Referees are independent contractors and, as such, can work for any assignor and referee any match they choose. However, USSF certified referees must understand that if they choose to referee non-USSF sanctioned matches, they risk several things. First, the USSF Liability policy only covers referees working USSF sanctioned matches. If a referee works a non-USSF match and is sued, the insurance policy does not cover the referee. Second, a non-USSF match does not count toward the annual game requirement nor annual game count. Third, the game can not be assessed. Fourth, disciplinary processes of the two State Associations will not come into play to punish the players or coaches should an assault or abuse against the referee occur. Lastly, the referee who works non-USSF matches encourages teams not to affiliate with USSF and thus the referee program loses a portion of the fees these teams would pay into USSF.

To be an USSF approved match, the game must be played between to teams who are affiliated with USSF and the match must be played in a league or tournament sanctioned by USSF or one of its members.

In Metro-DC and Virginia, the USSF State Association that affiliates adult soccer teams, leagues, and tournaments is the Metropolitan DC – Virginia Soccer Association, Inc. (MDCVSA). MDCVSA maintains a web site at www.mdcvsa.org. On their home page is a link to the Directory which lists all member leagues and tournaments. If a league is not listed on this page, then it is not currently affiliated with MDCVSA and USSF and any games played by teams in these leagues are non-USSF matches. If referees work these matches, then the USSF Liability insurance policy does not apply, the games do not count for game count, and the games can not be assessed.

Referees should check this page before accepting assignments to adult matches in DC and Virginia.