Spring is definitely upon us (sneezing, wind and soccer). If you have been working games this year you probably have noticed some new people around. There were several new referee courses at the beginning of the year and many of those referees are out doing games now. Do you remember what it was like being new? Ever wonder why you stuck around?
More than likely if you have refereed for a number of years you have been mentored by at least one referee. Think about giving back to our new referees by helping out with mentoring. If you have the time, feel free to ask your assignor where you can help out. Also, Bob Croft is always interested in having mentors for youth referees.
Let us know if you have any questions.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Comments
I always appreciate and encourage people to comment on the articles posted on here. It's a great opportunity to start a discussion or add clarification. All I ask is that you are respectful of your peers.
Some people misuse the comments section, thinking they are speaking on the condition of anonymity. People forget that administrators have access to more information than the average user and "anonymity" is difficult to attain. More importantly, snide comments on a blog might be a good way to blow off steam but they do nothing to solve any issues.
If you really have an issue that needs to be addressed please bring it to the attention of a member of the SRC instead of cravenly posting comments on this blog. If you lack the intrepidity to bring up the matter in a constructive manner, I think it's best to just let it go.
Thank you.
Some people misuse the comments section, thinking they are speaking on the condition of anonymity. People forget that administrators have access to more information than the average user and "anonymity" is difficult to attain. More importantly, snide comments on a blog might be a good way to blow off steam but they do nothing to solve any issues.
If you really have an issue that needs to be addressed please bring it to the attention of a member of the SRC instead of cravenly posting comments on this blog. If you lack the intrepidity to bring up the matter in a constructive manner, I think it's best to just let it go.
Thank you.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
ODP Championships 2011
A group of nine New Mexico referees represented our State at the 2011 Region IV Olympic Development Program Championships held January 15-18 in Phoenix, Arizona. These good folks all missed two days of work to participate in this event, which indicates their commitment to our referee community and the service of youth soccer. Many thanks to each for contributing so much to the effort.
All of our referees performed well at these matches. The days were fairly long, with each referee covering three games per day, usually a center, a line and a 4th official, followed by meetings in the evening. CJ Merrit had even longer days because as a member of the Region IV Referee Academy he had homework to complete, in addition to the meetings.
One issue that surfaced concerned the fact that not enough time was allowed to complete matches and allow teams to enter and exit the fields in an orderly fashion. Consequently, there was much rushing about before matches, checking in teams off the field, doing coin tosses, followed by much congestion as teams tripped over each other coming and going, etc. 4th Officials had to work extra hard at these moments.
Again, thanks to the officials who traveled to this event.
~ Bob Croft, SYRA
All of our referees performed well at these matches. The days were fairly long, with each referee covering three games per day, usually a center, a line and a 4th official, followed by meetings in the evening. CJ Merrit had even longer days because as a member of the Region IV Referee Academy he had homework to complete, in addition to the meetings.
One issue that surfaced concerned the fact that not enough time was allowed to complete matches and allow teams to enter and exit the fields in an orderly fashion. Consequently, there was much rushing about before matches, checking in teams off the field, doing coin tosses, followed by much congestion as teams tripped over each other coming and going, etc. 4th Officials had to work extra hard at these moments.
Again, thanks to the officials who traveled to this event.
~ Bob Croft, SYRA
Monday, January 24, 2011
SYRA Change
It's been official for a little bit now so I figured I should update this blog, too. Bob Croft was kind enough to take over the SYRA position after I stepped down at the end of 2010. I've been doing the SYRA gig for a little while now and although it was a lot of work at times I really enjoyed myself. I think it's time to move on and I know Bob will continue to move the program in the right direction.
You'll of course continue to see me around and feel free to continue to reach out to me. All I ask is that you give Bob the respect that you have shown me over the years.
There will be a few changes to the blog and the newsletter as we transition Bob into his new role. Bob and I are working closely together to ensure the transition is a smooth one.
Keep an eye out for the first newsletter edition of 2011 with some pictures from the recent ODP tournament.
You'll of course continue to see me around and feel free to continue to reach out to me. All I ask is that you give Bob the respect that you have shown me over the years.
There will be a few changes to the blog and the newsletter as we transition Bob into his new role. Bob and I are working closely together to ensure the transition is a smooth one.
Keep an eye out for the first newsletter edition of 2011 with some pictures from the recent ODP tournament.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Recertification Opportunity
Have you noticed that it's December already? If you still have a badge that says 2010 you need to recertify if you want to do games next year. The next opportunity is Saturday December 11 from 12-5pm at CNM Brasher Hall. See the NMSRA website for more details or click here.
Also, if you need to complete your fitness test you can do so on Sunday December 12 at 8:30am. Meet at the Highland High School track and be ready to run at 8:30am sharp.
Also, if you need to complete your fitness test you can do so on Sunday December 12 at 8:30am. Meet at the Highland High School track and be ready to run at 8:30am sharp.
Monday, November 1, 2010
NBA Referees
I know, it's the wrong sport, but we can learn a lot from other referees (even if they get to stay warm while we freeze out in the cold).
ESPN recently took a look at some changes in the NBA referee program. I found it interesting to hear how they face similar challenges to us; how to call the game, balancing "flow" against calling fouls and the process of assessment. You can watch the video below and read the article by clicking here.
ESPN recently took a look at some changes in the NBA referee program. I found it interesting to hear how they face similar challenges to us; how to call the game, balancing "flow" against calling fouls and the process of assessment. You can watch the video below and read the article by clicking here.
Monday, August 9, 2010
WIR #18
US Soccer has put out the Week in Review for Week 18, which you can read here. There was a section on there that reminded me of a discussion had at the Annual Clinic this past weekend.
The article centers around three classifications of fouls: Careless, Reckless and Excessive Force. We should all be familiar with what these teams mean and the criteria used to decide if a foul is careless, reckless or used excessive force. But we need to do more than just understand the criteria.
You start by understanding these terms, watching video or live games to get a "feel" for what separates the categories and then practice on the pitch. But when you're in the game, three more things come into play: feel for the game, proper positioning and seeking assistance.
Feel for the game is tough to learn right away. It comes from experience, both as a referee and at that level of game. Proper positioning is also not something you can do overnight. You have to work on fitness, have experience to read the game/players and, quite frankly, sometimes you just have to be lucky. The final piece of the puzzle is quick to implement, though: Seeking assistance.
The referee crew has to work together on classifying a foul. Soccer is a game of angles, so what you see might be completely different from what your AR saw. Sometimes you have to get a card out quickly for game control, yes, but you still need to make eye contact with your AR beforehand. Giving a yellow card (or no card) when it is clearly a send-off could be considered missing a game critical incident.
I know that I've had to work on making eye contact before pulling the card out quickly. Also, as an AR we need to work on ensuring our feedback gets to the referee. Even if they decide to ignore us, we must make sure they understand that we are asking for misconduct.
The article centers around three classifications of fouls: Careless, Reckless and Excessive Force. We should all be familiar with what these teams mean and the criteria used to decide if a foul is careless, reckless or used excessive force. But we need to do more than just understand the criteria.
You start by understanding these terms, watching video or live games to get a "feel" for what separates the categories and then practice on the pitch. But when you're in the game, three more things come into play: feel for the game, proper positioning and seeking assistance.
Feel for the game is tough to learn right away. It comes from experience, both as a referee and at that level of game. Proper positioning is also not something you can do overnight. You have to work on fitness, have experience to read the game/players and, quite frankly, sometimes you just have to be lucky. The final piece of the puzzle is quick to implement, though: Seeking assistance.
The referee crew has to work together on classifying a foul. Soccer is a game of angles, so what you see might be completely different from what your AR saw. Sometimes you have to get a card out quickly for game control, yes, but you still need to make eye contact with your AR beforehand. Giving a yellow card (or no card) when it is clearly a send-off could be considered missing a game critical incident.
I know that I've had to work on making eye contact before pulling the card out quickly. Also, as an AR we need to work on ensuring our feedback gets to the referee. Even if they decide to ignore us, we must make sure they understand that we are asking for misconduct.
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