Labor Day Weekend - Tournament Recommendations?

[Footballer]

Hi, as you can tell, I'm in CT. And this year I would like to look for a challenging tournament to do during Labor Day weekend. When I first started refereeing, I did a local travel tournament that had kids up to U14. Last year, I got a chance to go down to do the Jr. Nike in Richmond. Though that was an awesome experience with instructions from a FIFA referee, the players were only U13s and U14s. I know the Fall is kind of tough around my area because high school season is about to start, but I don't mind a little travel.

I'm working on my 6 upgrade and need to continue to accumulate U17+ matches.

So anyone know of a good tournament with old age groups + adult / open competiton?

Thanks.

[MassachusettsRef]

There aren't really good ones anywhere insofar as major, top nation-level tournaments. The only Labor Day tournament I ever seriously looked into was Atlanta Cup. I secured an invitation a few years ago, but couldn't go because of other commitments. It doesn't have the national super-clubs there (Delco, Texans, Sockers, etc.) but it does have some of the major clubs from GA, SC, NC & VA (Atlanta Fire, Concorde Fire, Reston, etc.). It appears to be a very good tournament at the "Cup" level, but probably just an above average-average tournament at the lower divisions. I'm sure people no here from the area can probably tell you more about it:

http://www.soccerincollege.com/TTIntro.aspx?tid=atlanta

[Claymore]

Since you're going for your 6, you may want to check with your SRA first. I'm not sure how it is in CT, but it's been my experience that SRAs don't look too kindly on senior-level refs going out of state if they've got a lot of tournaments to cover in-state. Not saying he won't let you go, but it's always a good thing to let the SRA know you've got his back at crunch time. You have to get permission from your SRA to go out of state anyways, but start the conversation by making sure he's covered.

That being said, there dont seem to be a lot of high-level Labor Day tourneys, at least on the east coast. Keep in mind that the level of play is going to be a little subdued, since it's the first game back from summer vacation for a lot of these kids.

[Footballer]

Thanks for the tip on the Atlanta Cup. I've never been there and love to mix travel with soccer. I'll look into it.

Re: my SRA, he will be fine with it. I've traveled out-of-state before and cross the border into NY a few times as well. I always make sure my SRA and SYRA know.

[jclepp]

If you are interested in attending the ATL Cup, we are always looking for additional "advanced" referees. Very large tourney (600 - 700 teams) played all over town. Primarily Southeast teams, but the Cup level classes generally will bring competitive teams (State champ, PL, Super-Y) from around the country.

http://www.patrick-baker.com/atlanta_cup

This link will advise the referee coordinators that you are interested.

[Footballer]

Hi again. I've already secured my SRA's blessings and submitted my info. I hope to find out soon from the coordinators because I want to book my flight ASAP.

[chrisrun]

Disney has their Soccer Showcase Qualifier that weekend as well:

http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/soccershowcase/events/detail?name=SoccerShowcase2007SoccerShowcaseQualifierEventInfoEventDetailPage

[Tarheel Ref]

I grew up just outside Washington DC playing for Alexandria ('71) in the NCSL. Since then, whenever I can, I work tournaments up there when I visit my Mom and she gets to play soccer Mom a little more.

Every experience working tournaments in that area has been outstanding for me, and I plan to continue working as many tourneys up there as I can. Upcoming tournaments in that area are the Dulles Tournament (Aug 25-26) and PWSI Tournament (Sept 1-3). Google those tournaments and you should get all the info you need.

I recently worked The Virginian over Memorial Day and it was, once again, very well run with high quality matches (I worked boys U-15 premiere) and a great atmosphere. In addition, our nation's capitol is a great place to visit with many, many interesting and educational sights...something I didn't really realize or take advantage of when I lived there.

[Footballer]

Actually I went to school in DC (AU) and I too found that I didn't really appreciate it as much as I should have. Down the road, I would like to do the WAGS tournament.

[LoewenBoy]

There aren't really good ones anywhere insofar as major, top nation-level tournaments.
Huh?:eek:

The Plano Labor Day Tournament usually has the top 5-8 teams nationally in both boys and girls from U15-U19. Teams from all over the US and several from overseas.

Have done that tourney for the last 4 years. Refs from all over the world come. Guys from all over the US too. OF the normal ref pool only 15% are local, the rest are from all over. Assignor is a former national, now retired.

Since you're going for your 6, you may want to check with your SRA first. I'm not sure how it is in CT, but it's been my experience that SRAs don't look too kindly on senior-level refs going out of state if they've got a lot of tournaments to cover in-state.
One reason why I HATE the whole state-level thing. They really demand you stick around and take care of your state. But how do you make Nat if you cannot get out of state more often? Feel like Yosarian in Catch 22? :D

[LoewenBoy]

I grew up just outside Washington DC playing for Alexandria ('71) in the NCSL.
Played at Annandale back in the day...just a few years ahead of you.

[MassachusettsRef]

Huh?:eek:

The Plano Labor Day Tournament usually has the top 5-8 teams nationally in both boys and girls from U15-U19. Teams from all over the US and several from overseas.

Have done that tourney for the last 4 years. Refs from all over the world come. Guys from all over the US too. OF the normal ref pool only 15% are local, the rest are from all over. Assignor is a former national, now retired.I hadn't heard of the Plano tournament and was going to concede my ignorance. But looking at the results from last year, I think I'm still correct in my assertion.

The best teams from Texas (many of which are national powers) definitely compete at Plano, as do some very solid clubs from neighboring states. But, looking at results from last year (http://www.gotsport.com/events/?eventid=772), there are no teams from California or, the Upper Midwest (IL, MI, OH) or East Coast (I count zero teams total from Region IV and Region I).

I think Plano is a lot like Atlanta Cup--a very competitive regional tournament, which includes the best teams and clubs from the host region and state but not much outside competition. You can make the argument that the region around Texas is stronger than the region around Georgia, so the tournament overall might be better, but you really can't say Plano is a top national-level tournament without any clubs like SoCal, Sockers, Delco, etc.

So I stand by my assertion that Labor Day just isn't a good weekend for major national-level tournaments. You're not going to find a Dallas Cup, Disney Showcase, Jefferson Cup, Sun Bowl, Surf Cup, President's Day Cup, WAGS, etc., on Labor Day.

[LoewenBoy]

IThe best teams from Texas (many of which are national powers) definitely compete at Plano, as do some very solid clubs from neighboring states. But, looking at results from last year (http://www.gotsport.com/events/?eventid=772), there are no teams from California or, the Upper Midwest (IL, MI, OH) or East Coast (I count zero teams total from Region IV and Region I).
Usually they are there. Last year there were major conflicts for most big teams.

So I stand by my assertion that Labor Day just isn't a good weekend for major national-level tournaments. You're not going to find a Dallas Cup, Disney Showcase, Jefferson Cup, Sun Bowl, Surf Cup, President's Day Cup, WAGS, etc., on Labor Day.
I guess I see this a bit differently. While Plano is certainly a top class tournament, it is not Dallas Cup. But I do not think there are that many of "those" types of tourney's anyway. Dallas Cup (and others) are a bit special and very few of them. Next best thing are these next tier tourneys.

[Tarheel Ref]

Played at Annandale back in the day...just a few years ahead of you.

Uh oh...do I sense an old-school feud brewing??? Whenever I think of Annandale all I see is RED...get it??? haha bad joke (especially if your kit wasn't red). Even the last tourney I worked up there ALL the Annandale teams were red/white just like back in the day.

Just kidding...but it's funny how small a world it can be sometimes. I've worked tournaments up and down the east coast over the years and more often than anyone would believe, keep running into the same people and teams.

As many negative things as I have to say frequently about parents and spectators, there are some really good folks out there and I appreciate sharing a good match with them (especially when they appreciate good refereeing! LOL). It's unfortunate that the idiotic few so outweigh and distract attention from the good ones.

[chrisrun]

Disney has their Soccer Showcase Qualifier that weekend as well:

http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/soccershowcase/events/detail?name=SoccerShowcase2007SoccerShowcaseQualifierEventInfoEventDetailPage

Disney recently upped the ante of their Soccer Showcase in Dec/Jan. In relation to the Showcase:

"An annual educational exchange program will also be created where at least one Chelsea Soccer Academy team will visit and compete at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida."

"In exchange, Chelsea will bring a winning team from a selected Disney soccer tournament to be their guests at a Chelsea match and train at their soccer academy in England. "

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-chelsea-disney&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Footballer]

Hey thanks. Another tournament to consider. Perhaps next year. Never been to Texas neither!

[LoewenBoy]

Hey thanks. Another tournament to consider. Perhaps next year. Never been to Texas neither!
Usually have a ton of comp rooms, but the going rate is $25 per night subsidized. Get transport from hotels to fields and WELL taken care of at the fields. Food all the time and a pre-, post- tourney bash.

http://www.gotsport.com/asp/officials/register.asp?EventID=1462

[LoewenBoy]

BTW....anyone coming to the tournament will get to hear Brian Hall as the guest speaker Friday night. Plus tons of freebies from OSI.:cool:

[bluedevils]

Loewenboy, which tourney -- Plano?

[LoewenBoy]

Loewenboy, which tourney -- Plano?
Yes, the Plano Labor Day tourney. Seem Brain was in town this weekend for nationals. The guy who organised and managed the match assignments for nationals talked to Hall and got him to do the guest speaker slot. To solidify the deal, my friend called and got Brian assigned to the FC Dallas match the next day (Saturday) just to be sure he was in town.:cool:

The assignor is John Navarro (ex nat) if any one is interested. Referee infor page here (http://www.planoyouthsoccer.org/PLDRefereeinfo.html).