Becoming an Assignor?

[wwdudley]

I am a member of the Board for our local soccer club. Every fall we hold a sizeable tournament requiring assigning referees for U9-U16 games. We are thinking it may be easier to just have one of our members get certified as an assignor, and I am a candidate as I am one of two that is already a referee.

I can't find info on any upcoming classes from our state association (Nebraska), so was wondering if anyone could tell me if there are any pre-requisites to the course, or how many hours it typically runs.

Thanks for any information!

[IASocFan]

Iowa had one last winter which I took (Des Moines). Check with one of your local organizations. iarefcom.org has some Iowa links, but there all in central or eastern Iowa.

[BentwoodBlue]

I think the class I took this summer was 5 hrs. Also, I learned there that any matches not assigned by an assignor negate the USSF insurance policy. Just something to think about. You may need to call the SDI in Neb. and request one. Perhaps there may be enough interest.

[ref2coach]

wwdudley, Most assignors only charge $3 to $6 per game assigned in our area. They know and are know in their local referee community. They usually know who can handle the different game levels, they know who are the "iron men" who can handle extra games when needed. They have referees who will "work for them" in spite of the tournament and/or conditions.

Unless you can handle all of the above, hire it done, work as an assistant assignor for a few tournaments before jumping in all on your own.

[wwdudley]

We had some significant problems with assignments at the tournament this year, so I have been tasked by our club board to investigate our options on this matter. I can see how using an established assignor in our area might be more beneficial given the established relationship with referees in the area, and I will bring that option to the board also.

Thanks again for all the replies!

[SA14mars]

We had some significant problems with assignments at the tournament this year, so I have been tasked by our club board to investigate our options on this matter. I can see how using an established assignor in our area might be more beneficial given the established relationship with referees in the area, and I will bring that option to the board also.

Thanks again for all the replies!

if you are really stuck contact your state body to request an emergency assignor authorization (I think that's what its called) and a temporary assignor number. You will still need to take the course but I think this will allow you to assign the tournament officially. I would also recommend talking to some of the more senior/experienced referees and assignors in your area for tips on working with the local referee pool.