Kari Seitz’s Vision for U.S. Soccer Referees: Key Priorities and Initiatives

Kari Seitz’s Vision for U.S. Soccer Referees: Key Priorities and Initiatives

In a recent episode of REFS NEED LOVE TOO podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Kari Seitz, U.S. Soccer’s Vice President of Referees. Kari brings a wealth of experience from her time at FIFA and is deeply committed to making refereeing a respected and essential part of soccer’s success in the U.S. During our conversation, she outlined her top priorities, emphasizing the need for cultural shifts, pathway improvements, and a safer environment for referees. Here’s a breakdown of her key initiatives:

1. Establishing Refereeing as Essential to Soccer’s Success

Kari’s overarching mission is to ensure that refereeing is recognized as a critical component of soccer in the U.S. With the upcoming World Cup, Club World Cup, and Olympics on the horizon, she stresses that the game cannot thrive without a robust and well-supported referee pool. To achieve this, she aims to elevate the status of referees within the soccer community and make refereeing an appealing way to stay involved in the sport.

2. Improving the Referee Pathway

A major focus for Kari is enhancing the development pathway for referees. The current system lacks clarity and motivation, making it difficult for referees to see a structured progression. She aims to create a system that is:

• Transparent – Clearly defining steps for advancement.

• Rewarding – Offering recognition for effort and skill development.

• Efficient – Implementing structured mentorship programs to retain top talent.

Additionally, she plans to introduce a tiered system so that grassroots referees who prefer to officiate youth matches can have their own dedicated pathway without needing to move into adult matches to progress.

3. Reducing Barriers to Entry

Becoming a referee can be costly and complicated. In some areas, registration fees alone are $125–$150, not including uniforms and training. Kari acknowledges that the financial burden discourages new referees and plans to address this issue by streamlining the registration process and seeking ways to offset costs.

4. Creating a Safer Working Environment

One of the most significant challenges referees face is abuse on and off the field. Kari acknowledges that while policy alone won’t solve the problem, it sets a foundation for cultural change. U.S. Soccer’s new Referee Abuse Policy, effective March 5th, outlines clear definitions of abuse, includes a structured penalty matrix, and provides stronger consequences for misconduct against referees. This initiative aims to protect referees and deter negative behavior.

5. Emphasizing Practical and Soccer-Forward Education

Kari believes that referee education should go beyond the rulebook and focus on understanding the game. She advocates for a “soccer forward” approach, where referees are trained to read the game, anticipate player movements, and make decisions that align with the spirit of play. This philosophy encourages referees to apply their natural soccer instincts rather than relying solely on technical interpretations of the laws.

6. Strengthening the National Referee Program

Refereeing structures currently vary widely across states, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies. Kari wants to unify and strengthen the program so that training, evaluation, and expectations are more standardized nationwide. She envisions a system where referees progress step-by-step, earning promotions that align with their skill level and match assignments.

Looking Ahead

Kari recognizes that change won’t happen overnight, but she is committed to making refereeing a respected and integral part of soccer in the U.S. By addressing these priorities—improving pathways, reducing barriers, fostering a positive culture, and enforcing stronger protections—she hopes to build a sustainable and thriving referee community.

As referees, coaches, and players, we all have a role to play in this transformation. If you haven’t already, check out the new Referee Abuse Policy at ussoccer.com/rap and help spread the word. Together, we can create a better soccer environment for everyone.