In 2020, USSF will be changing the referee grading system. There will no longer be any number grades. All referees will be in one of the following grades: Grassroots Referee, Regional Referee or National Referee.
To clarify, all referees registered in 2019 as a Grade 7, 8, or 9 will be registered in 2020 as a Grassroots Referee after they attend a recertification course. Details about recertification courses will be provided in the coming months and will be held July-October.
The new Regional Referee grade is aimed at referees servicing the amateur game which is reflected in both the game count requirements and assessment requirements. If you haven't already, start keeping a game log (especially of amateur games). The minimum fitness test standard for Regional Referee in 2020 will be the FIFA Women’s Referee Test.
FAQ:
Are Grades 6 & 5 grandfathered in if they do not meet the amateur game count of 50 centers and 25 ARs?
Yes. As long you have met your maintenance requirements for 2019 you will be registered in 2020 as a Regional Referee. If a Grade 6 referee candidate does not meet upgrade requirements this year, they will have to meet the new requirements for upgrade to Regional Referee detailed in the USSF presentation.
Are current referees younger than 13 still allowed to referee?
Yes. Any current referees younger than 13 will be grandfathered in.
Please refer to the 2020 USSF Grades Presentation for more specific details on each grade and their respective requirements.