The USSF Grade (Level) 9 Recreational Referee Course was designed to meet the needs of those under the age of 16 (though not limited to those older) who desire to become a referee. Since so many young people taking the 16 hour, Grade 8 Referee Course, were failing (those passing were sometimes experiencing too difficult "level of play" assignments, and not HAVING FUN), we saw a need to address those problems; thus the Grade 9 Rec. Ref Course. This is the ideal ENTRY LEVEL for a beginning referee as recognized by the State of Virginia. Also be advised, according to the VA Child Labor Law, children age 12 and under can only work voluntarily (without pay) and 13-15 can only work with certain limitations.

You will be certified to center (CR) ONLY RECREATIONAL LEAGUE games U14 and younger (NOT Select/Travel Leagues). That means, if a team is having tryouts, they are most likely a Travel/Select team!

You WILL be able to do the Line (AR) of the Select Tournaments and League Games such as WAGS, ODSL, NCSL, RMYSL, or ALL-STAR Tournaments, PWSI competitive Tournaments, etc. as long as these games are U14 OR YOUNGER. You CAN NOT DO Adult League games. The assignor will put you at your "Comfort Level" if you request before taking any assignment.

YOU WILL be able to do U14 or younger Recreational Games anywhere in the state (Mid-County, Stafford Rec. League (not Travel), Spotsylvania Co. Rec., Caroline Co. Rec., King George Rec., etc. This also includes small-sided games of 4v4, 5v5 & 7v7.

You will be trained to work games by yourself, with Assistant Referees, or you as an Assistant Referee in U14 and younger recreational soccer. Training will be geared towards those recreational (local) modified rules and regulations where ever the Grade 9 is hosted along with those consistent with USSF youth games under USSF. This Course will be at least eight hours in the classroom, covering 17 Laws of the Game, and culminate with an outside module. To assist you in preparation of the course, we will email you several websites that will give you an introduction to what you will encounter and need to know as a new Recreational Grade 9 Referee. For More Information call: Ron Magin - 540-898-3640 or email socrefva@yahoo.com

After being a Grade 9 referee for a season or two, you will be encouraged to "upgrade" to Grade 8. The concept behind Grade 9 is that the referee at this level would gain field experience for a year (two at the most) and then, when establishing confidence, become a Grade 8 official. The Grade 8 entry level class is now designed for experienced Adult players and youth 16 or older. We now have a "bridge" class that will handle the transition from 9 to 8. When the Grade 9 is ready for greater challenges, this transition class will serve that specific need, based on the fact that Grade 9 referees have already had a significant portion of the instruction provided in the Entry Grade 9 class and now have had at least some on-field experience before taking on greater challenges.