Why Upgrade to 6?

Discussion in 'Referee' started by SoccerRefNova, Mar 26, 2019.

  1. Baka_Shinpan

    Baka_Shinpan Member

    Mar 28, 2011
    Between the posts
    Club:
    Vegalta Sendai
    Nat'l Team:
    Japan
    Pedestal that I have put state referees on? Ha! The referee ranks are a pyramid, just like any other organization, those with the desire to advance move up to the and reach the level that their dedication, skill and willingness to sacrifice will take them to. Is there some pride in reaching certain levels, yes, absolutely, but most people who reach the state level do so because they are dedicated to the game and wish to give back to the game. And those who seek to move up further - to grade 5 and higher up to national are guided by the same desire - to perform and referee at a higher level and to give back to the game across multiple levels. It is not about "fancy" shirts or anything like that - it is about pushing yourself to see if you can succeed at the next level.

    Most people do not have the time or willingness to make that sacrifice. That is fine and most everyone reaches a decision point in whatever career path or hobby or vocation they pursue. We all have our own paths and life goals or dreams to pursue, and I don't know any state or higher referees or even 7s or 8s who would criticize a fellow referee for saying this is it, I don't have the time or energy or bandwidth or desire to pursue my referee career any higher. But what few of us tolerate or can stand are referees (or anyone else for that matter - because it is true in every endeavor and vocation) who bitch and moan and make excuses for not moving up while denigrating those who do and trashing the game.

    Here is the thing - if you think you are as good as or better than most of the grade 6 referees in DC/Virginia - then go and referee as well as you can and take pride in how well you do. But if you are going to bitch and moan because you had 3 bad assessments, all that tells me is that you think that you are better than you really are.

    Oh, soccer on the local level is filled with awful people and because they watch the EPL or La Liga or MLS, we can't fix things on the field - oh, and those grade 6's are doing nothing to control it....wah, wah, wah. What rubbish.

    YOU control what happens on your field. No one else. The professional level is completely different and is really immaterial to the whole topic at hand. The professional level is multi-billion $$$ entertainment. That you blame it for what happens in your youth match or your Sunday evening adult match says more about what you and your league are willing to tolerate than anything else.

    Don't like what the local league tolerates? Talk to the assignor and the league officials and help address it. Most state referees I know let the league officials know when there are behavioral matters that need to be addressed. Suggest to the assignor that they organize a pre-season meeting of referees or of referees and team officials to communicate clear understanding of what is unacceptable behavior. Or would you also complain that you are not compensated for that time and refuse to show up/engage/participate? [/quote]

    Seems to me that you are the one who is shirking from stepping up and doing something. But hey, who needs to step up and set an example when all that really matters is the game fee you receive relative to the time and energy you put into your match.
     
  2. SoccerRefNova

    SoccerRefNova Member

    DC United
    Mexico
    Mar 27, 2018
    Have you read your posts describing those refs? You describe how good they are, their professionalism, and how great they are at using tools and reading the game. And I'm literally asking "Why move up if I don't want the higher level games? Just the amateur ones? College? (or NCAA, as I like to call it)."

    I never said I was better than most of the Grade 6s. Just that I don't see what was advertised when I work with them.

    First, I actually only failed one assessment. The other two were non-competitive. I actually had to pass an assessment to qualify for the Grade 6 assessments, because the DC/VA Board decided to make that a qualification. And I had to pass one to become a 7. Yeah the Upgrade 7 is a joke, but it's still a pass.

    Two, I'm an average soccer ref. I'm never getting past amateur men's Sunday league or college soccer (which if we're honest, can easily be the same thing for most college teams). I'm not MLS or USL material. Hence the original point of this thread, to which I remind everyone of the title "Why upgrade to 6?".

    Never said the Grade 6s specifically did nothing. I said everyone. Too many refs just let dissent go. And if the weekly stories are to be believed, yes, they are awful people.

    Been to several of those meetings. It's mostly the ref who fail to follow instructions. "It's part of the game". Loved that response. But my field is nice and quiet, cause I make it that way.

    I'm guessing you've never noticed that kids imitate what they see on TV, especially for sports. My cousins and I copied Michael Jordan and Beckham playing up. Everyone was trying to do a Maradona or a step-over because we saw it on TV. Or cross some kid up on the court. Where do you think shouting at the refs comes from? Because those same kids grow up and see players surrounding refs because they don't like the call.

    NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL. All professional and billion dollar industries. Don't have that problem. And anyone that tries that crap gets an early shower.

    But I don't blame MLS for the people in my league. As I said in my original "Why I trash soccer refs" post, I trash them because they don't handle it at the local level. I brought up the Premier League and other incidents to contest your point that "respect is a two way street". To call out your refusal to acknowledge that the treatment of refs is an international problem. Remember the grassroots referee strike that was threatened in the UK several years ago. That was started by some 17 year old. So I'm not alone in noticing this.

    Did you ignore the response I had to ptref where I said I was doing exactly that? I get a game with a kid and someone is giving him a hard time, I push him to confront him. Ask, tell, dismiss, their options are whatever, but I suggest they do something. And if the kid is running my line, I either card the player or dismiss the coach. And if it's an adult ref, I ask why not call out that coach, or caution for dissent.

    I've insulted (in your opinion) something you hold quite dear. A sport which I just do for the cash. But I'm just pointing out the glaring flaws, which I'm able to do precisely because I don't love it.
     
  3. SouthernYank

    SouthernYank Member

    Sep 21, 2010
    Rep for the Avett Brothers song quote.
     
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  4. Baka_Shinpan

    Baka_Shinpan Member

    Mar 28, 2011
    Between the posts
    Club:
    Vegalta Sendai
    Nat'l Team:
    Japan
    You do realize that outside of a major blowout, a "non competitive" is just the assessor's way of politely not failing you and giving you another chance to pass without your having to do 2 make up assessments?

    And if you are not looking to do anything more challenging than what you are already doing, why the need to post this other than to give yourself an opportunity to denigrate others?

    As for college matches, when is the last time you actually refereed a college match?
     
  5. kayakhorn

    kayakhorn Member+

    Oct 10, 2011
    Arkansas
    #55 kayakhorn, Apr 2, 2019
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2019
    The answer is pretty simple. There is no reason good enough for you to upgrade to 6. You are apparently unwilling or unable to commit to the time and money requirements, do not enjoy or find value associating with the majority of upper level referees you've met, and your primary desire to maximize your financial gain is not consistent with some of the expectations for state/regional referees. It doesn't really matter what your reasons are, or that many of the community here do not agree with them. They clearly suggest that upgrading is not for you.

    Work the games your assignors are willing to give you, but consider one thing. The apparent disinterest on your part that the one assessor dinged you for is almost certainly recognized by many players, coaches, and even fans. Nobody wants or deserves that. Probably not even you.
     
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  6. SoccerRefNova

    SoccerRefNova Member

    DC United
    Mexico
    Mar 27, 2018
    @kayakhorn:I fully acknowledge that. It's a great summary of what I've seen written in this thread. But the money is what I need. And while I'm not the best ref, I'm still good enough to get the better paying games.

    First game had a team with 8 players, and the other game: "I just don't feel that there were any flashpoints. You couldn't shine in this game." So I guess next time I'll just let a couple fouls go uncalled and let the game simmer over so I can get some violence.

    Or maybe I failed. Not sure why, but hey, guy didn't mention anything else.

    That's why we're here. To make sure there isn't any other reason to get the badge. And it sounds like to get to ECSR, a State Badge isn't a bad idea.

    2018. Waiting for the season to start this August.
     
  7. Baka_Shinpan

    Baka_Shinpan Member

    Mar 28, 2011
    Between the posts
    Club:
    Vegalta Sendai
    Nat'l Team:
    Japan
    Oh the irony...bemoaning spending extra money to become a State Referee and criticizing State Referees for being cliquish and wearing polos and other branded gear, but you want to join ECSR.

    Oh, and if you show up to an ECSR assigned match 30 minutes before kick, you won't be getting more ECSR matches.
     
  8. SoccerRefNova

    SoccerRefNova Member

    DC United
    Mexico
    Mar 27, 2018
    What do you mean? Unlike the path to MLS, I know next to nothing about ECSR, other than that it's full of politics.

    But for $650 a middle, I reckon I can wear what they want.

    Pfft, I've shown up 60 minutes before a women's "semi-pro" game. I do what I'm told so long as they sign the check. If my assignor says show up 15 minutes, it's 15. If it's 30, it's 30. And if it's 90 minutes, I wonder what they expect us to do other than look at each other for 30 minutes, but I show up 90 minutes early.
     
  9. Baka_Shinpan

    Baka_Shinpan Member

    Mar 28, 2011
    Between the posts
    Club:
    Vegalta Sendai
    Nat'l Team:
    Japan
    Hilarious. You don't know the first thing about ECSR and you think you are going to be working middles and getting $650 a game.

    As for your attitude about showing up for proper pregame prep, earlier you bragged about showing up 30 minutes before "NCAA" matches in Virginia. I do not know a single college assignor in the Mid-Atlantic who finds that acceptable yet you apparently do. Go figure.
     
  10. SoccerRefNova

    SoccerRefNova Member

    DC United
    Mexico
    Mar 27, 2018
    Well, it’s a goal. And my friends have told me it’s $650 for a middle. Said it’s a bitch to get in. Care to explain how it’s ironic?

    As for you not knowing everyone, I can’t help that. But yeah, why show up 90 minutes early for a semi-pro game when I can show up 30 minutes early and make more money?
     
  11. frankieboylampard

    Mar 7, 2016
    USA
    Club:
    Chelsea FC
    Nat'l Team:
    Spain
    30 mins for an NPSL/PDL/USL Pro 2 (semi-pro) match or hell eve a D1 college match is most definitely not enough time. Even with a 4th you still need at least 10 mins with a barebones pregame. 10 mins to warm up. 10 mins to leave for walk out, national anthem and coin toss to start the game on time.

    We have 90 mins and we still struggle to get all this. That’s not counting walking the field, changing from our attire to warm up gear and then into our uniforms, finding locker rooms, coordinating colors with teams, helping 4O check in teams, balls, etc.

    That’s not counting referee crew needing longer warm up or pregame times etc.
     
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  12. SoccerRefNova

    SoccerRefNova Member

    DC United
    Mexico
    Mar 27, 2018
    I was there 90 minutes early for the semi-pro game. My college assignor doesn’t need all that.

    Most of the schools we service don’t have a locker room to change, so we show up in our shorts, socks, and a polo. None of this change into warm-up and then uniform stuff.

    Stretch during the pre-game, check the field quick, get to the coin-toss, and move on.
     
  13. juneau-AK

    juneau-AK Member

    Apr 15, 2017
    I give all business to this wind up merchant!
     
  14. frankieboylampard

    Mar 7, 2016
    USA
    Club:
    Chelsea FC
    Nat'l Team:
    Spain
    Interesting our College Assignors differ a lot from yours. We are required slacks and polo for D1, NPSL/USL2, etc etc etc....

    The only college stuff that allows us 60 mins is the D2 and below where polo and shorts is fine. But thats a whole different ball game. Closer to our Sunday league stuff.
     
  15. SoccerRefNova

    SoccerRefNova Member

    DC United
    Mexico
    Mar 27, 2018
    D3 is what I mainly do. And it’s pretty much men’s Sunday league
     
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  16. Geko

    Geko Member

    Sacremento Geckos
    United States
    May 25, 2016
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    If it’s the assignor I’m assuming he belongs to, there’s reason that assignor has lost a few conferences in the last couple years.
     
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  17. fairplayforlife

    fairplayforlife Member+

    Mar 23, 2011
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    How is this still going?
     
  18. GoDawgsGo

    GoDawgsGo Member+

    Nov 11, 2010
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Hungry troll and people keep feeding it.
     
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  19. Baka_Shinpan

    Baka_Shinpan Member

    Mar 28, 2011
    Between the posts
    Club:
    Vegalta Sendai
    Nat'l Team:
    Japan
    I would guess he is a member of the DC NISOA chapter.
     
  20. Baka_Shinpan

    Baka_Shinpan Member

    Mar 28, 2011
    Between the posts
    Club:
    Vegalta Sendai
    Nat'l Team:
    Japan
    Virginia college assignors expect you to be at a match minimum of 60 min before scheduled kick and you are expected to arrive in khakis and polos or other appropriate attire. There are a few schools without locker facilities where it is acceptable to arrive in your ref shorts, but most travel in khakis anyways and change in rest rooms.

    Maryland is more of a mixed bag with different chapters / assignors having different expectations.

    And DC...
     
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  21. SoccerRefNova

    SoccerRefNova Member

    DC United
    Mexico
    Mar 27, 2018
    I'm just glad we've accepted my credentials. But please Baka, what are the requirements for ECSR? Or anyone else who would care to help a ref whore move on up and become an escort.
     
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  22. oldmanref

    oldmanref New Member

    madrid
    Mexico
    Apr 1, 2019
    Anyone can "join" ECSR but that doesn't mean you will get assignments. You can sign up for $100 at their website. Typically between signing up for ECSR and going to one of their camps (schedule I think is on on the website and camp price is included in registration price) makes you eligible for assignments. It's then on you to reach out to the individual ECSR assignors who service your area and ask to get on their lists. Depending on the individuals assignor and conference, the requirements to get games may be different.
     
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  23. SoccerRefNova

    SoccerRefNova Member

    DC United
    Mexico
    Mar 27, 2018
    Really? How many suckers do they pull in then who never get games? And I thought college basketball was a racket.

    Great. And with this change from Referee Grades to Grassroots and Regional stuff, guess I'm just gonna have to do it.
     
  24. Baka_Shinpan

    Baka_Shinpan Member

    Mar 28, 2011
    Between the posts
    Club:
    Vegalta Sendai
    Nat'l Team:
    Japan
    Accept your credentials? Yeah, that you are a grade 7 who doesn't have pride in your work and just wants to do the minimum to get by.

    But good luck with yourself.
     
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  25. SoccerRefNova

    SoccerRefNova Member

    DC United
    Mexico
    Mar 27, 2018
    Thanks man. I'll try.
     

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