Focus on the Basics

This time of year is busy for almost all soccer referees in New Mexico. Aside from our personal lives, there is a virtual overload of games to be covered between August into early November. Youth and adult league games, high school and college games demand a lot from the limited referee pool we have available. As if that wasn't enough to worry about we also have a lot of newly certified referees hitting the pitch for their first set of games.

All those factors create a tough environment for us all. What can we do to make sure we're at our best?

Manage Time

This is especially important if you referee more than one league. Make sure you do your best to plan ahead of time so that you can honor your assignments. Communicate conflicts quickly and work to avoid them by setting "blocks" with your assignors beforehand. Remember, you can't perform at the top of your game if you are doing four games a day seven days a week. Balance recovery time and make sure you see your family once in a while!

Prevent Injuries

If you feel an injury coming on get it taken care of. Continuing to work games when you have a minor injury can cause it to get worse. Remain hydrated and eat right to keep your immune system running smoothly. If you have an injury or illness, talk with your doctor and take some time to rest if needed. Taking an assignment when you're injured and not at 100% is a violation of our code of ethics as referees.

Get Feedback

This one is important for both our new and returning referees. Make an effort to get feedback from your peers after every match. If you're new, talk with your assignor to see if someone can watch you on a game and mentor you. If you've been doing this a few years its still a good idea to have some mentoring, especially as you start to do higher level games than you have in the past. For example, if you've never done a Varsity game but have one coming up, ask a referee you trust to watch and give you tips.

Give Back

When you get the opportunity to work with new referees make sure to help them out. Think about how you felt when you were new and what would have helped you. Keep things positive but constructive, too. When you have free time there are a lot of new referees doing youth games across the state that could use some help. Contact the assignor and let them know you are willing to mentor or maybe be an AR for a newer referee.

Contact with Officials

It is said that soccer is a "contact sport" and that's certainly true for the players. But is it true for us as referees, too? Unfortunately, there are times when this is true. Where is the line; how much is too much?

Referees should work at all times to avoid contact with players. It doesn't look good for a referee to put their arm over a players shoulder when talking to them (especially to the opposing team). However, not all contact made by players towards an official is misconduct. There are times when a player might pat your back, for example, for a job well done. But there are several behaviors that are not acceptable. Types of physical contact that should never be tolerated is that which:

• involves force or aggression (grabbing, pushing, slapping, bumping, stepping on feet, and so forth)
• the official has sought to avoid by moving away and by making a gesture which clearly indicates any further approach is unwelcome (continued pursuit by a player, if performed in a threatening manner, is included here even if physical contact does not result)
• is initiated from an unexpected direction and unaccompanied by any warning
• is delivered in a context which clearly includes disapproval, lack of friendliness, or anger
• restrains or prevents an official from withdrawing from the contact (e.g., by blocking retreat or holding)

By avoiding physical contact with players we can show that we don't touch them, they shouldn't touch us. Physical contact that meets the above criteria would warrant a red card for Violent Conduct. Consider the nature of the conduct and if it met the level of referee assault. Make sure you include all the details of the event in your match report. Although the above criteria apply mainly to players, substituted players and named substitutes, the same concept is true of coaches and staff. Under no circumstances are we to allow coaches to "chest bump" or grab an official on or off the filed.

For coaches in USSF games we would not show the red card for Violent Conduct, unless your league rules specify that you show a card. However, a coach who makes physical contact with a referee would be immediately dismissed for irresponsible behavior and you must include all the details in the match report. If you are doing a High School or College match, however, a card can be shown to a coach and would be shown in this case. Do not make excuses for this behavior. If a coach enters the field of play (not during halftime or post-game) to confront an official we must have the courage to dismiss them!

If an event like this occurs seek input from your AR's or another erferee you respect as to if you need to file a report for referee assault. Take a look at the videos below for examples of inappropriate contact with officials.

Hand Slap

Grab and Spin

Chase

To hopefully avoid these situations take the following steps when you see trouble brewing:

• Take a few, quick steps away (back) from the situation to show that you are not initiating contact. Hold you palms facing outward, close to your chest and use your voice/whistle to indicate further movement toward you is not allowed.
  
• Stand your ground once you have created this space (you should not, in most cases, have to run across the field to avoid the player)
• If the offender continues to pursue contact or the discussion than deal with it in accordance to the action
  

Week in Review 25

Another WIR is available for your viewing pleasure on US Soccer's website. Make sure to read it and watch the video clips.

US Soccer has begun moving away from the term "Risk Taking" in their game management model. This week they show the altered model and discuss why they are changing the term to Foul Selection/Recognition. I think this is a good move on their part as the new term is more familiar to referees and less confusing. The overall idea, however, remains the same: What fouls you decide to call and when, due to the circumstances of the match.

The latter part of the WIR deals with some recent MLS games where red cards were given that weren't justified. This is an important discussion because we often discuss what IS a yellow card or a red card but forget to mention what IS NOT misconduct. As referees we have to work to set a "bar" for what consitutes a caution or send-off at that level of play. This is a fluid concept that we must always adjust as we progress in the level of games that we do. Even more difficult is the fact that we probably do different levels of games throughout the week and in some situations apply different criteria depending on the match.

How do we develop this standard? How do we avoid giving an unwarranted send-off? First, you must study the Laws of the Game, WIR, USSF Memos and other referees. Understand, for example, the 4 D's of denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Watch video clips to learn what to look for in a Serious Foul Play tackle. Don't be scared to give the card when needed but understand the serverity of your decision, too. But one of the best things you can do is learn from your peers.

Let's say that you have not done any Men's 1st Division centers yet but you (and your assignor) feel that you are just about ready to start. Go and watch a few of these games to get a feel for the speed and intensity of play. Watch how players react to the fouls called (and not called) and pay attention to any misconduct that results. Get on a few games as an AR and talk with the center to see what you need to watch for. This will help you start to develop a working foul recognition and tolerance for that level of play. You'll want to start out calling more fouls for control but will be able to slowly adapt as you are more comfortable with the level. Ask for feedback throughout this process from fellow referees. Also, gauge the player's reactions as you adapt.

Since you have set the bar for misconduct you can act quickly when the situation presents itself with as little emotion as possible. So maybe you'll see a situation like we saw in this week's WIR and say to yourself "all the D's are not present" and keep the red card in your pocket.

Off the Pitch Training

Steve Schafer, DRA for East Albuquerque, talks about more training ideas for staying in shape off the pitch.

Off The Pitch

I’ll bet you weren’t expecting me to write about swimming as training for being a soccer referee. I swim once a week for about 45 minutes. Swimming is a great low impact, total body workout. The upper body does most of the work, but the legs do a lot too. Most of my workout is freestyle lap swimming. I also do a few laps with swim fins to stretch the ankle joint and strengthen the legs. Finally, I finish up with a few laps of breast stroke. The frog kick of the breast stroke really works the inside of my legs, helping me avoid injuries from AR side stepping. Also, my bad shoulder (bike crash) no longer hurts when I raise the AR flag.

I swim at the KAFB pool. I have also swam at several of the city pools http://www.cabq.gov/aquatics/indoor-pools . All of them cost less than $3 to swim. Check with each pool for lap swimming schedules (they usually change during the summer).

A resource I have found very useful is total immersion swimming http://www.totalimmersion.net/ . Their ideas about swimming really simplified things for me. I also recommend their book http://www.amazon.com/Total-Immersion-Revolutionary-Better-Faster/dp/0743253434 .

See you on the pitch,

Steve Schafer

Refereeing on a Small Field

There has ben much said about the size of the fields at the new APS Socer Complex. From the referees perspective, what adjustments have you made to your game when working on a smaller field?
In my first few games at the APS complex, I have noticed that I have to focus much more on positioning. On a large field, you have a lot more time to read play and decide where to move next. However, on the smaller fields I've found that your decision making must be much quicker. There will only be one small space to move into, and it must be done quickly. This requires you to be mentally focused at all times. Remember the ABC's of positioning as it will definately apply to your games:
A= I can see play and the potential problem area
B= I can see my AR
C= I am not occupying space the player need
Another thing I've noticed about refereeing on smaller fields is an increased use of back-pedalling. On the small field, you need to be close to play because the players are in such tight spaces that there will be a lot more body contact to manage. I've found that the quickest way out of close quarters is to back-pedal out of the situation, instead of using the added time of turning my body away from play and running away and taking my eyes off the ball.

Info for the 2009 HS season

As you may already know, the NMAA has developed a statewide rules interpreters program for all sports for the first time this year. The purpose of the rules interpreters program is to assist our officials in the consistent application of rules throughout the state and to ensure that coaches and officials are on the same page relative to soccer rules. In addition, the four individuals serving as rules interpreters will be the go-to contacts for rules interpretations for our coaches and officials. Their contact information is supplied at the end of this memo.

Our office staff met with the soccer interpreters last week and the group came up with a number of items for clarification and emphasis. They are as follows:

LIGHTNING POLICY:
The following procedures will be put in place for lightning disturbances or other weather related issues (NMAA Handbook 7.17.1E):

E. Inclement Weather – If less than one half of the game has been played, the game will be replayed from point of interruption. The head referee should note who had possession of the ball, on what particular part of the field.

Lightning Delay Procedures (Guidelines for Officials):
1) Use the NFHS Rulebook as a guide to implement lightning delay procedures (NFHS Soccer Rulebook 5-3-2e). The head referee shall have authority to suspend play or terminate the game whenever the elements, spectators or other cause require.
2) From the NFHS Rulebook, “When thunder is heard or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location. Suspend play and take shelter immediately.”
3) Adhere to the 30-minute rule before resuming play, regardless of the point of interruption (first or second half).
4) Communicate with host school administration, visitor administration (if present), and with head coaches of both teams as conditions or decisions change.
5) Attempt to finish contests, if at all possible, once lightning disturbances subside.
6) Contests can be delayed up to two hours using the 30-minute rule.
7) After a two hour delay, it is ultimately the responsibility of the game officials in communication with the host site administration as to whether to suspend the contest or extend the delay additionally.
8) Officials should contact Robert Zayas, NMAA Director of Soccer (505-977-5386) or Dana Sanchez, NMAA Commissioner of Officials (505-977-5388) for clarification if needed.

NOTE: The lightning delay procedures (specifically relative to delaying for up to two hours) are for varsity contests only. Sub-varsity or junior high contests are at the discretion of game officials and host site administration.


TIE GAME PROCEDURE:
The tie game procedure for all regular season district and non-district games can be found in NMAA Handbook Section 7.17.1J. It is as follows:

1) If the game is tied upon completion of two forty-minute halves of play, a maximum of two ten-minute sudden victory overtimes will be played to determine a winner. Should the two overtime periods not determine a winner, a shoot-out will be held, in conformance with the procedures in the NFHS Soccer Rulebook, until a winner is determined. This applies to all regular season district and non-district contests held in New Mexico.

2) If the score remains tied after each team has had five kicks from the penalty line:
a. Each coach selects five different players than the first five who have already kicked to take the kicks in a sudden victory situation, the teams kicking in the same order as determined by the coin toss. If one team scores and the other team does not score, the game is ended without further kicks being taken.
b. If the score remains tied, continue the sudden victory kicks with the coach selecting any five players to take the next set of alternating kicks. If a tie still remains, repeat step #3 for regular season contests and other applicable games in which a winner must be determined through a progression.

Clarification on Tie Game Procedure:
1) The only people allowed at the center circle are the five selected to take the kicks from the mark. After the coaches/captains are brought to the center of the field to review the tie game procedures with officials, only the five taking the kicks are allowed to stay at the center. Everyone else retires to their respective team areas after the procedures are explained. After the first round of kicks, if additional kicks are necessary, the first five kickers retire to the team area and the next five come to the center circle.
2) Once it is determined that a team has won and that the other team cannot catch up, no further kicks need to be taken.
3) The coach can pick any players off the bench for subsequent kicks from the mark after the first round of kicks.
4) There must be 10 different kickers for the first two sets of kicks. After the first two rounds of kicks, a coach can choose to repeat kickers from the initial 10 or can choose from his/her players on the bench. If a team has fewer than 10 players, the coach will use five players in the first round and then four new players plus one from the prior round to make the second five.
NOTE: This is a departure from FIFA rules. There is no requirement for the goalkeeper to take a kick from the mark under NFHS rules. If you coach or officiate FIFA and NFHS, please note this rules difference.

PLAYER UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT:
As a reminder, it is the responsibility of the head coach to ensure that all of his/her players are properly and legally equipped for each contest. The head coach assumes that responsibility through signing off on the materials on the NMAA District Clinic online. Please note that teams need not be formally lined up for an equipment check prior to games. Clarification on several often asked questions about player equipment is provided below.

1) Splints, casts and braces - If a player is wearing a splint, cast or brace, the coach must have a doctor’s note for that individual. No exceptions! If a player arrives wearing a splint and he/she removes it to play, the player will be disallowed from participation.
a. Shin guards – As a reminder, by 2012, the NOCSAE seal must be stamped on the shin guards.
b. For Coaches: Shin guards are to be two inches above the ankle (no higher). If players are taping shin guards high, they will be asked to remove them and re-tape them. Failure to comply results in a yellow card to the coach for illegally equipped participants.
c. For Officials: As a preventive officiating tip, it is good to work with coaches on this issue prior to the match. Do a nonchalant check of all equipment, including shin guards, in pre-game and talk to coaches about it then. Address the issue before you have to issue cards, if possible.
2) Jerseys – Players need to start every period of play with their jerseys tucked in and all subs should have their shirts tucked in. As a guideline, shirts shall be tucked in at the beginning of every period of play and subs’ shirts shall be tucked in prior to entering the field.
3) Hair Control Devices – NO bobby pins or metal barrettes and no hard plastic devices are legal. However, if a player is wearing ribbons or other soft hair control devices, if they are not posing a danger to the player or his/her opponent and they are worn as a symbol of school spirit, they are legal.
4) Face or Body Paint– Face paint or other decorative paint is permissible as long as it is not inappropriate or objectionable in any way. If the paint is in the promotion of school spirit and is not unsportsmanlike, it will be allowed.
a. NFHS Rulebook (page 25), 4.2.1 Situation B – Team A appears on the field ready for play with faces and/or arms pained in an objectionable manner. RULING: Illegal. The referee will require that the objectionable markings be removed or covered prior to allowing participation.
5) Items Worn on Players’ Wrists – If a player wears an extra hair band or rubber band on their wrist for their hair, it is permissible. Pieces or yarn or “Livestrong” type bracelets are deemed as illegal equipment.
6) Home Jerseys and Stockings - It is the responsibility of the home team to switch jerseys if the visitor shows up to a game in white. The visiting team has an equal responsibility to wear dark colors, but in the event of an issue, the game should be played and the official should report the incident to the NMAA office.
7) Soccer Balls – If a ball is being used without the NFHS Authenticating Mark, allow the team to play but send a game report to the NMAA office informing them that the balls did not have the NFHS mark.

CLARIFICATION OF “DISSENT”
Dissent can be clarified as comments by coaches, players or bench personnel that contain any one of the three “P’s” – Personal, Provocative or Public. If comments by coaches, players or bench personnel contain any of these elements, the result will be a card for dissent.

INFORMATION FOR OFFICIALS:
1) Emphasis on Player Management – Remember as interscholastic sports officials, you are part of the educational process. Help players and communicate with them about infractions. It is okay to warn a player and explain things to him/her before carding them. This is part of game management and preventive officiating.
2) Pre-Game – In pre-game with coaches, be brief, succinct and mention sportsmanship/Pursuing Victory With Honor.
3) Post-Game – It is okay to wait after the game for a post-game handshake with players. However, use your discretion and leave the field immediately if you believe that the game was problematic or hostile. Always have an “exit strategy” in mind.
4) Facility Issues – If there is a situation that cannot be corrected relative to field markings or other equipment, make sure to file a game report with the NMAA office. You should play the game as long as the field and equipment are safe for all participants.
5) Officials’ Uniforms – As a reminder the Pursuing Victory With Honor patch is the required patch while officiating for the NMAA/NMOA. It can be worn on the chest of the shirt where the existing Velcro is located.
6) Reporting to Coaches Regarding Cautions – Remember that communication is key, however, it is up to the discretion of the referee to disclose the reason why a caution was issued. It is discouraged when the reason is clearly understood. If a coach asks, he/she is entitled to an explanation. As a rule of thumb, legitimate questions from coaches require a response. Statements do not.
7) NFHS Signals – While the prescribed NFHS signals may be helpful to communicate your decisions to players and coaches, they should not be seen as replacing a few well chosen words when a player is clearly confused by a particular decision.

The soccer rules interpreters for the 2009 season are:

Central Region:
Phil Davis
(505) 242-1904
(505) 331-5175
Email: davisp@swcp.com
AND
Orion Stradford
(505)238-1706
Email: ostrad625@comcast.net

Northern Region:
Joe Fawcett
(505) 672-1767
(505) 469-0624
Email: JJoeF@aol.com

Southern Region:
Nigel Holman
(505) 216-0632
(575) 646-4033
(575) 640-0036
Email: nholman@nmsu.edu

If you have rules questions, you are asked to call or email the individual in your region of the state for clarification and interpretation.

Thank you for your attention to this information. If you have questions or if you need additional information on the rules interpreters program, please feel free to contact us. Have a great season!

Week in Review 21

The latest Week in Review has been released. Read the full article by clicking here.

Most of the discussion was centered on AR Involvement which means when you should intervene and when you shouldn't. US Soccer already put out a great article on this subject which you should already be aware of. If not, read it.

To me this WIR comes down to two main points; participation by the AR is critical to get decisions correct and AR involvement must be at the right moment. Think about a time you were the referee and your AR gave you information that was vital. It made the whole situation work out better, right? Now think about a time when your AR insisted instead of assisted. Was the situation made better or worse?

Being the AR is often time seen as the easier job, the less important job or other negatives. Maybe you thought that you should be in the middle of that "big game" and are pouting about it. Or you just sit back and cruise through a game because you're just the AR. That's not the attitude to have at all. The AR position is a very important part of the crew and your involvement is vital for the success of the team.

Of course, your primary duty as an AR is offside decisions. From there you can expand your view to include assisting with in and out of touch decisions, fouls, misconduct and even player management. Look at the diagram and remind yourself of the area that you need to cover. When there is a game critical situation that's out of the view of the referee you can still make the call, even if its out of your area. But in those situations you need to make sure the referee didn't see it and that your call will help not hinder.



Take the job of being AR seriously and participate when you should. But also think about a time when your AR was over involved and remind yourself not to make the same mistake! Often times we are just providing information to the referee; its up to the referee to decide to call it or allow play to continue. Once you have provided the information let him or her make the final decision. If you still disagree the time to debate that is after the game when you can privately make a comment or two.