As with players and coaches, the National League provides a platform referees to grow and develop while gaining valuable experiences in the game. With competitions across the country at both the national level (National League P.R.O. and National League Showcase Series) and the multi-state level (National League Conferences), there are plenty of opportunities for referees to get involved.
National League P.R.O. & Showcase Series EVENTS
THE EXPERIENCE
National events for National League P.R.O. and the National League Showcase Series provide referees from around the country with an opportunity to officiate in a highly-competitive, professional-like environment. National League P.R.O. matches utilize four-person referee crews, as each game is meaningful and features top teams in the country vying for advancement to the USYS National Championships.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Preference for national events will be given to those referees who have worked league matches within their state or who have represented their state at the USYS Regional Championships. Interested referees should get approval from their State Referee Committee, and a support letter from their assignor is also recommended.
Conferences
THE EXPERIENCE
National League Conference games take place in varying formats — from large events to small events to one-off games. Many conference games are very competitive, with teams competing to earn advancement to National League P.R.O. or their respective USYS Regional Championship. Most conference games utilize three-person referee crews, primarily filled by referees from the states within each conference’s geographic area.
MIDWEST REGION REFEREE ACADEMY
The Midwest Region Referee Academy provides young officials in the region with additional coaching and learning opportunities. The program takes advantage of Great Lakes Conference and Midwest Conference events to provide an environment for increased and immediate mentoring in highly competitive games. For more information on the Midwest Region Referee Academy, contact Francisco Villarruel (fvillarruel@usyouthsoccer.org).
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Because conference matches are highly competitive, and often involve teams traveling from out-of-state, experienced referees are recommended to officiate at this level. Referees interested in being considered for assignments should have their local assignor, SRA, or SYRA communicate with the league assignors. Please note that a recommendation does not guarantee assignments.
Rules & Info
Contact
Please contact Brian Miller, bmiller@usyouthsoccer.org, with any questions regarding refereeing National League games and events.