For those that don't typically look at the referee board, here is a link to a thread that very much relates to MLS news & analysis. https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=18429 For the sake of continuity, and not splitting discussions, it's probably worth posting over there. For those that want a direct link to the letter that this thread discusses: http://soccer-ref.quietfire.com/BobEvansPaper.html
Everyone who is interested in the product that MLS produces and in the integrity of soccer in the United States, should let MLS know how they feel about this situation. Go to the thread. Read Mr. Evans' paper on his Observations (linked above and in the thread) and write to Commissioner Garber about how you feel -- his email address is also in the thread. Create some heat from the fans!!!
Yikes. I know MLSHQ has its many faults, but can they really be so stupid as to ask refs to do some of those things?
There is no proof that this letter is anything other than something any one of us could have produced on a word processer. It is not self authenticating. Don't get carried away. There are enough people who hate MLS and would like to see it fail that this could easily be bogus.
If it just showed up on the Internet like this and that was all, then I'd say you have a point. But there's no way that a document like this filtered down through the refereeing ranks without it being authentic. Many high-level referees and refereeing adminstrators/assessors/instructors, etc., that I know personally have seen this prior to it being posted here and I'll assume it to be true. Also, it would take a lot more than a word processor to produce this, anyway. First, someone would have to have a detalied knowledge of Evan's personal background (because, from what I see, there are no mistakes). He'd also have to be 'in the know', because too many references in the letter would only be made by someone intimately involved in USSF. As an example, I can't think of anyone who would forge this document to take a dig at MLS yet still make the following comment: Passages like that are enough to make me believe that this is real.
If it just showed up on the Internet like this and that was all, then I'd say you have a point. But there's no way that a document like this filtered down through the refereeing ranks without it being authentic. Many high-level referees and refereeing adminstrators/assessors/instructors, etc., that I know personally have seen this prior to it being posted here and I'll assume it to be true. Also, it would take a lot more than a word processor to produce this, anyway. First, someone would have to have a detalied knowledge of Evan's personal background (because, from what I see, there are no mistakes). He'd also have to be 'in the know', because too many references in the letter would only be made by someone intimately involved in USSF. As an example, I can't think of anyone who would forge this document to take a dig at MLS yet still make the following comment: Passages like that are enough to make me believe that this is real.
I don't know. It seems to me that a few thousand people would have known about the program to normalize the offsides calls. Do you know the purported author? If so, why don't you call him an ask if its authentic? Frankly, I have seen enough posts by you here over the last year or so, all of which tended to be pretty well reasoned and non-inflamatory, that I have a lot of time for your views and could accept your word that you had spoken to the author and vouched for the authenticity of the document. As it stands now, I would reserve judgment and be very cautious about accepting its provenance.
While I don't know the author personally, I know several people that do. They say it's authentic. Also, on the other thread, you'll note that Hitman (the original poster of the article) claims that he spoke with Dr. Evans today and that claimed the writing as his own. That's the best I can do for you.
Whether it is said to be authentic or not does not make this information news. It is heresay. Moved to General Discussion.
If it is in fact written by Dr. Bob Evans why would this be heresay. In case you are unaware, he was on the FIFA Panel and has worked as Director of Instruction for the USSF as well as an assessor for USSF and MLS since the inception of the league.
As MassRef stated, Hitman claimed he spoke to Dr. Evans today to verify the writing. Why wouldn't he have called Dr. Evans today instead of posting "I was forwarded this letter and asked not to show it publicly, but I know that many others in my area have also seen it and been alarmed by its content and charges against MLS. If the letter is real, what it claims scares the hell out of me." Doesn't make any sense to me.
GKP, having been involved in refereeing for the past 6 1/2 years and having watched football since I was 5 years olds that's 39 years of football viewing, everything in the letter makes perfect sense based on my personal observations of MLS and private off the record conversations with high level referees, including former FIFA panel members, former MLS referees and members of the Referee Committee for the USSF. The problem is the league does not have the confidence or the backbone to do what other leagues do around the world and that is why we see the inconsistencies in decisions from one match to the next. Ask yourself this question, because I have raised it on my referee board often. Why does Brian Hall seem nearly incompentent in MLS, yet when he does a world cup qualifier or a world cup final 32 match, he is in command and is a completely different referee. Doesn't that strike anyone as odd? Certainly, the stakes are higher, the pace of the matches are faster and more skillfull, and yet he has problems in the domestic league with dissent, cautions and other misconduct? Everyone should ask themselves how he manages to be one of the final 16 officials in the pool for Japan-Korea, yet have a difficult time in MLS. Is it the change in the scenery? No. I believe the difference is there is no vacilating with FIFA. You are there to insure fair play and to manage the match for the enjoyment of the players and fans. MLS has made the mistake of equating keeping players on the pitch with fan enjoyment. Thereby calling the integrity of the league and it's officials into question. By avoiding send offs, second cautions and allowing dissent the league has sanctioned serious foul play and affected the quality of play. Also ask yourself why when the various international referees came to do MLS matches over the past few years why did we see a dramatic increase in the number of cards? It can't be all the fault of the referees. I believe the manifesto by Dr. Evans states the problem and points to a solution. Hopefully MLS will recognize it and move forward. We owe it to the integrity of this league, it's fans and the players.
In the letter, Dr. Evans states that it's merely a summary, and he can back up his allegations with specific instances. I would very much like to see that document before passing judgment. Without documentary evidence, this is no smoking gun--in fact, it has to look UP at hearsay--it's nothing more than unsubstantiated rumor. That it makes sense and fits observational evidence doesn't make it a sound theory. If you want, you can pass along this challenge: Post it publicly, Dr. Evans. Don't screw around. If you're going to call out MLS, DO IT. And do it publicly where everyone can make up their own mind. Otherwise, this is just a private pissing contest that sullies the reputations of the parties involved without offering a means to solve the problem.
Well it is on Big Soccer, that seems reasonably public to me. Evidence: Chris Carrieri's gold hoops. Not only a fashion faux pas, but a violation of THE LAWS!!!
Well, I just read the entire thread over on the ref's board. It surely does explain why MLS reffing is so dismal. Like one of those refs said; "They are trying to serve two masters". A case in point: I am a Rapids fan and seson tix holder. Our guy, Carlos Valderamma, at home at least, wins a free kick whenever someone is in his airspace. The other night in the 89th minute agaisnt Dallas he almost took on of the burns noses of with a high kick. It was an OBVIOUS yellow. Trouble was it would have been his second yellow. I think Dallas was awarded a free kick, don't remember. Anyway, my point is, if I see this shenanigans going on and I am a strong Rapids fan, imigine how it looks to our opponents fans. And it is not like the Raps are the darlings of the league. This letter makes sense out of a lot of craziness if you ask me.
On the copntrary Doug. This letter actually would explain why Carlos Ruiz only gets a fraction of the calls he is entitled to when he gets hacked. I just am not anxious to jump to unwarranted conclusions.
In the same vein, does anyone else notice how many cards/ejections MLS teams suffer in the away legs of international tournaments? I've always wondered how much conspiracy was involved, especially after watching games reffed in the MLS vs europe,
MLS Refereeing and my comments A couple of points: 1. This paper was not leaked. It was deliberately sent to many SDIs, SRAs, SYRAs and SDAs round the country, and prior to that it had been sent to members of the Referee Committee. I don't believe in subterfuge, deceit, espionage or whatever you want to call it, and I stated quite publicly what I was going to do. All of the points in the paper are verifiable instances from this year's officiating in the MLS. 2. I do not know who posted the piece on the net, but since it first appeared I have been asked several times for permission to pass it on. I granted that permission, provided that my name be left on the article. (No, I don't get royalties, but I wanted no one else to get the blame for circulating "rumors", "hearsay" or whatever else some of the posters have called it.) 3. I had a reasonably successful career as a referee, and the greatest joys in that career were the times I represented the United States overseas in matches and tournaments. Make no mistake that my loyalty lies with the Federation, and I wish only that the powers-that-be will be able to influence the MLS to change its ways and return the game to the one we see and enjoy the rest of the world over. Cheers, Robert (Bob) Evans.
Bob, thank you for your insight. As a club and high school referee for the last 26 years in remote Iowa, it's good to know that some of our concerns expressed here on the internet are being relayed to the appropriate powers in MLS. I've been impressed with our local USSF training as they have used good and bad examples of calls from MLS and international games. We need better role models for our referees, players, and coaches. We, as referees, need to regain the respect we deserve. THANKS for your efforts. Tom Olsson Iowa Soccer Fan and Referee
As Tom stated Dr. Bob, thanks so much for posting the article or manifesto. I am hopeful it will have the desired impact and benefit the game we love so much. Alberto P. Abreus Fellow referee and Co-Moderator of the Referee Forum on Big Soccer
Dr. Bob, I have sent a note to Commissioner Garber asking for comment on your letter. Have you received any response from MLS on the matter? Thanks for your efforts to improve the state of refereeing in our country. I truly hope the necessary changes can be achieved.
I wonder if it would be helpful if people forwarded the link to Dr. Bob's paper to the appropriate soccer writer of each team's hometown newspaper? It's easy for the league to ignore us piddly fans, but if the media sniffs around (of course, that's a big "if"), would the league be able to avoid answering the charges?
Good idea Doug (I thought the same thing) and you can bet that as soon as I get the opportunity (work literally consumes all of my time this weekend) that's exactly what I'm going to do. This is the action after all, that Trey Fitz-Gerald, director of communtications at MLS, asked for more of when I spoke to him shortly after September 14th. Not that I'm disappointed that this is out now, but too bad Mr. (Dr.?) Evans didn't come out with this when MLS was at least getting some coverage during the regular season. I feel as though the media is going to ignore it at this point.