REFEREES

For more information on the ACS Referee Training Program or the Referee Staff, please contact Stacey Linerode – Referee Program Administrator
E-mail: slinerode@americancuesports.org

Referee is the first level. This entry level is the first step of becoming a referee with the ACS Referee Program. To join the ACS Referee Program, you must successfully complete a written examination you can request to be sent to you from the ACS. You may request the exam with a simple phone call by email or by completing the referee application (listed above). The exam is based on the World Standardized Rules. You are encouraged to use the World Standardized Rules when completing the exam. There is no application fee. Once you have completed the test, mail it to the ACS. You will be contacted by the ACS with your results.  

Once the applicant is notified of a passing grade, the annual $40 referee fee will be due, to officially enter the program. Included in the benefits package is an annual ACS Player Membership. Late payment will void recognition. Upon receipt of the $40 referee fee, the ACS will issue a formal certificate of recognition to those successfully passing the examination, as well as an official Referee patch and an I.D. card. Written re-certification is required of an ACS Referee every three (3) years. 

National Referee is the second level. After you successfully attain Referee level, you may pursue further training and the possibility of advancement. Training for advancement to National Referee level will be available at the annual ACS National Championships. Trainees must demonstrate the ability to handle actual situations under tournament conditions to be considered for advancement. Training at the ACS National Championships will consist of the following minimum segments: 

Classroom training – 3 segments, 4 hours each.
Actual floor training – 3 segments, 4 hours each, minimum.
Final testing and evaluation

Classroom segments will be under the supervision of National Head Referees and will include written testing as well as open discussions and demonstrations. All written testing requires a passing grade. Floor segments will be under the supervision of National Senior or National Referees. Candidates will be performing under actual tournament conditions and will be evaluated on general knowledge as well as overall appearance, professionalism and demeanor. Referees attaining National Referee level and attending the ACS National Championships will participate in continuing education programs held each year prior to the start of the ACS National Championships and will assist in the training and development of referee trainees. Additionally, they will perform other duties as are reasonably assigned during the Championships. A National Referee will be permitted to participate in one event only at the National Championships. Written re-certification is required every two (2) years, with a periodic review. 

National Senior Referee is the third level. After four (4) consecutive years service at the ACS National Championships or equivalent, a National Referee may apply for promotion to National Senior Referee level. National Senior Referees may perform other duties as are reasonably assigned by the Head Referee staff and may include such duties as Shift Supervisor. A National Senior Referee will be permitted to participate in one event only at the National Championships. Written re-certification is required every two (2) years with periodic review. 

National Head Referee is the fourth level. After four (4) consecutive years service at the National Championships, the referee may be recommended to the level of National Head Referee based on the event’s need for individuals in this position. Written re-certification is required every two (2) years with periodic review. National Head Referees will be permitted to participate in one event only at the National Championships. 

Director of Referees – The ACS Director of Referees shall serve a two (2) year term as the Certified Referee Director on the ACS Board of Directors. Any ACS-certified referee may be nominated as a candidate for election. Referees certified at the "National Level" and above each have one (1) vote in the election of ACS Director of Referees. 

All ACS Referees, when acting in an official capacity, will be required to abide by the ACS referee dress code. This will include a neat and presentable appearance, a dress type, polo or black and white referee uniform shirt bearing an official ACS Referee patch, black slacks and either black tennis shoes or black dress shoes. All ACS Referees, when acting in an official capacity at an ACS State or National event, will be required to wear the official black and white uniform shirt bearing the ACS Referee patch. Black dress slacks and either black tennis shoes or black dress shoes are required. Belts must be of the dress type with a dress buckle. National Head Referees may wear clothing appropriate for the event (i.e. special event shirt) with the referee patch attached. Black dress slacks and black tennis shoes or black dress shoes are also required. A long-sleeved turtleneck, (either solid black or solid white), if desired, may be worn under the traditional black and white striped referee uniform shirt.