Where I am located there is much discussion about referees and their abilities. So my question(s) is an outgrowth of that. My question is: For grade 8 referees, what parameters are used where you live, other than the typical administrative re-certification or practical assessment, to measure the performance of any referee. Please let me know where you are located and what is used. Thanks!
As it is here also. However there are those who are stating they"Know of" locales where this is a common practice so we thought I would post and see what we get.
And there a lot of referees here who have missed recert training. They still pay their dues, and there aren't enough referees to replace those that are not fit. I do believe you have to sign something about not committing felonies, but I don't think anyone checks. Most assignor know most of their refs and/or get feedback from the other referees and coaches to know who belongs on what type of game or isn't competent to do U8.
We have a 3 part grade 8 "requirement"; 1) USSF form and money, then you get your badge 2) 6 hours of in-service training (usually means 3 sessions on different topics) 3) On-line test Most refs never get past step 1 and they keep reffing. In order to do anything run by the state (odp, state cup etc) you need all 3. Some leagues just want step 1.
I'm an assignor in Maryland. We are fortunate enough here in Maryland to have several different levels of play in the same areas - rec, travel, Super-Y, ODP, etc...and in my area, the rec games are assigned separately from the travel (and above) games. Since I am doubly fortunate to have more referees than I do games, I am able to pick and choose who I want on the travel games I assign from a large pool of referees. In order to get into my circle, either I personally look at a young man or lady or one of my trusted adult referees will watch them and give me their opinion on their performance with a mentor sheet that has several criteria listed, such as appearance, punctuality, game flow, foul recognition, etc. I know that other areas do not have the luxury of the numbers I have, and I often have to send referees to neighboring counties. I don't mind that at all. If the performance of a referee is not up to par for my standards, they are given an opportunity to correct the deficiency. If that's not done, they aren't assigned the higher level games until the problem is corrected. I know I have it good here because of the numbers and many different levels of play. Most don't.