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• Q.  How do I recertify?
  • A.  Every year, you must meet the minimum requirements specified by the USSF Administrative manual, plus certain game counts for grades 7 and above.  Special recertification courses are available from July through December, for recertification for the following year.  You can sign up for any course anywhere in the state.  But don't wait!!  Every year someone calls at the last minute to say, "I can't be at the December course.  Can I just pay my fee or take a test or something?"  Remember the old saying, "Poor planning on your part doesn't constitute an emergency on my part."  Get your recertification done early.  Avoid the stress!
• Q.  Why do I have to go to a recert class?
  • A.  USSF and FSR specify a)5 hours of in-service training, b)a written exam score, c)fitness test score, d)field assessment and e)game count at your grade level or higher.  The recert class provides opportunity for your administrator to verify competence for all but the assessment.
• Q.  Who decides the agenda at the recert?  Do they respond to requests for certain topics?
  • A.  The State Director of Instruction develops the agenda with inputs from the Area Referee Administrators and the State Referee Administrator.  If you have special topics of interest, contact your ARA.
• Q.  Why does Florida put so much emphasis on recertification standards?
  • A.  Florida has been a recognized leader in its referee program and can best serve the FYSA and FSSA by maintaining high standards.  USSF specifies standards in the Administrator Handbook and its Supplements, available from the "Laws and Policy" link on the home page.
• Q. What happens if I don't pass the fitness test?
  • A.  Recertification requires that you meet all requirements at a particular grade level.  For example, passing the written and failing the fitness may qualify you to recertify at a grade 8.  There's no recertification at any grade without at least the minimum score on the written test and having 5 hours of in-service training.  Therefore, DON'T MISS attending a recert class BEFORE December.
• Q. Why is recertification such a formal event?
  • A. Because there have been complaints about "special treatment" in the past.  To be fair to those who do indeed go to the trouble and expense to follow the requirements of the Federation, it is felt that the few who want to circumvent the process should not be rewarded for doing so.  Referees all wear the same uniform.  Likewise, referees at equivalent levels should each demonstrate competence against the same standards for that level.