Real how to become a referee thread

[ProfZodiac]

Originally posted by AFCA
What's the fun in being a referee these days?

Addicted to danger?

[quasi-sarcasm] I get to stare down @$$hole coaches and parents three times my age. That's fun. [/quasi-sarcasm]

Prof

[HoosRef]

Originally posted by ProfZodiac
[quasi-sarcasm] I get to stare down @$$hole coaches and parents three times my age. That's fun. [/quasi-sarcasm]
Prof

And then say stuff like, "I'm carrying the cards and you're not. I'll ref, you coach" in the coldest voice possible to a coach. I love putting coaches at different levels in their place, especially when they see that I'm 21 and doing a HS center. I love being right there on a defender and striker going at the corner flag, making the call and having them both turn around and seeing the ref has made the end-to-end run with them and makes the proper call.

I was fortunate enough to attend the Young Referee Development Academy here in Virginia and recieved top flight instruction from Nat'l level assessors and referees. I'd recommend young referees find and attend some sort of clinic similar to this to gain the degree of professionalism that some of the senior folks have.

My biggest piece of advice to new referees: Beware of assignors at all levels. They are being paid to do what they do, nearly as much as you are to do what you do. Seek to find an honest and consistent assignor who will gradually bring you along. Some are great, some seek bodies to cover games. Regarding tournaments or working leagues, only take the number of games that permits you to give the same quality of refereeing to the first two and last two teams. It could be four games in one day or it could be two.

[Jimjamesak]

I just want you fellow Ref's know what my situation is up here in Alaska. I started Reffing when I was 12 and spent one year centering u-10 and u-12 rec games while lining up to u-16. After that I stopped doing rec and just worked youth competitive and adult leagues and later when I was 14 I started lining High school. Now at 17 I just got my grade 7 and never center or line anything below u-16. But what sucks is that the level of play here is kinda low (if any of the youth players have ever played an Alaska at Regionals or USA cup, you know what I'm talking about). To become anything past a grade 6 here you must move outside (btw. outside means lower 48) and start a whole new reputation somewhere else and work your way up. We have some training from people who come up here for our State Cup but we have no residents that are Nationals or better and so our level of skill kinda suffers. I do travel outside some (I've gone to ref at the Boy's ODP Region 4 camp, a great learning experience, and will be traveling to regionals). Now I plan on moving to Washington in the fall to start College and start a new chapter in my reffing career. Don't take your location for granted

[HoosRef]

Hey man, I moved 120 miles south and had to rebuild my reputation. I will tell you that if you can find an assignor that you like and will help you get the game count, college is a great time to referee. You can work 2 days a week and make better money in less time than your buddies in restaurants or anywhere else. But you don't do it for the money do you?

It requires a great deal of planning to ensure that you have games when you commute back and forth to school and home. Tell your home assignor in January and again in April that you are returning home and looking for games to officiate. It will require giving up some weekends to referee. Not having a car will make life miserable, but many older referees, I've found, will go out of their way to help a young comrade. But you'll have money for the ladies. And chicks dig the bumblebee look here in the south; the southern belles seem to like any man in uniform, even in shorts, knee socks and brilliant yellow.

Advice for what it's worth: when starting out, keep your yap shut. I didn't and it cost me assignments when I moved. If the rates are higher in Washington, be happy and move on. They may not be. I get paid less at school, but it's still work and I love refereeing anyway. Check and see if the State Assoc. has a young referee mentorship program. Here in Virginia, we are blessed to have a whole academy dedicated to young referees. Make sure you're game fit, especially if you get a trial assignments. You never know who you'll be working with. Make sure you're at the pitch at least 40 minutes before the match. Most importantly: have a blast. College is the best 3/4/5/6 years of your life. The first 3 years of my college have flown by. Enjoy every minute of it.



Hoos

[Crowdie]

Or better yet, try http://www.asktheref.com fro the US interpretations. Nothing against Julian but if your taking a test here in the states you had better understand what they are looking for in the US and not elsewhere.


Interesting point here. Apart from local junior rules why would the US be interpreting the LOTG different to the UK? I am not saying that the US should or shouldn't but the IRB should ensure that all countries interpret the LOTG the same way to keep consistentcy in refs from different countries/confederations.

Crowdie.

[Greyhnd00]

Originally posted by Crowdie
Interesting point here. Apart from local junior rules why would the US be interpreting the LOTG different to the UK? I am not saying that the US should or shouldn't but the IRB should ensure that all countries interpret the LOTG the same way to keep consistentcy in refs from different countries/confederations.

Crowdie.
A bit naive to say that the game is played and called the same world over. Just compare and contrast South American football with european. Or the EPL from the Spanish League.....signifigantly different.

[Crowdie]

A bit naive to say that the game is played and called the same world over. Just compare and contrast South American football with european. Or the EPL from the Spanish League.....signifigantly different.


The LOTG are the same the world over. The difference appears to be different condeferation's interpretations on the LOTG. On the European mainland it seems acceptable for players to bunch around a referee and try to intimidate him, for example, while down here players wouldn't consider it as it is deemed unacceptable and both the referee and the associations would reprimand the player.

Just a thought.

Crowdie.

[Statesman]

The interpretation of the rules is virtually the same, the application is not. Dangerous play is dangerous play, shoving is shoving, a late tackle is a late tackle. What is actually called and what is trifling varies significantly depending on culture though. The same could be said for the various levels of skill in soccer -- the interpretations of the laws are exactly the same, you just apply them differently based on how the players want the game called (or need it to be called in the case of youth).

[Grizzlierbear]

Originally posted by Statesman
The interpretation of the rules is virtually the same, the application is not. Dangerous play is dangerous play, shoving is shoving, a late tackle is a late tackle. What is actually called and what is trifling varies significantly depending on culture though. The same could be said for the various levels of skill in soccer -- the interpretations of the laws are exactly the same, you just apply them differently based on how the players want the game called (or need it to be called in the case of youth).

Good points Statesman as the progress of each match at every level is a construction job under construction with different trades at work you need to manage what is laid out before you. Telling plumbers how to be electricians is simply not a good idea. And from journeymen to master carpenters the experiance in building these matches could be a considerable challange.

Laws are universal in scope and allow for considerable deliberation and interpretation. What they do not allow for is self doubt. In any match the ability for players, fans, coaches or parents to shake the resolve of the referee affect how he or she will apply those laws.

Rarely a strict MUST, the laws are guidelines for MIGHT and COULD. In the instances of elite play there is such a vast divergence of practical application when 60,000 + fans, international TV and the weight of scrutiny versus a recreational in the midwest on a tuesday afternoon at the local pitch. Consequences weigh heavily on those at the top but so to at the local level where the failure to protect those volunteers who are the bulk of the force exile themselves away from the needless abuse.

How to explain the sense of accomplishment in a well run match that all share in its nature? In freely giving advice we know that as in all things opinions even when well intentioned do not fit every need?
There are many saliant points contained within this thread. The proceedures we need to follow or the path most likely to take you where you wish to go.


If you wish to be a referee or you wish to just referee there is a difference. Anyone can memorise the laws and volunteer to step out on to the pitch. Respect is a double edged sword you can not demand it it must be earned. However on equal terms self respect can never be taken it must be given up. Any who step in a the middle or patrol the touchlines IF they take what they do to MEAN something they are referees. It goes by their efforts and by their comittment and by the nature of why they continue within the game.

To be tested in the waters one must learn to swim and as the distance gets longer the better swimmer you need to be. Those that meerly wet their feet and start bailing from the boat are never there long enough to be a referee but in title only. And whether you remain at the shallow end or the deep end of the pool. Your comfort level, talent and desire will keep you afloat at whatever level that might be. IF you truly get the satisfaction from a match where its nature gives credance to the spirit and soul of the game you will be a referee and no one will need to tell you although I can almost guarantee they will. ;o)

Those that aspire to the elite level are driven to reach for what some only dream. Many seek ongoing mentoring and assessment but the quick reversal of opinion should one do the unthinkable or make a mistake for all to see or in the case of some a percieved mistake that never was. How those ever respectfull yet waiting colleagues who feel the need to step up and take their rightful place. Congratulations are in order and happy we are for them, but someone must move aside.

Yes ego is involved, as is conviction and courage and the time one wishes to spend pursuing something that might never happen. Ask those who sacrifice to the prestige. Time away from Family, the creative work management to leave and go where you need to? Your fate hinging on having the right people see you, judge you and not find you wanting.

In the end be it joy or sorrow, look at me or a priviledge, the game will find you out and soon you will be where you are.

[ralph shelley]

Very true. If you want to be a good ref, you need
to constantly try to improve by watching games
and studying. thankfully there are great web sites that provide guidance. But you have to have poise
and the ability to make decisions on the fly if you
want to be a respected ref. Fast paced games
and low quality games provide unique challenges.
So you have to be on your toes because crazy things can happen and you do not want to be
caught flatfooted with some types of coaches and fans. But if your thick skinned and a former player
it does provide excitement. For young people its
great training. For adults its a nice escape and a
great workout.

[ttrevett]

I'm sorry if this has been posted elsewhere, but what are the physical fitness requirements to be a top level ref? Are there certain lengths one must be able to run to be a higher grade ref?

[nsa]

Full details in the Referee Admin Handbook (http://www.ussoccer.com/templates/includes/services/referees/pdfs/RefAdminHdbk.pdf) on pg. 25.

In general they are not too restrictive.

All involve the 12 minute run, covering distances from 1800 m. to 2700 m. depending upon age and grade; 50 m. dash, 9.5 - 9 s.; and 200 m. dash, 40 s. - 32 s.

I have seen statements that 3 Km is expected for the 12 min. run from WC FIFA referees.

[gator3]

If you are interested in becoming a ref, the best thing to do is to start by finding out what leagues are in your area, and then finding out what affiliation they are. The best way to cover yourself is to goto a USSF (United States Soccer Federation) referee clinic. The best way to find out where a clinic is near you is to goto your state sponsored website. Example, the TSSA (Tennessee State Soccer Association) is http://www.tn-soccer.org. Most of these state sites are www.(state abbreviation) - (dash) soccer.org. If you become USSF Certified then you can referee in about any league you what. USSF, USYSA, AYSO, it doesn't matter. The USSF is recognized around the world. I have been a AYSO referee since 1989, and USSF certified since 2000. I enjoy it so much, but have injured my ankles and i'm getting to the point where i can't run like i once did. Hopefully i'll be teaching soon. A really good site to check out to learn alot is http://www.asktheref.com.
See ya

[stevieb]

Originally posted by nsa
Full details in the Referee Admin Handbook (http://www.ussoccer.com/templates/includes/services/referees/pdfs/RefAdminHdbk.pdf) on pg. 25.

In general they are not too restrictive.

All involve the 12 minute run, covering distances from 1800 m. to 2700 m. depending upon age and grade; 50 m. dash, 9.5 - 9 s.; and 200 m. dash, 40 s. - 32 s.

I have seen statements that 3 Km is expected for the 12 min. run from WC FIFA referees.

The Nat'ls need to run the 200m and the 50m sprints twice. And the ones who are doing MLS games must run 3200m (~6min mile).

I think the tests have been made easier over the last years. When I first took it you had to do a staggered run (5m-10m-15m-20m-25m). And the required times are not that difficult to meet, even for old guys like me (almost 50). I ran the NISOA fitness test a week ago after running line on a very competitive college game and still managed to get 2500m for the 12min run. The requirement to make 1800m for a Gr07 at my age works out to being just an 10:40 pace.

And NISOA requirements for college are similar but they assign points to each event and you must get at least 8pts to pass. They have four events instead of just three (they add a 4x10m run where you run backwards 10m, then forward 10m, then switch backward & forward again; and instead of just a 200m they have you run a 3x60m--sprint 60m, turn and sprint back to the start, and then turn and sprint the final 60m--which is more difficult than the 200m)

[ralph shelley]

What is appreciated by teams and there fans is a ref who really tries to do a great job. Many
youth leagues struggle to get conscientious and
competent refs. They notice if you are there early
and help with the nets or explain the rules.

[MassachusettsRef]

Originally posted by stevieb
The Nat'ls need to run the 200m and the 50m sprints twice. And the ones who are doing MLS games must run 3200m (~6min mile).Where do you get this information? It is true that fitness is being more closely scrutinized, and that USSF wants it's top referees running 3000m+ and not just hitting the bare minimum of 2700m, but how do you arrive at the 3200m figure?

Also, it's not just nationals that do the 50m/200m sprints twice. The same sprint test, along with a 12 minute run, is run for all officials at the various regional professional clinics.

[stevieb]

Originally posted by MassachusettsRef
Where do you get this information? It is true that fitness is being more closely scrutinized, and that USSF wants it's top referees running 3000m+ and not just hitting the bare minimum of 2700m, but how do you arrive at the 3200m figure?

Also, it's not just nationals that do the 50m/200m sprints twice. The same sprint test, along with a 12 minute run, is run for all officials at the various regional professional clinics.

I'll need to check with a couple of ref friends who are nat'l's and work as ARs for MLS games but that is what I recall from previous conversations. And as for the 50m/200m runs, 07s-05s only have to run each of them once. As an instructor I have run the fitness tests as well as participated in them multiple times and we only do a 200m run once and a 50m run once. Only the Nat's are required to run them each twice.

Steve

[MassachusettsRef]

Originally posted by stevieb
And as for the 50m/200m runs, 07s-05s only have to run each of them once. As an instructor I have run the fitness tests as well as participated in them multiple times and we only do a 200m run once and a 50m run once. Only the Nat's are required to run them each twice.
For upgrade and maintenance, that might be true. But for the regional professional clinics, the same test is run for the state referees and others that is run for the national referees.

[lather]

To become a USSF certified referee, you must complete an entry level course. The easiest way to find out about them is to ask the center ref after the game about becoming a ref. I'm sure you'll get the information you need on the clinics in your local area.

AYSO, Collegiate, and High School games have their own sanctioning bodies. Again, ask a local ref.

Don't expect to be invited to qualify for HS or College games until you've had some experience with the recreational and competitive youth games.

Hope that helps.

[ralph shelley]

If you want to be a ref and must wait for a course
than attend local games and download the rules
and advice to ref notes from USSOCCER.com. The
guys at ASKTHEREF.COM and the Carosi website
provide lots of helpful advice. Having a veteran ref as a mentor will also speed along learning some
of the inticacies. Help out as a linesman.