Referees

Candidate

Take the first steps in joining USRowing's RefCorps as a Referee Candidate.

Step 1: Interest Form

To get started, complete the Referee Candidate Interest form below. After submitting a response, USRowing's Referee Associate will reach out to welcome and onboard you into the RefCorps pipeline.

Step 2: USRowing Membership

Next, create a USRowing member profile account using the link below.

Step 3: SafeSport Training

After you have created an account, complete the SafeSport training through your USRowing member portal. For more information, check out the link below.

Step 4: NCSI Background Check

Once you've completed your SafeSport training, the USRowing Referee Associate will order and issue you a background check. This will be sent as a link to your email address and should be completed within 14 days of receiving the link.

Step 5: Candidate Referee Education

The last step in your path to becoming a referee candidate is completing your online training. You will be sent an email from Referee College with a link directly to start working through the online training modules. For resources to help you study, checkout the link below.

Level 1 (L1) Referee 

Upon passing your exam and verifying that all requirements have been met, you will transition from Candidate to a licensed Level 1 (L1) Referee and begin your active referee career. 

Step 1: Mentorship

As an L1, you will be assigned a Mentor by your Regional Coordinator. Your Mentor will provide practical guidance as you start officiating at regattas.

Step 2: Regatta Assignments 

To maintain your L1 license, you must work at a minimum of one regatta day per year and continue to meet all USRowing license requirements.

Step 3: Skill Development 

During this period, focus on gaining practical experience, receiving evaluations in each referee position, and preparing for future advancement.

Level 2 (L2) Referee

To advance to a Level 2 Referee complete observations and receive “Meet Standards” evaluations for all licensed positions. Then, work under supervision in at least one instance, and submit a letter of support from an L2 or L3 referee before taking a written exam on the Rules and Procedures. Passing the exam, along with meeting all criteria, upgrades you to an L2 license.

Eligibility and Work Scope: 

Level 2 referees will be able to work certain regattas independently, and must work a minimum of four regatta days per year. 

Level 3 (L3) Referee

To advance into becoming a Level 3 referee you must accumulate diverse experience by working in different roles and regions and take on supervisory duties for L1 or L2 referees.

Eligibility and Work Scope: 

L3 referees can work unsupervised at any regatta and must work at least eight regatta days per year at geographically distinct venues.

Dynamic Ranking

Referees can move up or down the license levels depending on availability, work history, and life circumstances.

Annual Data Call

Following the annual Data Call, all referees receive notification of their current license level. This flexible system minimizes the need for re-certification for those who temporarily drop a level.