2008 UPGRADE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORM

Please note the change in fees to more accurately reflect assessing costs. ALSO NOTE APPLICATION DEADLINE OF MARCH 15.

To request upgrade you must return the form attached with the appropriate fee for the grade desired. Verbal requests cannot be honored. Please make your check payable to: Michigan Referee Committee and mail to the above address.

Please do not apply unless you have already completed the minimum number of games required. An agreement between AYSO and USSF regarding game count was reached in October 2005 that now allows AYSO games to be counted for upgrade. After receiving an upgrade request, you will be assigned an assessor. At that time you should contact the assessor to arrange your schedules. Keep in mind that you can delay your upgrade if the game proves too easy a test. However, the assessments for upgrade must be completed in the year that you request Upgrade. You will not be able to carry over into the next year. It will also be to your advantage to make sure your crew is full and prepared for a possible assessment on these dates.

We wish to give you every opportunity to show us your best performance. We are confident you wish to give your best in every game, assessed or not. Any reports of substandard efforts in other games by a candidate could negatively affect your upgrade as well. The proof of the referee's true ability is in the game itself, when the action is hot after the first whistle is blown. Other things are important but none so much as the game itself.

After completing the assessment and taking the fitness test you must make plans to attend the State Referee Recertification Clinic (even grade 7 Upgrade candidates) probably held in East Lansing in December 2008.

PREREQUISITES TO UPGRADE TO REFEREE GRADE 7

Minimum age 17
12 months as Grade 8
75 Games as Referee
25 Games as AR
Level of game = All Affiliated USSF/AYSO

Assessment Fee $50.00 payable at time of request to upgrade to grade 7

1 Passing Assessment as referee in U19 or higher level game
Pass the required physical fitness test
Attend State Referee clinic
Score 85% on USSF Referee Exam

UPGRADE TO STATE GRADE 6

Minimum age 18
12 months as Grade 7 prior to application
100 Games as Referee
25 Games as AR
Level of game = U19 competitive or higher

Assessment Fee $150.00 payable at time of request to upgrade to grade 6

Pass Three Assessments: (2) as referee in mid-level men's amateur (or you may substitute one U17 or higher boys travel competitive league*) and (1) as AR in either level
Pass the required physical fitness test
19 hours of State Referee training
Score 75% on USSF State Referee Exam

* Because of the loss of players to colleges, the Michigan Referee Committee feels U17 Games are often a tougher test of control than many other games available. The assessor must judge the game "difficult" or "very difficult."

UPGRADE TO STATE GRADE 5

Minimum age 19
12 months as State 2 prior to application
150 Games as referee
50 games as AR
Required Level = 50 as ref in Div 1 Amateur Men's adult

Assessment fee $150.00 payable at time of request to upgrade to grade 5

Pass 2 Assessments as referee and 1 as AR in top adult Div 1 amateur or higher
85% on USSF State Referee Exam
Pass the required physical fitness test
7 hours of additional in-service State Referee Training

2008 UPGRADE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORM

Must be returned by MARCH 15 or earlier