It's getting near to that time of year again as Christmas approaches and a New Year beckons. And, of course, that means "SUNBOWL 2004" in Tampa, Florida. Who is going again this year? Haven't heard from "The Claymores" recently, so I don't know if "Mrs. C." is allowing "Mr. C" to travel this year!! (LOL). Anyone else heading out that way then give me an early "heads up" on this. Otherwise I will look forward to meeting and greeting friends old and new. "See you in Tampa!".
Jeff - I won't be there this year, as I took the year off to recuperate from knee surgery and for the birth of my daughter (August 20th). I'll be back in full force next year, though. Will you be going to the USA Cup?
I emailed this week to offer my services, but I was told they don't need any more referees. Is it really hard to get in?
I have attended the Sun Bowl twice, and only stopped because my first child was expected and arrived in late December a couple of years ago. I know I made sure my information was in by August (I believe the deadline is September 1). The tournament treats you very well, the level of play is very good, and it's a week in Florida at the end of December. Not only do US referees line up to attend, but many foreign referees (especially Canadian and UK) attend as well. This year I have gotten permission from the Mrs. to resume refereeing during the holiday season, but I am attending the Disney Showcase this year (family is tagging along and we are celebrating the forementioned child's birthday there). It will be my first Disney Showcase, so I can't comment on which is the better experience for the referee, but I would not hesitate to recommend attending the Tampa Sun Bowl Tournament. I had a great experience both times I was there.
The deadline for application to referee used to be July 1. I can't find anything on their website about ref'ing right now.
I believe the tournament wants you to be at least a Grade 7. You also must have a recommendation written by your SRA and included with the application. Some states (most notably mine) places further restrictions -- our SRA will only send state level referees down there. I have been there twice as a parent when my son played, but have been unable to attend as a referee. The deadline was changed last year and is now in September.
Wow! Does anyone know what the pay scale is and how much they help with lodging or mileage? It seems to me that, if you have 286 teams to staff with referees (close to 1,000 games?), you have to be offering a pretty sweet package in order to hold the line at only Grade 6 and above.
Not really! Those of us north of the mason dixon line dont really have a whole lot of games going on right now.....Unless you consider indoor.....which I dont!
I can't tell you what the current situation is, but in 2000 and 2001 all lodging was included and being from Region II, I received $200 toward travel expenses. I don't remember the specific pay for the games, but it was competitive and you were paid at the field. Mike Mekelberg (the referee coordinator) and the rest of the Sun Bowl crew run a very good tournament from all aspects.
Lisa's got the pay scale correct and the travel stipend is based on what region you come from. Also, lodging is included. With paying for meals and other things (we always go to the Bruins/Lightning game that is scheduled in late December--can't this year), most Massachusetts referees that go down there break even or thereabouts. Not really about the money, though. It's a well-run tournament with highly skilled teams (though there's been a drop-off in the last 2 years or so) and they treat the referees well.
Exactly. Sun Bowl just can't compete with the allure of Disney. All the regional winners/finalists are heading to Orlando rather than Tampa, now. Still, you have plenty of state champions and it's still a high-level tournament. Most importantly though, from what I've seen and heard, Sun Bowl referees get better treatment (unless staying at Disney World is a big thing for you).
I'd second that. I think that the "SunBowl" offers the best treatment and facilities to referees. Certainly much better than the USA Cup. As previously stated, the "SunBowl" crew run a good ship. "M.M.", the referee's co-ordinator really takes good care of his refs, and is backed up by Mike, Paul and Don, who all add to making this a good tournament. I haven't done Disney, but wouldn't swop over on the basis of how we are looked after.
I am attending the Disney event for the first time this year, and as stated previously, I attended the Sun Bowl in 2000 and 2001. I have nothing but positive things to say about the Sun Bowl and how they treat referees. I had to take a haitus from the holiday tournaments when my daughter was born in 2002. She is also the main reason I am attending the Disney Showcase this year. Her birthday falls during the event, and there is much more to keep her and her mother occupied while I am at the fields. I'll be happy to compare the two in a post when I return.