I'm curious, how do referees get selected for this? After looking at all of the pictures of it on Iowa's Referee Committee photo gallery, that came to mind.
Each of the four regions sends 9 referees and 3 assistant referees. All referees have to be Grade 6 or 5; assistant referees have to be Grade 7. The 12 officials from each Region get selected from the pool at regionals. You get to regionals by being nominated by your state. About 125-150 officials make it to each regional and the number per state varies. In some states, getting appointed to regionals is extremely competitive and somewhat secretive; you either get asked or you don't (in situations like this, your performances at State Cups really matter). In other states, you can just apply. Either way, in the end, it's your SYRA's call as to who goes. There are various exceptions but, as a general rule, you probably won't be considered for nationals until you've been to regionals two or three times.
Is it just by chance that you would be seen by someone who has authority in choosing people for state? Or do they secretly watch everyone? or watch who they hear is good?
State associations are always looking for good, young talent. If your name gets mentioned to someone (which it sounds like it has), then you can be sure someone will take the time to look at you more closely. If you impress, then you're off to the races. Don't expect the world though. I have come to realize that my chance will (has) come, but I have to pay my dues and advance up the assignment tree. As long as we (meaning young refs) work hard, we will get these great opportunites like Regionals, Nationals, Super-Y, and the pros eventually. It doesn't hurt to, when you see them, meet and greet with those higher up. I always try to shake hands and chat with the SYRA/SRA of CT when I see them. It helps with your overall personality image and it keeps your name fresh in their minds.
In addition, this year, 8 or so of the top performing referees from last years Nationals have been invited back this year without having to be selected at Regionals.
In addition to the 48? Or are there 2 less slots per region? I know of about a half dozen people that were in Iowa and I haven't heard anything about this. Was it announced at the tournament, or more recently? I'm partially disappointed that this change has occurred one year too late to benefit me. Then again, I'd take one free trip to Orlando over two free trips to Des Moines.
Having been there with you MassRef, I agree this came one year too late. The deal is the assignor wanted some continuity from year to year so he knew some of what he was dealing with rather than assigning that first day completely blind. As a result they decided to bring back the top 8 referees from the previous year. Therefore, the way I understand it is that only seven referees and 3 ARs will be selected from each region and the number will remain at 48 total. And, you would have loved a trip to Des Moines in addition to Orlando...the weather was hotter than Orlando was last year. This year though, Nationals is on to the new park in Frisco, Tx. Another great summer location.
This is very important to remember as you progress. The journey is not a sprint. I went to a total of 6 Regionals in 2 Regions before getting picked for Nationals. I went every year hoping for better games. The first year, I was lucky and got a U14 G center...many referees in their first year do not. The second year I got 2 centers and a semi line. The 3rd year I got a line on a final. It kept getting better until I was selected for Nationals. The advantage to this was when I got picked for nationals, I was fairly experienced and a high grade. I got a 19B center on day 1 (with USSF REF on my line if I recall correctly) and the honor of the 18B final in the middle. I was frustrated all those years feeling like I wasn't noticed, but it paid off in the end and I met one of the 2 goals I set out for myself when I started refereeing seriously...making it to youth nationals. Goal #2 was also met when I got my national badge. Now for the final goal...doing a televised match (any televised match is fine...even local cable access ) Bottom line is keep working hard, ask to be watched by anyone who will watch you...it is the only way you will get seen. Also, talk to local refs who have gone to Regionals and ask what they did to get selected. Every state is definitely different. However, remain patient and don't expect things to happen too quickly. Disappointment is natural, but learn from it and find out how you can improve to move up the ladder.
Just like how I was informed that I can't go to the referee academy at our states ODP camp. I'm one year too young. At least my SYRA likes my enthusiasm, I'm sure it will eventually pay off.
Yes, the top 8 ranked officials at last years National Championships have been invited back for the 07 championships in Frisco.
Cry me a river, guys. Most refs never make it to nationals even once. Don't you think you're getting a little greedy here Seriously, youth nationals is a great goal and a good stepping stone to bigger and better opportunities. But it is NOT a mandatory step on the way to the top. There are plenty of good referees who never get invited to youth nationals. I've mentioned before that I never even attended a youth regional and I don't feel too badly about how I've turned out as a referee There are many different paths up the ladder.
I agree, and this can't be overstated enough. In fact, plenty of people abandon the youth path rather early in order to focus on the amateur path.
That assessment is correct -when I went to Youth Nats in Orlando they had 9Rs and 3AR onlys. This year at ODP nats they said they were keeping the top 8 refs so there would be less spots open to the general pool. The refs who get the return ticket though are required to go to a different regions regionals as part of an exchange program.
There are 3 days of first round matches. Each official gets 2 matches per day, for 6 total matches. The ARs work 6 lines. The Referees work 2 middles, 2 lines, and 2 4ths. It's actually a very good system. The two days you have a middle, you only have a 4th with it. The third day you get to run two lines. I lucked out particularly with my schedule while I was there: I had my 4ths at 9:00am, just as it was getting very hot, and got to do both my middles at 7:30pm, as it was getting dark and starting to cool (every so slightly). Timing/heat wise, it didn't get any better--I didn't envy those that had to run 11:00am middles with the heat index hovering around 105.