Badge Question

[Metrofan CP]

I just became certified as a Grade 8 referee this past weekend (scoring a 98 on the test). We were given USSF 2007 badges as the class took place so late in the year. Does this mean that I can not referee/AR a game until January, or will the 2007 badge be acceptable for refereeing games until the end of the year? I ask because the instructors of my class said that we could begin immediately, but in the Referee Administrative Handbook (found on ussoccer.com) it states that proper referee attire includes: "ONE BADGE ONLY: UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION - WITH CURRENT YEAR."

[pasoccerdave]

When I passed my test last year at this time, I received badges for 2 years. Ask your instructor.

[refmike]

As with many things in the laws an interpretation is needed. Wearing next years badge is OK. Wearing last years badge is not.

[bluedevils]

Ideally, you'd be wearing the badge for the current year but what is more important than wearing the badge is actually being registered/certified/allowed to work the games. You *are* that, so no worries. If I forget my badge at home, I still ref the game without a badge. It doesn't mean I am not allowed to ref the game, but it looks bad.

Congrats on getting your Grade 8 badge and on taking the written test seriously!

[ref2coach]

Congratulations Metrofan. Getting a 98 on the test AND reading the administrative guide. :D Be careful or you will get accused of being “overly officious”. :eek:

The answer is in the re-certification procedure used by USSF. Re-certification may take place between 1 Aug. and 31 Dec. each year when you re-certify you then get the "next" year's badge. Many States to save a buck or two will issue all new referees, who certify between those dates, the "next" year's badge.

[intechpc]

I just became certified as a Grade 8 referee this past weekend (scoring a 98 on the test). We were given USSF 2007 badges as the class took place so late in the year. Does this mean that I can not referee/AR a game until January, or will the 2007 badge be acceptable for refereeing games until the end of the year? I ask because the instructors of my class said that we could begin immediately, but in the Referee Administrative Handbook (found on ussoccer.com) it states that proper referee attire includes: "ONE BADGE ONLY: UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION - WITH CURRENT YEAR."


First of all, congratulations on passing the test. I just passed my level 8 this weekend as well (although with a 92 not a 98). I was taking the clinic in preparation for my local rec league's fall season and the instructors did specifically say that we were basically getting half a year for free since they were handing out the 2007 patches. In other words it is ok to ref now with the badge. The reason for the rule is to make it clear that you must be current on your certification, you and I are now probably more current than some since we were instructed using the most recent law changes and advice.

Good for you reading the handbook, I too have been going through all the documentation. The one I found particularly helpful was the Position and Procedures guide. Since they didn't cover the A/R signals very in-depth in the class, this document provides a great review. Again congrats to you!!

[NHRef]

I asked this last year when I got my 2006 badge in August of 2005. Was told to wear the most recent badge, it basically says you are certified through that year.

[Law5]

At this point in the year, we (the states) can not register referees for 2006. Anyone newly registering will receive a 2007 badge and will not have to pay for registration again until 2008! 2007 re-registration forms are on their way, I am told, for those who are registered for 2006.

[jacoismyhero]

As far as when to wear your 2007 badge: You can wear it any time between August 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007. My state association has a camp in the end of July, so we recertify right at the beginning of the soccer year. Technically, the years go from August to August, hence the dates on the LOTG (i.e. 2006-07, 2007-08). Coincidentally, your referee license from USSF is good for the calendar year. :rolleyes:

This year, they told us that the Federation would send our badges along with our licenses via mail. :confused: It's something new, but whatever.

[vabeacher]

My son also just received his first time certification this past month and got his 2007 badge. His instructor basically said you get a free lunch for the remainder or 2006, but don't get used to it, because you'll have to pay for every annual recert class from here on.

[LoewenBoy]

I just became certified as a Grade 8 referee this past weekend (scoring a 98 on the test). We were given USSF 2007 badges as the class took place so late in the year. Does this mean that I can not referee/AR a game until January, or will the 2007 badge be acceptable for refereeing games until the end of the year?
No, you can referee in 2006 AND 2007. Next year you will take your recert between July-Dec and get your 2008 badge then. Talk to your association because some states require you to wear your current year badge. Of course in your case for this year that is not possible. Next year you may be required to wear you 2007 badge until 2008. Check with your SRA or assignor.