USSF Grading System for Assessments

At some past meetings I reviewed some U.S.S.F. “Expectations of Performance” criteria and the U.S.S.F. assessment “Grading System” for match performance. Below are selected excerpts from U.S.S.F. memo of February 23, 2009.

“The following is a summary of the performance and grading system levels to be used consistently at all referee grade levels. As a result, all grade levels will be scored/graded on the same scoring or numeric system. The minimal passing score for all levels is 70. A score of 69 or less represents an unacceptable performance.


Description: Outstanding Grade Range: 90-100.

Comments: . . . . A near flawless performance: A very rare performance for the level of game assigned. The match should have represented a difficult to very difficult challenge for the referee.

Description: Very Good Grade Range: 80-89.  Comments: The referee demonstrated a high level of skill in controlling a match which is a demanding test of his/her refereeing ability . . .. The referee should have been challenged with solving/preventing at least one difficult decision. The match should have represented a difficult challenge for the referee.

Description: Acceptable Grade Range: 70-79 Comments: [Complete, not excerpted by hpg]:

The referee demonstrated his/her ability to control a competitive match. A standard performance where the standard of control and law application should be credible. A referee who has performed well overall but who has made a key error, that did not affect the outcome of the game, may fit this category. Player management, disciplinary control and other technical requirements should be of good standard but some advice and/or area(s) for improvement will be covered.

Description: Not Acceptable Grade Range: 60-69 Comments:
The referee is inconsistent in his/her decision making and dealing with players or fails to deal correctly with major incidents. Performance below expectations for this grade level referee. . . . Clear advice and/or areas for improvement will be required in the report. The referee’s performance is “not acceptable” based upon the criteria established in the “Not Acceptable Performance Policy.” The match was made difficult (in part) because of the referee’s performance.

[NOTE: The remaining two Grade Ranges (50-59 and 49 or less) described as (a) Poor and (b) Performance Subject to Review need not be reproduced here; they do exist, however! I hope none of our NOCRA referees will ever fall into either of these two categories!]