pass the test, we hope!


  • Originally posted by IASocFan
    As Nike says, Just Do It!

    Never too old to start. I work with several guys in their 60s. I have trouble keeping up with them.

    Start by taking the USSF level 8 test, find an assignor, and go to work. We need more refs with a passion for soccer. :)
    thanks, i actually got in touch with them and got the level 8 test and class dates. i am definitely enrolling in the next one. thanks for the answer!


  • Originally posted by wjarrettc
    Yeah, it weren't for Alberto's sig, I wouldn't even have thought to ask the question :)

    Keep in mind that Alberto's sig out doesnt refer to another mandatory FIFA edict.

    You must be under 40 years of age for your first FIFA Nomination. Realistically you need to be in you low to mid thirties if you want to make a career at the FIFA level. 45 refers to when you must retire. But there is no such thing as a new 42 year old FIFA referee.


  • Seems like I read something written by a current NATL reff who implied that he had only been refereeing for one year before dong his first mens match and 5 years before becoming a national. I have also heard that ALL of the game count a years requirements can be waived if you show aptitude.


  • Originally posted by IASocFan


    I work with several guys in their 60s.
    heck! at whistleblowers age he should be an inspiration to us all!


  • Originally posted by MPJ334
    (but check out Alberto's siggy!) and hopefully something will change soon....48 or pass the test, we hope!


    Yeah, it weren't for Alberto's sig, I wouldn't even have thought to ask the question :)


  • Originally posted by wjarrettc
    Thanks guys. Since I'm 30 years old and just got my grade 08, I was curious about how old I would be when I made National :)

    Who knows if I'll enjoy it and stick with it all the way, but I'm the kind of person that likes to set long term goals and work towards them. I find that it makes things more enjoyable to set a really high bar and challenge yourself day in and day out!

    BTW, is there a mandatory retirement age for national and international refs?

    Jarrett

    In the USA thankfully no. It would be discrimination. For FIFA it's 45.


  • Originally posted by KidRef
    By working around the country and meeting people, and exposing yourself over time to those ppl who are important, you could be a year or two older,
    There are some things I am just not willing to do! :)


  • You also need to think about experience levels. I'm 23 and just got my grade 5 and have been refereeing since I was 14, and I came from a very rich soccer state in terms of youth and amateurs. I was truly not ready until this past year to be a 5, and even though I could probably be a national candidate for 2005, I won't until 2006, because it's better to have the experience and understanding than to arrive too early and see a quick exit.

    You can zip through to national in 6 or 7 years, but the question is, what type of national are you going to be...just because you're there doesn't mean you'll get the exposure to work pro games. By working around the country and meeting people, and exposing yourself over time to those ppl who are important, you could be a year or two older, but be on a path to the upper level of national instead of sitting at the bottom. Some people who get their national badge don't get any different game assignment than when they were a 5. Just because you have the badge does not mean you'll get hte games.

    Just something to think about.







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