View Full Version : Info on Pro Referee Clinic
Footballer
06 Apr 2007, 08:15 AM
Hi, I have been invited to attend a pro referee clinic very soon and I understand that it is a full day event, but I haven't gotten much details about what to expect. Can someone kindly offer me what that day might be like? All I have right now is the 2007 USL referee manual. Thanks.
billf
06 Apr 2007, 10:13 AM
It is a full day. You'll have to arrive early to register for the fitness test, you'll then take the test (full cooper), shower, change into blues and greys, perhaps grab a quick bite, and then attend a clinic during the rest of the day. The clinic will focus on situations and points of interest specific to the professional game. They show lots of clips and there's lots of discussion about situations.
You will learn a lot but for some this might be overwhelming. The first time I went, I realized how much I didn't know and it gave me lots of new things to think about and use in matches at all levels.
The fitness test is probably the most improtant part of the day. Shine there and you'll catch someone's eye.
If you get a game or two this summer, enjoy!
Footballer
06 Apr 2007, 11:09 AM
Thanks Billf, but can you clarify what you mean by "blues and greys" ... do you mean full USSF attire? Jacket, shirt, tie, pants, and shoes? Wow, after doing the fitness, it'll be weird (and stiff) to sit there in that attire the rest of the day.
KidRef
06 Apr 2007, 01:12 PM
Thanks Billf, but can you clarify what you mean by "blues and greys" ... do you mean full USSF attire? Jacket, shirt, tie, pants, and shoes? Wow, after doing the fitness, it'll be weird (and stiff) to sit there in that attire the rest of the day.
Welcome to professional refereeing! Yes, blues and greys, unless someone in your state administration says otherwise. You'll get a lot of information, some of which you'll find more useful than other as usual. You won't be asked to take a rules test or anything but it behooves you to go over all of the recent memos and position statements along with your ATR and LOTG as you may very well get called on to answer questions depending on who you have as your instructors. Good luck on the fitness test, and have fun. Also, the fitness test could be key to you getting noticed or not. you want to be able to run 3000m on the 12min run. So start training!!!
billf
06 Apr 2007, 01:57 PM
Thanks Billf, but can you clarify what you mean by "blues and greys" ... do you mean full USSF attire? Jacket, shirt, tie, pants, and shoes? Wow, after doing the fitness, it'll be weird (and stiff) to sit there in that attire the rest of the day.
Yes, it will be weird but that's the way it works. You'll enjoy the day. We had to wear the jacket and tie but your SRA may say a USSF polo and warm ups is okay. Just shower. Your classmates will thank you.
Ref Flunkie
06 Apr 2007, 10:26 PM
Yes, it will be weird but that's the way it works. You'll enjoy the day. We had to wear the jacket and tie but your SRA may say a USSF polo and warm ups is okay. Just shower. Your classmates will thank you.
This is one reason I think I will never make it to a higher level :)
StateRef1
07 Apr 2007, 04:33 AM
Yes, it will be weird but that's the way it works. You'll enjoy the day. We had to wear the jacket and tie but your SRA may say a USSF polo and warm ups is okay. Just shower. Your classmates will thank you.
FYI - Not all areas require jacket and tie. The mid-Atlantic Regional Pro Clinic has never required that. Check with your SRA/SDI.
jacoismyhero
07 Apr 2007, 01:06 PM
Western Pennsylvania's doesn't require any uniforms, either, I believe. Comfort is most important.
chrisrun
07 Apr 2007, 06:58 PM
No jacket and tie in Florida either.
Ours was actually a two day event. Fitness test in the afternoon of day one, all day seminar (8-5) on day two.
Chubbywubby
08 Apr 2007, 02:38 PM
Nor in Colorado. We had everything from business casual -- slacks/dress shirt/no tie, to OSI polo shirts and warmups, to jeans and sweatshirts. And the (optional) fitness test followed the half-day clinic so nobody stunk up the room. :cool:
USSF REF
08 Apr 2007, 10:28 PM
Western NY does not require the dress blues either.
3 rules for a good pro clinic.
1. Get there on time and run your ass off during the fitness test.
2. Take a shower before you go the the class.
3. Don't ask any "stupid" questions during the classroom session. -- Now, I know there is no such thing as a stupid question, but there are some that are pretty damn close to being stupid. Try not to draw a big spotlight onto yourself - or at least a negative one.
jacoismyhero
08 Apr 2007, 11:17 PM
Yeah, similar to what Steve said: There's always "that one guy" who asks the obvious question, or asks questions to make him seem like he knows what he's doing, or tries to suggest things to the speaker that just don't make sense. Don't be him.
Footballer
09 Apr 2007, 09:14 AM
Can I ask if referees have worn mp3 players while running the 12-minute run?
Personally, I find running laps really boring. Of course this is a little different because I will have my peers with me and we can pace off each other, but still, when I run, I like having music.
Would this be one of those things that will get me noticed the wrong way?
USSF REF
09 Apr 2007, 12:22 PM
Can I ask if referees have worn mp3 players while running the 12-minute run?
Personally, I find running laps really boring. Of course this is a little different because I will have my peers with me and we can pace off each other, but still, when I run, I like having music.
Would this be one of those things that will get me noticed the wrong way?
No, I've seen other refs do this. I don't think anyone cares... UNLESS you're listening so loudly that you fail to stop running when they whistle for you to stop! You don't want people to think you are trying to cheat and get an extra 50 meters tacked on to your score...
I know a guy who has his music set up for 12 minutes and the tempo of it is the same as the pace of his running steps.
jacoismyhero
09 Apr 2007, 02:21 PM
I do that as well... pick 3 or 4 songs (3-4 minutes each) that have a tempo in the ballpark of my running. I have a couple of playlists like that.
Footballer
11 Apr 2007, 10:14 AM
Any advice on energy food prior to the fitness? Please don't say red bull or things like that.
Spaceball
11 Apr 2007, 11:57 AM
Any advice on energy food prior to the fitness? Please don't say red bull or things like that.
Plain bagel with peanut butter and fruit on the side (bananas and oranges are especially good)...good energy sources. I also drink a diet coke for a little caffeine boost, but counter with plenty of water.
KidRef
11 Apr 2007, 02:52 PM
Any advice on energy food prior to the fitness? Please don't say red bull or things like that.
Do what you normally do. Don't change things up for one AM!
Ref Flunkie
11 Apr 2007, 05:09 PM
Do what you normally do. Don't change things up for one AM!
I like Boo Berry cereal personally :).
Footballer
16 Apr 2007, 08:59 AM
Hi guys, thanks for all the tips. The clinic was a wonderful learning experience. Of course no one told me we were running another set of 50m and 200m, but after a week of eating well and getting some valuable "pre-game" nutrition advice, I think I did alright.
There was a guy there who ran 9.5 laps in 12 minutes ... he lapped me twice!
I have to admit I struggled to stay awake in the dark auditorium where we sat for the rest of the clinic, but like I said, it was really great to be among good referees and going over situations that can happen in any game.