I'll be working my first Super Y-League match Wednesday night, an AR duty with my Area Referee Administrator in the middle. I have never done a match above the Massachusetts Premier League level. I was wondering what differences I should expect reffing at this level and what if any experiences any of you have had when stepping up a level on competition like this? Thanks for any input, Scott
Scott, I've done two of these games this season, and I found these games to be little different from a competitive match.
Re: Re: Super Y League assignment Thanks...anything procedural that I should be aware of. I'd like to hit the field looking like I've been there before. Scott
No major differences, but take a look at their procedures document. http://supery.uslsoccer.com/docs/org/dl/Game-Procedures.pdf
The biggest difference IMO is they try to be more formal than most youth leagues you've probably worked before. Basically, they try to do everything just like they do in PDL or A-League (other than ALWAYS having a 4th). They sometimes do even have a 4th -- particularly at the older U17 & U19 age groups. So the big thing is the procedures which are well covered in the document Sparkey gave you. There's only a couple things from a play standpoind (this is meant as highlights, not to be a complete list). 1) Substitutions -- Like FIFA, subs on any dead ball. Like college, once you're out, no re-entry for that half. 2) Overtime -- if the game is tied at the end of regulation, golden goal overtime is played. I felt these to significant items were worth point out so you'd be sure to pick up the details on them. There might be a limit of 5 subs per half, but I'm not sure on that -- there was last year, but if I remember correctly, I think they got rid of that this year.
There really isn't much different about the level of play compared to premier or state cup play. It's usually the same teams anyway. The games tend to be a little more formal and the coaches more professional. Everyone expects good work. The subs are a little weird this year. Each team can use seven in a half without reentry in that half. You'll have to keep track of this carefully and it might slow the game down (last year a team was allowed seven subs period without reentry). Don't rely on the score-keeper for this!!! There is a 15 minute golden-goal overtime if there is a draw. Subs can take place on any deadball. AR1 will usually get a sub pass from the player coming in. Verify the slips against the match report before you sign it after the game. It's a fun league, but not much different. Enjoy.
I knew I could count on you guys!! Thanks guys, This is good stuff that I clearly wasn't aware of. I'll let you know how it went Wednesday night after the match. Scott
SYL games are the best you'll find. The kids play extremely well but the professionalism of the league curbs most of the bad attitudes. Just don't underestimate their ability -- they will typically know all the little "tricks" you find in the amateur levels too. As far as substitutions we've got a very simple procedure that keeps it in check out here. Collect the passes of the starting 11 for each half, then hand out the rest of them to the substitutes. If a substitute wishes to enter, he or she must present the pass to the scorekeeper. The scorekeeper hangs onto all the passes of those who have played or are playing. That way you can't have the same person entering again after being subbed in the half (they won't have their pass). Then the only thing you need to worry about is a tally in your head how many subs have occured. The scorekeeper writes it all down anyway so you can always check back with them. Everybody in SYL is very soccer-savvy. Unless the CR is really blowing it or a major offside is missed that leads to a goal, you typically won't have any problems at all. Just call it like you would any other game!
Thanks Statesman...looking forward to the assignment. My CR is a very experienced State Ref. I'll be interested to see how he handles keeping track of subs. Maybe I'll recommend your idea to him.
Game prep, game prep, game prep. Find out who the teams are, do a little research on any matches they may have played recently (against each other, especially). Who are the players? Who are the coaches? What is their history? Does this game have any significant impact on league standings or playoffs? Make sure you get a good, thorough pre-game with your CR. Arrive an hour before the match. Make sure you have all your uniforms (got Blue?). Other than that, congratulations!
Great Experience Well...my first Super Y match went off without a hitch. The skill level was clearly above anything that I would be seeing in the Premier league in Massachusetts. Really no weak players on either team. One thing that did feel a little odd was that I was clearly the AR2 in this match. The center was my ARA and somebody who should be a National candidate soon (unless he is already) who has a great deal of experience in D3 professional matches. The AR1 was the reigning Massachusetts Young Referee of the Year....I was the heavy set guy on the empty side of the stadium. ...I'm am used to being the heavy set guy...but it's usually the senior heavy set guy! The match was played on a FieldTurf surface...also a first time for me. Quite a comfortable surface. I was surprised that the players wore cleated shoes on the artificial surface but it certainly didn't seem to affect their play. One thing that I noticed more than anything was the professionalism of the teams' management both pre and post match. Also, not a bit of dissenting words or actions by the players or staff during the match. If you have never worked one of these and are asked, TAKE THE ASSIGNMENT! The post match buffet in the referee's changing room is worth taking a mini road trip to work one of these matches!! OK...I lied about the mini buffet and changing room Scott
Agree with Scott Scott - I agree with all that you said. I worked the US Amateur Club tourney this past week end in NC. It was mostly the Super Y teams from NC and the surrounding states. The skill level was excellent and I worked with some great referees. There was at least 1 national ref that i know of, 1 ref that is an AR in the WUSA and a whole lot of State Level refs there. It was a lot of fun to say the least.
Re: Great Experience He's a great guy and a great referee, but unfortunately he's still a Grade 6 and some time away from being a Grade 5.
Oh...thought he was a 5...I'm hoping he's on the radar screen at least. Worked twice with him in the last 5 days and he's the best I've worked with. Scott
Only in Massachusetts do people understand who the ARA in question is without the name even being mentioned. Note: I wholeheartedly agree with said assessments above, regarding both said middle and the level of Super Y-League play.