Thu
26
Feb
Well folks. . .we’re into the last week of February and just like last year, my 2009 calendar says that March is only a few days away. And here in Columbus (Ohio South), that’s when the spring season gets underway. So what’s on tap for 2009?
- Well. . .first, is getting serious about fitness. Over the winter, my fitness totally went to hell. So I really need to get back on the wagon.
- I’m also hoping to avoid little niggling injuries that seemed to plague me last year. Last year in one of my first middles of the spring, a player stepped back and planted a cleat square on the knuckle of my right big toe. I swear she broke the toe - or re-broke it, I should say, and it hurt to varying degrees for the entire year. I was definitely feeling my age last year, which too often stood in the way of having fun. And in 2009. . .
- I really want to have more fun doing my matches this year. And to some extent, the first two items will affect my ability to have fun. It’s hard to have fun when you’re busy trying to catch your breath or thinking about how much you’re hurting.
- My biggest challenge for 2009 - I was selected for Pro Clinic this year. I’m looking forward to increasing my knowledge and potentially working more challenging matches. I hope I can justify the confidence they’ve shown in me.
- I still have work to do toward my State badge. I need to get my overall U19+ match count up and while I feel like I’m ready for an assessment as an AR at the D1 Amateur level, I feel like I have a ton of work before I’m comfortable doing D1 middles. I’m shooting for 2010 for my State badge. Trying to think of it as something to do for myself for my 40th birthday.
- This year, I won’t be going to Youth Regionals. They’re in Sioux Falls, SD -about as far away from Columbus as you can get and still be in Region 2. Going away for a week is tough enough, and to add two days for travel (one day on each end of the trip) just make it unworkable for me. I’m shooting for Regionals in 2010 - when they come to Dayton.
At any rate, what are your goals and challenges for refereeing in 2009? Drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you!
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Thursday, February 26th, 2009 at 12:56 am
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February 27th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
How does one go about getting selected for regionals?
February 27th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Tim> It will really depend on where you’re located. I think the first step is to let people know you’re interested. Contact your SRA (State Referee Administrator) or your YSRA (Youth SRA). They should be able to guide you on the process for your state.
In Ohio South, I let people know I was interested. I went through the application process, which included several assessments (both formal and informal) by people from both Columbus and Dayton. Typically, these were on higher-level matches at U16 and older. Once accepted for Regionals, I was expected to do matches at State Cup as it progressed through the round-of-16 and beyond.
Also. . .from my experience, you should be a Grade 7 (or higher) - or in the process of becoming a Grade 7.
I hope this helps - and good luck!
- CSR
February 28th, 2009 at 11:58 am
I’m in the Ohio North organization. I’m going into my 11th year of reffing, and looking to upgrade to 7 this year. (I know that’s a heck of a long time, but I was only 14 when I started, and lived in a smaller town in IN, where there weren’t games needing any higher than an 8.) Thanks for the info, as upgrading would be easier with a higher chance for assessments at regionals. Hopefully I’ll see you at a statewide tournament somewhere.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Follow up, I have contacted my SRA and I am also trying to work tournaments that would be able to provide me with assessments. I appreciate your advice and experience.
February 28th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Tim,
Some other things that may help.
- Demonstrate that you’re serious about being a referee. While it is expensive, you will want to have most of the available shirts. At a minimum, you should have all four colors of the “old style” shirts and preferably in both short and long sleeves. Official Sports is currently clearing out the “old style” shirts - the “Pro” shirts are around $28 each in both long and short sleeves. If you want to get the “new style” as well, more power to you. FWIW, I bought a full set of the new style in short sleeves and have a couple of the long sleeve as well (gold and black). Have ALL of the necessary gear - watches, card sets, flags, a few different whistles, proper shoes, shorts, etc.
- You’ve probably read the Laws of the Game (LoTG). . .but have you read the current USSF Advice to Referees? Have you kept up with the Position Papers the Federation puts out? And not only read them, but know them? Did you keep up with the “Lessons Learned” segments put out each week by USSF and MLS?
- Work the best leagues you can. Find matches that challenge you. Right now, I don’t take too many games below U15 because I don’t feel like they challenge me as much as I like.
- Seek out assessments and welcome them. And assessments don’t always have to be formal. Sometimes you’ll work with experienced peers who are not “official” assessors who can help you improve your game as well. Sometimes it’s just as easy as asking “What did you think?” That said, take some of the comments from assessors with a grain of salt. As you work more better matches and deal with more assessors, you’ll have a better idea on what to filter and what to absorb.
Now. . .as for age and such. I was 37 when I upgraded to my 7. I was first certified in 1987 and would get certified for a couple years and then leave it - only to come back to it. This time, I think I’m in for good. When I went to Regionals last year, I was 38. In some respects, it was frustrating because I’d see games go to less experienced and younger referees. But at the same time, I understood that from the other side of things they wanted young referees they could work with and groom to advance much further than I could. For the most part, I enjoyed the games I had at Regional. But the best part was being around so many good referees and so much quality soccer.
In the next few days, I’ll look to post a list of springtime Columbus-area tournaments. Stay tuned.
- CSR
February 28th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I have all four colors of the old style in short sleeve and a black long sleeve. I have all 5 colors in the new style in both long and short sleeve. I’m a big fan of the new style. I’m talking to the right people, and can’t wait to get into better and better games.
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Well it is true; spring is here. I just logged in to look the arbiter to update it and look I have just got 5 games assigned. I start on the line for a U18 girls game and U17 boys game. The next morning I am in the center for a mens d1 and an ar on a mens premier following that. I have a U16 boys center midweek next week. I am really excited about this season to get rolling. I plan on hitting 75+ games this spring and just letting the game count roll up for assesments. I don’t think i plan on going to Far West regionals even though it was mentioned to me the other day. It is really hard to justify the entire week from work. I do plan on attending at 2 of the US Club regionals though. I will be traveling about 5 times this spring for tournaments which will be nice as well.
I am glad to hear your “almost” ready….Don’t get hurt trying to get in shape to fast…