Anyone referee college soccer?

[Ref Flunkie]

I was chatting with a fellow ref and he said his son plays college soccer but the referees are far from....decent. He was curious if any of us refed college soccer. I asked what kind of special training was requires and he figured we could do just as well as the ones he's seen. Just curious if (A) anyone ref's college, and (B) what you need to pass, do, etc. in order to ref college matches. I'm thinking I'm not qualified enough, but I figured I would ask.

[whitehound]

I was chatting with a fellow ref and he said his son plays college soccer but the referees are far from....decent. He was curious if any of us refed college soccer. I asked what kind of special training was requires and he figured we could do just as well as the ones he's seen. Just curious if (A) anyone ref's college, and (B) what you need to pass, do, etc. in order to ref college matches. I'm thinking I'm not qualified enough, but I figured I would ask.
In michigan you need to be a grade 7 and have a recommendation from another reff or one of the state level assignors.
I was told today that in conn. You have to be a state OR have been on the HS panel for 5 or more years.
There is a written exam and a physical exam. I havent done this yet but I intend to in the spring.

[Ref Flunkie]

Ugh ok, then I think I will skip it. I don't think I'm good enough to be a 7, much less get a good recommendation from someone. I'll stick with getting signed up for high school now and see how that goes.

[MidwestRef]

Michigan's requirements are more strict than Iowa's. In Iowa, we have to referee three seasons (not three years - fall and spring each count as a season) of high school. We also need recommendations from two current college referees and a college coach. Once that's done, then you have to take a 100-question exam and pass a fitness test.

More information on the national requirements is on the NISOA web page, www.NISOA.com.

And Ref Flunkie, I would work to get your 7. It's not as daunting as you might think. You do have to pass an assessment, but you should be able to do that if you use your ARs well, keep up with play, and don't screw up any major areas. You also have to pass the fitness test and the written test, but you should be able to do that. As I learned the hard way last night with a U-19 game that blew up in my face, the upgrade to 6 is a lot more difficult (I was not assessed on this game, thank goodness!! :) ).

[BentwoodBlue]

We also need recommendations from two current college referees and a college coach.

As High School Ref, how does one get a reccomendation from a college coach?

[Ref Flunkie]

As I learned the hard way last night with a U-19 game that blew up in my face, the upgrade to 6 is a lot more difficult (I was not assessed on this game, thank goodness!! :) ).

This has always been my problem (or maybe it's my imagination, and I just THINK it is a problem), but I've never done well at controlling older boys matches. For some reason, I have no problem with girls that age...perhaps because they seem to play more under control or something, but with boys I never feel quite comfortable. Plus, I get quite upset if I don't work a game well. Perhaps I will start with HS stuff and see if I can handle that, then move onto getting a 7 if I feel comfortable. I know....it's all mental ;).

[MidwestRef]

As High School Ref, how does one get a reccomendation from a college coach?

Where I live, a girls' college coach coaches a boys' team in the spring. I refereed several of his games, and he didn't have a problem writing a recommendation.

I would ask one of your mentors if a college coach could see you work a match on a recruiting trip or something like that. Usually, the referees will help you in this area if they think they have potential.

[nonya]

what is scary is....click on the NISOA link above, then click on the link for the pictures of the 2005 clinic they hold in PA every year

Just look at most of those guys.....would you want them doing your U17 games?

[USSF REF]

what is scary is....click on the NISOA link above, then click on the link for the pictures of the 2005 clinic they hold in PA every year

Just look at most of those guys.....would you want them doing your U17 games?

Part of my probationary requirements is to attend one of these clinics. It's just the way it's done. A lot of these referee's are high quality, don't judge a book by it's cover.

[nylaw5]

Also know that higher level college soccer is much more physical that some of the other leagues/levels in the country. If someone is used to the USYSA system or even some of the Pro Leagues its easy to think that the referees might be terrible, when in reality the players and coaches are expecting/demanding a very physical game.