Upgrading is an important component of refereeing. Striving to improve and to reach the highest level possible should always be a goal for any referee.
Referees must apply for promotion in writing. Promotion takes effect on approval by the Manager of Referees (or designate). It is the individual referee’s responsibility to ensure all appropriate information for upgrade is submitted.
Every year, the NLSA attempts to hold one or more upgrading courses (to upgrade from small-sided to district referee, the full entry level course must be taken). These courses are run depending on numbers being available to conduct such courses. To be eligible to participate in an upgrading course, you must meet certain requirements.
Upgrading from District to Regional level
To be eligible to request promotion, you must have been a referee for at least one full outdoor season with most of the matches officiated at the competitive U16 level or above, but preferably at the senior level.
To be considered for promotion, you must have completed all of the following:
If you are not successful in upgrading because of assessments, or failing to attend a fitness test, you may complete these requirements in the following season.
Upgrading from Regional to Provincial level
To be considered for promotion, you must have:
Upgrading to National List Referee
Each year, the NLSA may nominate referees to Canada Soccer for promotion to National referee. He/she must have consistently performed at a high level, received appropriate assessments at a senior level in the past 24 months, and must also be active in other areas of soccer (such as referee instruction, referee assessment, or serving as a mentor to the younger referee).
Upgrading to FIFA-List Referee
Canada Soccer nominates officials to FIFA for inclusion on the International Referees list and the Assistant Referees list. These nominees are commonly, but not necessarily, taken from the National referees list.