The primary objective of the assessment/evaluation process is to enhance the performance of all referees at all levels of the game. The United States Soccer Federation’s (USSF) Referee Administrative Handbook defines the criteria for certifying current referee grade and upgrading to the next level of referee. USSF's policy states that official assessments for upgrade must be conducted by a currently certified and registered USSF Assessor. Alabama endorses USSF's requirements for referee upgrade and maintenance of the current Referee, Grade 7 and State Referees, Grades 6 and 5 as the minimum standard.

Referees, Grade 7, and all State Referees must complete annually:

In-Service Training
Refresher Exam
Physical Fitness Test
Field Evaluation

Criteria for upgrade to Referee, Grade 8 and 7, and State Referee, Grade 6 and 5 are described in the appropriate table for each grade.

State Referees, Grades 6 & 5, must attend the mandatory State Referee Clinic to receive instruction for recertification. In addition, the referee must pass one maintenance assessment as a Grade 6 referee at Division 2 adult match or higher and Grade 5 on a Division 1 or higher match.

Grade 7 referees must pass one maintenance assessment annually as a referee at U-18 match or higher level. Field evaluation for State Referee upgrade, referee upgrade to Referee, Grade 7 and all maintenance assessments must be approved by the SDA.