U.S. Refereeing Way+
Decision-making, positioning, game management and the technical standards expected of U.S. Soccer referees.
Developing the next generation of referees.
R90+ supports high-potential Regional match officials with the coaching, competition and performance support to prepare for the next level of the game.
Explore R90+About R90+
Built for officials with the potential to go further.
R90+ brings together match opportunities, individual coaching, performance analysis and targeted development across a 24-month experience.
Officials are identified through match performance, evaluation, scouting and recommendations from across the referee pathway. Selection looks beyond a single performance. It considers consistency, potential and an official's ability to develop over time.
Each official works with dedicated coaches and receives regular opportunities to prepare, perform, review their matches and apply feedback.
- 24 MonthsA sustained development experience.
Match opportunitiesMeaningful competition in the right environments.
Dedicated coachingConsistent support from coaches who know the official.
Video + performance analysisReview grounded in match performance.
Individual developmentFeedback and priorities shaped around each official.- Structured curriculumA progressive learning experience designed to develop the skills and performance standards required for the next level.
01
R90+ is a development experience, not a referee license.
02
Officials retain their existing U.S. Soccer license while participating in R90+ and continue to meet the licensing requirements for their level.
03
Selection into R90+ does not guarantee advancement. Progression through the referee pathway continues to be based on performance, experience and the requirements of each level.
The R90+ experience
Developing the complete referee.
R90+ is built around four connected areas of performance.
Soccer IQ+
Understanding how the game is played, recognizing tactical situations and using that understanding to make better decisions.
Fit for Purpose+
Preparing physically for the demands of the match, with a focus on performance, recovery and availability.
Perform+
Preparation, mental performance, wellbeing, reflection and the habits required to perform consistently.
How R90+ works
Development happens around the match.
- 01
Prepare
Officials prepare for the match, their role and the demands of the competition.
- 02
Perform
Officials apply their learning through meaningful match appointments and high-quality competition.
- 03
Coach + Review
Coaches observe performance, provide individual feedback and use match video to support review.
- 04
Progress
Officials apply feedback between matches, with performance over time informing future development and opportunities.
The referee pathway
R90+ creates a stronger bridge to the next level.
R90+ sits within the existing U.S. Soccer referee pathway, supporting Regional match officials who have demonstrated the potential to progress.
Over 24 months, officials have more opportunities to build a body of performance, work consistently with coaches and prepare for the standards required at higher levels of the game.
- Regional RefereeLicensed level
- R90+24-month development
experience · Not a license - Next steps depend onPerformance, experience, licensing requirements and available opportunities
- National RefereeLicensed level
- Professional GamePerformance opportunity
National footprint
Built across the country.
R90+ will operate across four regions, giving officials access to development and match opportunities closer to where they live and compete.
Each region works within the same R90+ framework, with dedicated leadership, coaches and opportunities connected to the competition landscape in that part of the country.
60Officials in the first cohort
200Officials across four regions as R90+ expands
Select a region to see its states
WestAlaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
MidwestIllinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
SouthAlabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas
NortheastConnecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
R90+ coaches
Coaching that stays with the official.
Every R90+ official works with experienced referee coaches who provide consistent support across the 24-month experience.
Coaches watch performance over time, lead individual development conversations, review match footage and help officials turn feedback into action.
Rather than receiving isolated feedback from different events, officials have coaches who understand their development, their performance and what they need to work on next.
Aaron Hernandez
National Referee CoachAaron combines his referee coaching experience with a playing background that included club soccer and NCAA Division II.
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He emphasizes preparation, humility and coachability, helping officials take responsibility for their performance and development.
Mark Kadlecik
National Referee CoachMark brings extensive referee coaching experience alongside a long playing background.
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He focuses on helping officials apply what they learn in the match environment, with patience and guided experience at the center of his approach.
Sean-Michael Kemp
National Referee CoachSean brings a strong background in teaching, instruction and referee development.
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His coaching focuses on helping officials build the foundations, confidence and consistency needed as expectations increase. He believes long-term progression comes from being fully prepared for each step, rather than rushing to the next level.
Shannon Mayberry
Referee CoachShannon focuses on creating a trusted coaching relationship where officials can reflect openly, learn from difficult moments and continue challenging themselves.
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Her experience includes working in professional and international environments, giving her a strong understanding of the demands officials face as they progress.
Jasmine Peralta
National Referee CoachJasmine enjoys working with referees who want to learn, improve and see how far they can go.
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Her approach focuses on growth, enjoying the experience and building the relationships that come with progressing through the game.
Amanda Ross
National Referee CoachAmanda brings extensive experience from both officiating and referee coaching.
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A former FIFA Assistant Referee, she worked across the USL, WPS and NWSL, including the 2015 NWSL Final, as well as international competitions in Concacaf and at the 2015 Pan-American Games. Since moving into coaching, Amanda has served as a U.S. Soccer National Referee Coach and Concacaf Assessor and Instructor, alongside leadership roles in assessment and referee education within the college game.
Referee FAQ
What you need to know about the first R90+ intake.
R90+ is U.S. Soccer's national development program for high-potential referees with the ability and ambition to progress toward National level and beyond.
01What is R90+?
The program gives selected referees clearer direction, stronger support and a more consistent development environment as they work toward the next level.
It will primarily support Regional Referees who have demonstrated strong performance and potential for continued progression. A small number of exceptional referees progressing toward Regional level may also be considered through the wildcard process.
02What will selected referees receive?
- A dedicated Referee Coach
- Mentoring
- An Individual Development Plan
- In-person and remote technical education
- Match analysis and performance feedback
- Physical preparation support
- Stronger competition opportunities
- National development events
- Ongoing performance monitoring
03Do I need to apply?
No.
There is no referee application for the first intake. Referees are identified through the wider R90+ selection process. There is nothing you need to submit at this stage.
04How will referees be considered?
Selection will not be based on one match, one report or one nomination. U.S. Soccer is bringing together information from across the referee pathway to build a broader picture of each referee. That may include:
- Scouting and observation
- Match appointments
- Evaluations and performance information
- Available video
- Coach input
- Talent pathway information
- Wildcard nominations
We look at the referee as a whole: current performance, development trajectory, potential to progress and consistency across the information available. The final cohort is agreed through a national review and selection process.
A nomination does not guarantee selection. No single source of information automatically places a referee into R90+.
05How does R90+ relate to National Match Official selection?
NMO progression comes first.
R90+ does not replace or affect the National Match Official (NMO) selection process. If you are being considered for the NMO intake, your involvement or potential selection for R90+ will not impact that process.
Progression into the NMO pathway remains the priority for referees and assistant referees who are ready to take that next step.
If a referee or assistant referee selected for R90+ is subsequently selected for the NMO intake, they will progress into NMO and their R90+ place will be offered to another candidate.
R90+ supports progression toward National level. It does not sit in the way of it.
06What R90+ is not
- A new referee certification level
- An automatic route to National
- A guarantee of professional progression
Selection provides a development opportunity. You will still need to demonstrate the performance, readiness and standards required to progress.
07Why is the first intake in the South?
The South is the first region for R90+ as U.S. Soccer begins the national rollout of the program. The first cohort will come together at MLS NEXT Fest in December 2026, with expansion into other regions to follow.
08What if I am not selected for the first intake?
R90+ is one part of the referee development pathway. Not being selected now does not prevent you from continuing to develop or being considered for future opportunities.
09What happens next?
There is nothing you need to submit or do as part of the initial selection process. U.S. Soccer will continue the national review and selection process through September.
Referees selected for the first R90+ cohort will be contacted directly by U.S. Soccer with further information and next steps. Until then, no action is required from you.
U.S. Soccer referees
Your referee journey starts here.
R90+ is designed for officials already progressing through the U.S. Soccer referee pathway.
If you are interested in becoming a referee, or want to understand how you can progress, explore the U.S. Soccer referee pathway.
