The referees for Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and Canada are provided by the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), which is an organization jointly owned by MLS and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
PRO is responsible for recruiting, training, and developing referees for MLS and other professional soccer leagues in North America. The organization identifies potential referees from a variety of sources, including local and regional soccer associations, and invites them to participate in its training and development programs.
In addition, PRO also recruits experienced referees from other professional leagues around the world and provides opportunities for them to officiate in MLS matches. The goal of PRO is to provide the highest quality officiating possible for MLS matches and to continually improve the standards of refereeing in North American soccer.
How do referees join PRO?
Referees who are interested in joining the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), which provides referees for Major League Soccer (MLS) and other professional soccer leagues in North America, can apply to the organization’s recruitment program.
PRO typically looks for referees with experience at the highest levels of their respective leagues, such as national and international competitions, and who have demonstrated a high level of fitness, knowledge of the FIFA rules, technical ability, and communication skills on the field. Referees who are interested in applying can do so through the PRO website or by contacting the organization directly.
Once a referee is accepted into the program, they will undergo a rigorous training and development process that includes both classroom and on-field training. This training is designed to help the referee improve their decision-making ability, communication skills, and physical fitness.
The referee’s progress is closely monitored by PRO, and they must pass regular fitness tests and demonstrate their ability to officiate effectively in matches before being assigned to MLS games. The goal of this process is to ensure that only the best and most qualified referees are chosen to officiate in MLS and other professional soccer leagues in North America.
How do referees advance to MLS?
To become a Major League Soccer (MLS) referee, one typically must first gain experience and officiate matches in lower-level leagues or competitions, such as youth leagues or adult amateur leagues. Referees who perform well in these leagues and demonstrate the necessary skills and abilities may be recommended to the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), which provides referees for MLS and other professional soccer leagues in North America.
PRO initially assigns referees to USL League Two or possibly USL League One. Unlike teams, referees promote or relegate based on performance. Referees typically move up to USL Championship and then the NWSL before reaching MLS. PRO also uses the newer MLS Next Pro league as a feeder league for MLS.
Once in MLS, referees are initially part-time as 4th officials or VARs with a possibility of some center referee assignments on low-key matches. These referees also continue to work in the lower leagues. The most successful referees are eventually offered full-time MLS contracts.
