U.S. Soccer has introduced R90+, a new 24-month development initiative designed to identify, coach and support high-potential referees as they advance toward national, professional and potentially international assignments. Kari Seitz, U.S. Soccer’s Senior Vice President and Head of Refereeing, said some participants will reach the professional or international game while others will become outstanding referees and leaders within their communities — and that “both matter.”
The program will begin in the federation’s South Region later this year, with an initial cohort of approximately 60 referees. U.S. Soccer plans to expand R90+ to additional regions as it builds a more connected national pathway for officials.
Selected participants will receive individualized coaching and mentorship, technical education based on the U.S. Refereeing Way, match analysis, physical preparation, performance monitoring and opportunities to work national events. The initiative will include existing regional referees as well as standout officials who are showing readiness to move up to that level.
U.S. Soccer will identify candidates through nominations, scouting, performance data, match reports and video analysis, creating a process intended to recognize promising referees regardless of where they live. The federation has not published application or cost details for the program.
“Referees are essential to the growth and success of soccer in this country,” U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson said in announcing the program. “As we continue to invest in developing the game at every level, we also have to invest in the people who make those games possible.”
Seitz said the program is designed to reduce geographic barriers that can limit officials’ exposure to coaching and advancement opportunities. “Our responsibility is to make sure geography does not determine who gets the opportunity to develop,” she said. She emphasized that the federation wants talented referees to have a clear understanding of the standards, support and experiences required to progress.
The launch comes as participation and interest in soccer continue to grow across the United States, increasing the need for trained and supported match officials at youth, amateur, professional and international levels — a need that also depends on how officials are treated on the sideline, which U.S. Soccer addressed separately through the updated referee abuse prevention rules.