Two weeks ago the author of this blog began preparing for the start of the Spring Soccer season for Athens Soccer Academy and the new Athens Referee Academy. The blog posts became few and brief as all minutes in the day, it seemed, were spent sweating the necessary details for the Academy's Adult & Youth Leagues.
The Referee Academy serves these two leagues as well as leagues for both the Greater Athens Soccer Association (GASA) and Athens City Recreational Soccer .
Every detail, from creating fields to assigning referees, had to be communicated to the network of people who support soccer in this community, as I prepared to attend United States Soccer Federation's annual Referee Training Seminar at the nearest location to home.
Warm-up for my fitness test Saturday morning was scheduled for 8:25:00 AM, so midweek I booked a room for the weekend in Dayton. Friday at dusk I was still putting the finishing touches on the youth fields at Athens Soccer Park when I stopped to take in the scene of GASA volunteers and an Athens Futball Club Team Training.
Here is the record from the weekend...
I get to Dayton late, find my hotel near the airport, and get to sleep.
After an early start I arrive at the track and catch up with some Ohio South Referees who had an earlier start than I driving in from Columbus.
We mingle in the parking lot a short while and head to the registration table....
where we stretch and warm up. I find some favorite Referee Friends whom I haven't seen all winter.
Mags
The Interval test is the format used by US Soccer. For the 40 M sprints we activate laser sensors.
I am running the 40 in about 5.7, but two of the top sprinters happen to be out on the track with our group, and they are in the 5.1 range. It occurs to me to study their starts, but only after I have run five of my six sprints.
I alter my start using what I learned by watching these runners and improve my best time by 3 tenths of a second. I am amazed and wish I could run five more sprints...
...not really though because the Interval Test Part 2 is to follow.
I pass these tests today but am determined to improve my performance next year. Not every Referee has passed today, so some may be traveling to Chicago in a week.
This is how much we love the game.
These runs have made Referees sweaty and hungry. Three carloads travel to a single hotel room to occupy the shower one-at-a-time before we head straight to the table.
Professional Referee Association—PRO--Brown
Teamwork essentials: MLS has referees from all
over, different styles, etc. Teamwork skills become paramount for the level we want to work at.
SFP
Before During After Good characteristics and bad characteristics
Lack of...
Bad Characteristics
New Mexico State
MLS Cup final 98 rose
bowl
The clinic ends with Olsen asking the room, "which of you are USSF Instructors?", and the author's hand goes up. Official Sports International has donated Referee Gear, and Steve has identified the most appropriate use of this merchandise for this audience.
He throws me an item, and I have a referee in mind who is a member of the Academy, AND has just re-certified as a Grade 8 Ohio South Referee
We thank these clinicians, and we recognize Chris' achievement as a group. Our SRA steps to the front and reminds us that Chris, who is now working at the highest level of the game, has come from clinics and groups just like these.
I take a moment to say hello and grab an autograph from a Referee buddy whose game I admire. We take a moment enjoying the old photos in the back of my copy of the Laws of the Game circa 1997.
Chris is gracious and almost humble as he signs my copy.
I leave with that drive to focus on my assessments for 2013. I will enter my availability on the professional site when I get home, and sit back and wait for an assignment.
Catching up with my responsibilities back home means I can't return to the house, the kids, the wife, and the couch...OUCH....just yet. There are a number of stops yet to make for this dad, Academy organizer, and wannabe Professional Referee.
The scene at the Athens Soccer Park warms my heart. A dedicated city recreational soccer coach (whose daughter also plays for the Under 12 Lady Tigers) is running a quality training, as in the beyond the Academy Adult Leagues and Academy Referees are locked in the eternal dance of the cosmic game.
If you enjoy this post, check out--http://howtosoccerblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/game-assignment-us-soccer.html
and http://howtosoccerblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/referee-training-seminar-2013.html#.U8J_BSvD9zk
It turns out that a referee has misread an email, and I need to referee the Women's Game #1, Motley Crew V Wrecking Crew. This game is amazing, except for an injury in the third minute. I have to run for ice, then we return to play.
Motley has come up a notch, though they are missing players. Ana is a stalwart in the back; Channa has that Brazilian change of direction, and she distributes with a keen sense. Eddith provides an exciting attack outlet. These women are amazing in their passion for this game that they just picked up in the last four years.
Wrecking Crew dominates the midfield and carries the day with two great goals. The spirit is happy, social, and game-on.
After tucking my whistle away until the ball is next in play, I scurry out to a country cabin...
to retrieve the bees for our hive at home.
...but that is another story....
The Referee Academy serves these two leagues as well as leagues for both the Greater Athens Soccer Association (GASA) and Athens City Recreational Soccer .
Every detail, from creating fields to assigning referees, had to be communicated to the network of people who support soccer in this community, as I prepared to attend United States Soccer Federation's annual Referee Training Seminar at the nearest location to home.
Warm-up for my fitness test Saturday morning was scheduled for 8:25:00 AM, so midweek I booked a room for the weekend in Dayton. Friday at dusk I was still putting the finishing touches on the youth fields at Athens Soccer Park when I stopped to take in the scene of GASA volunteers and an Athens Futball Club Team Training.
Here is the record from the weekend...
Friday 9PM, Albany, Ohio
It seems everything is finally ready for a huge soccer weekend here and not without the help of local friends and the cooperation of the new SAY Soccer organization, Athens Community Soccer.
It is hard to say goodbye to my community and family, but my concentration follows the headlights as I focus on the protocols and decorum of the forum.
I get to Dayton late, find my hotel near the airport, and get to sleep.
Saturday 8AM, Dayton, Ohio
After an early start I arrive at the track and catch up with some Ohio South Referees who had an earlier start than I driving in from Columbus.
We mingle in the parking lot a short while and head to the registration table....
where we stretch and warm up. I find some favorite Referee Friends whom I haven't seen all winter.
Mags
King Mitchell
Pierre--National Referee
The Interval test is the format used by US Soccer. For the 40 M sprints we activate laser sensors.
I am running the 40 in about 5.7, but two of the top sprinters happen to be out on the track with our group, and they are in the 5.1 range. It occurs to me to study their starts, but only after I have run five of my six sprints.
I alter my start using what I learned by watching these runners and improve my best time by 3 tenths of a second. I am amazed and wish I could run five more sprints...
...not really though because the Interval Test Part 2 is to follow.
I pass these tests today but am determined to improve my performance next year. Not every Referee has passed today, so some may be traveling to Chicago in a week.
This is how much we love the game.
These runs have made Referees sweaty and hungry. Three carloads travel to a single hotel room to occupy the shower one-at-a-time before we head straight to the table.
Saturday Clinic Notes--12:00:00-18:00:00
USSF Professional
Referee
RTS Dayton ,
Ohio 2013
--Kevin Terry
--Jozsef Michna
--Steve Olsen
--PDL and Development
Academy
--Pro Arrivals and
preparation
--Region II
--PRO—Professional Referee Organization
--Changes
--10 RTS throughout country
Zone 3 PRO/Zone 2/Zone 1
Selection Criteria
E-portfolio for 4’s and 5’s
National assessor in your designated track
Identification Events
The author w/ Steve Olsen: Former FIFA Assistant Referee
--Concussion: traumatic brain injury: hallmark is confusion
May develop
later hours or days after hit
Unsteady
gate
Injury and ejection deal w player on ground first
Allowing play to continue near goal after head-to head
contact: world is gone
Dismissing player is not within the powers and duties: Law 5
Youth player can be assessed by referee and dismissed//Adult
player is a different story. Adult
players cannot be ordered off the field.
--Give the guy some space. Leave it for the professionals
Bringing trainer on transfers liability onto their
expertise.
Youth game: Coach is responsible
Suspicion EQUALS removal and then players requires clearance from a professional.
First Break
PROREFEREES.COM--bios
Peter Walton—English Premier Head of PRO
Michael Kennedy
9 full time referees
11 part time referees
10 4th Officials Independent Contractors
AR’s run the 40M sprints at 6.0; we had to run at 6.6
Decision Making Process see/think/ act
Triangle of control
Salazar- Two-footed tackle too much management/ has yellow out early/
Micro-positioning-Steve
Got to do what is right for the game here—Penso penalty kick?
Training Camp Schedule
Wednesday through Monday
Ambition motivated, focused, fit
Social media: Internet Posting Once posted you can’t get it back
Be aware of all focus points
see the whole picture
5 c’s
setting measure-able goals
Presentation style of
Steve Jobs
Teamwork and Cooperation
Critical thinking
Teamwork preparation pregame/Laws/
Knowing people teammates players bench player coaching
staff: preparation
Awareness of who you are working with
The author w/ Kevin Terry: Former FIFA REFEREE
Change the hand of the flag at the 18 to right hand
AR moving half yard past goal line to judge ball in goal.
Count the number of people they use to attack
AR to AR conversation at halftime
Expectations for second half
Post Game discussion: Honesty
Recognizing when you are vulnerable and might need help.
Game Critical Decisions
VC
2nd caution
Penalty Kick decision
In/out area
Offense not seen
Dissent
Personal, public, provocative
Mass confrontation
GK out of PA
Clearly referee didn’t see it.
Factors for AR engagement
Referee asking look
Does the game need it
Game credible decisions
Caution associated with a foul
Delayed caution (ID Guilty player)
Goal scored: attacker in OSP: AR doesn’t know who played ball
Persistent Infringement
1 Player committing multiple offenses
targeted player receiving multiple fouls
restart after injury
simulation
embellishment
Mark Geiger top guy right now
AR OVER involvement
AR area is to goalkeeper body on AR’s side of field.
Author w/ Austin Gomez National Assessor and National Instructor United States Soccer Federation
Homework--Carlos
4 Qualities you want in a Teammate
movement
work ethic
on same page
know their role
…and four qualities you don’t want in a Teammate…
professionalism
consistency
The game should not be a burden--simple
HOMEWORK--Tad
Good
Fourth—Presence/ Administrative Brain/
AR1—Social Skills/ Confidence/ Love for the Game
AR2—Administrative Brain/Active Engagement/ Professionalism
Referee—Player Management/
Bad Characteristics
Fourth—
AR1—
AR2—
Fourth— Needs to have the courage to remove a coach/player
without drawing the referee into it.
--Make the Call—Video Clips
Netherlands/Spain cleats to chest—Howard Webb World Cup
Final
Goalkeeper Ejection for raised cleats to face
Nike Friendlies—Youth Games, stepping game to the next
level.
Bad touch leads to risky play
First Division Professional game: Flying elbow: Caution
Chris Penso enters the room
Chris Penso: Current FIFA Referee (formerly of Ohio North and OCSOA)
Video Michael Kennedy—Ask Tell Dismiss (Remove)
Coaches cannot commit misconduct but they can behave w poor
conduct
Law 5 take action to team officials who fail to conduct
themselves in a professional manner.
Referees do not need to follow each step
Professional Match Evaluator
(PME )
MLS
Reports on bench decorum
Delayed Caution/Ejection
Tackling the leg not the ball
Encroachment/
Outside Referees/Inside Boundaries of penalty area
Keep it down AR when
in doubt
If you don’t know keep it down…
Terry: Ref waves AR down on goal by Nowak--Chicago shot
ricochet
Player standing in front of the goalie: Tries to flick ball
on
AR shows composure
The clinic ends with Olsen asking the room, "which of you are USSF Instructors?", and the author's hand goes up. Official Sports International has donated Referee Gear, and Steve has identified the most appropriate use of this merchandise for this audience.
"Take this back home with you and give this to a young Referee"
He throws me an item, and I have a referee in mind who is a member of the Academy, AND has just re-certified as a Grade 8 Ohio South Referee
We thank these clinicians, and we recognize Chris' achievement as a group. Our SRA steps to the front and reminds us that Chris, who is now working at the highest level of the game, has come from clinics and groups just like these.
I take a moment to say hello and grab an autograph from a Referee buddy whose game I admire. We take a moment enjoying the old photos in the back of my copy of the Laws of the Game circa 1997.
Chris is gracious and almost humble as he signs my copy.
I leave with that drive to focus on my assessments for 2013. I will enter my availability on the professional site when I get home, and sit back and wait for an assignment.
Catching up with my responsibilities back home means I can't return to the house, the kids, the wife, and the couch...OUCH....just yet. There are a number of stops yet to make for this dad, Academy organizer, and wannabe Professional Referee.
The scene at the Athens Soccer Park warms my heart. A dedicated city recreational soccer coach (whose daughter also plays for the Under 12 Lady Tigers) is running a quality training, as in the beyond the Academy Adult Leagues and Academy Referees are locked in the eternal dance of the cosmic game.
If you enjoy this post, check out--http://howtosoccerblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/game-assignment-us-soccer.html
and http://howtosoccerblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/referee-training-seminar-2013.html#.U8J_BSvD9zk
It turns out that a referee has misread an email, and I need to referee the Women's Game #1, Motley Crew V Wrecking Crew. This game is amazing, except for an injury in the third minute. I have to run for ice, then we return to play.
Motley has come up a notch, though they are missing players. Ana is a stalwart in the back; Channa has that Brazilian change of direction, and she distributes with a keen sense. Eddith provides an exciting attack outlet. These women are amazing in their passion for this game that they just picked up in the last four years.
Wrecking Crew dominates the midfield and carries the day with two great goals. The spirit is happy, social, and game-on.
After tucking my whistle away until the ball is next in play, I scurry out to a country cabin...
to retrieve the bees for our hive at home.
...but that is another story....
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