The Japan Football Association has this season introduced a new status for its top referees, called "S.R."
S.R. stands for "Special Referee," and the status can be awarded to experienced referees deemed to be of a high enough standard. Only Division One referees are eligible for S.R.-status and they must sign a one-year deal with the JFA, which is renewable at the end of the year.
They are required to officiate in at least one game a week, train twice a week, take lectures and work on analysis of their game.