2012 Semi-Annual Assessor/Instructor Meeting June 23, 2012

Assessor/Instructor Semi-Annual Meeting 1.

Opening - SRC Chairman

2.

DCV Assessment Program - SDA

3.

DCV Instructional Program - SDI

4.

USSF Reclassification - Dan Heldman

5.

Reclassification Discussion - Pat Delaney

6.

Lunch

7.

Assessment Debrief

8.

Law Change Memorandum - Dan Heldman

9.

Referee Abuse/Assault Reporting and Follow up - Carla Winters, Diane Florkowski

10. Wrap up - SRC Chairman

Assessor In-Service Training June 23, 2012 Prepared By: Don Torrenti USSF National Assessor DCV State Director of Assessment

Promotions Brendan Barry, Arn Manella and Paul Rapalski, National Assessors, appointed as Referee Inspectors. Referee Inspector title discontinued effective June 1, 2012 .

Summer Events State Cup Finals – A. G. Gomez, Pat Jordan, Peter Baum, Mort Sajadian, Mark Heisel, and Derrick Miller. Kevin Wah (unable to attend due to illness) Presidents Cup – A. G. Gomez ODP Regionals – Mort Sajadian & Kevin Wah Region 1 Championships – Peter Baum , Pat Jordan & Frank Carroll Region 2 Championships/ID Event – Paul Rapalski Region 3 Championships/ID Event – Don Torrenti

Area Directors of Assessment North – Pat Jordan - [email protected] Central – Chuck Watts - [email protected] West – Mort Sajadian - [email protected]

South – A. G. Gomez - [email protected]

Coming & Going Welcome Back Martin Hooker – National Emeritus Assessor

Farewell Mike Renner, State Assessor – Transfer to KS Shannon Poplstein, Assessor – Transfer to NC

Program Changes EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2012 Assessment Fee Changes All Youth and Amateur games - $65 Assessor receives $60 $5 to SRP Operating Budget

Exceptions USL PDL & W-Lg - $90 US Soccer Development Academy - $100 Others by Direction of US Soccer

Program Changes Upgrade AR Assessment Requests Must be requested thru SRP Online Assessment Request Indicate Payment as “Mail in Check” with $1 payment (not programmed to accept $0) Auto-Email generated when assessor is assigned  ADA notifies assessor via separate email that it’s an AR assessment

Assessor Responsibilities Provide your availability and give timely response to ADA’s request for availability Willingness to travel Timely submission of Assessment Reports

Late submissions could result in reduction of payment (and usually do) • 11 Late fees charged for a total of $235 in 2011 (fine range $5 - $40)

Minimum game count for recertification

National – 15 on NR / NC w/i 2 year period between NA Recert Seminars State (5) – 8, of which 3 must be SA Div 1or higher State (6) - 5 on Grade 6, SA Div 2 or higher Assessor (7) – 2 on U19 or higher Assessor (9) – 5 D & G on Youth Matches

• Failure to complete the minimum USSF requirements could result in downgrade or denied registration

Proper Assessment Completion Data in appropriate blocks Alternate practices should be amplified in the Areas in Need of Improvement Information for the SDA/NDA need to be in the Admin comments

Use “2nd Person” in narrative You controlled……. Your positioning……

2012 - 2013 Focus Meet your annual game count requirement Improve your knowledge of USSF Directives, WIR, Admin Handbook, Advice to Referees, etc. Encourage referees to upgrade Identify youth referees with good potential to the ARA, SYRA and SDA Identify adult referees with good potential to the ARA and SDA

Continuing Education

Resource Center http://www.ussoccer.com/Referees/Resource-Center.aspx

Reminder 2013 ASSESSOR / INSTRUCTOR MEETINGS January 12, 2013 Time TBA June 22, 2013 Time TBA Fredericksburg Hospitality House Semi Annual training is not optional - it’s mandatory. Failure to attend the requisite training meeting(s) could result in decertification of assessors.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

“Doing for the referees……… ………..Not to the referees”

2012 Semi-Annual Assessor/Instructor Meeting

SDI Report June 23, 2012

2011-12 New Referees 2500

2280 1896

2000

1685 1500

1699

1471

Grade 8

1356 1223

Grade 9

1042

Grade 12

1000

Total

500 319 221

223206

234 228

270 311

08-09

09-10

10-11

11-12

0

2011-2012 Recertification

4000

3581

3,820 3,919

3690

3500

3000 2500 2010-11 2000

2011-12

1500 1000 239

500

229

0

Recert

Sr. Recert

Total

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 60+

2011-2012 Referee Age Distribution

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2008-2012 Dropouts vs New Referees 2500

Dropout Dist.

2280 2104 2000

Grade Total

1896 1685

1500

1725

1597

1472 1623 Dropouts New

1000

500

0 08-09

09-10

10-11

11-12

%

12

215

13.3%

9

188

11.7%

8

1194 74.2%

7

6

--

6

4

--

4

1

--

16

3

--

13

1

--

Total

1609

2011-12 Instructor Fee Comparison

$73,338.89 $80,000.00

$70,000.00

$53,931.98

$60,000.00

+$19406.91

$50,000.00 $40,000.00 $30,000.00

$20,000.00 $10,000.00 $0.00

2010-11

2011-12

Online Class Evaluation • • •

98 clinic revaluations since January meeting Self evaluation Look at the "irregularities"

Class Evaluation "Irregularities"

Class Evaluation "Irregularities"

Clinic Reporting Procedures • •

After entering the scores, check the "complete" box. Be sure to "save changes"! If the assistant instructor did not work, remove his/her name from the clinic.

Extra Training Credit for Recert • New extra recert credits for referees in grades 8, 9, and 12 • Referees will get credits for attending qualified DCV sponsored training • Accumulates 3 credits, referees can attend a shorten version of the recert clinic (Law changes/memoranda/points of emphasis/test) • Qualified events: 1. VYSA workshop – 1 credit per session (video tape the sessions) 2. Advanced Referee Clinic (after the VYSA workshop) – 3 credits 3. DC United Referee Night – 1 credit per night 4. RTS for Sr. Referees

2013 Recert Materials • Will be available early July, a link to download will be sent to all instructors • The points of emphasis for this year will be on how we deal with coaches and spectators.

VYSA Lecture Series Kari Seitz http://www.dcvasrp.com/videos/WWC_experience/wwc_experience_1.htm http://www.dcvasrp.com/videos/WWC_experience/wwc_experience_2.htm http://www.dcvasrp.com/videos/to_be_the_best/to_be_the_best.htm http://www.dcvasrp.com/videos/teamwork/teamwork_1.htm http://www.dcvasrp.com/videos/teamwork/teamwork_2.htm

Sandra SeraSandra Serafini http://www.dcvasrp.com/videos/the_choice_is_yours/the_choice_is_yours.htm http://www.dcvasrp.com/videos/refereeing_womens_games/refereeing_mens_womens_games_1.htm http://www.dcvasrp.com/videos/refereeing_womens_games/refereeing_mens_womens_games_2.htm http://www.dcvasrp.com/videos/refereeing_womens_games/refereeing_mens_womens_games_3.htm

State Website/Referee Resources

US Soccer Referee Program Possible Changes Ahead Some UNOFFICIAL Predictions (June 2012)

• Instructional Program Advisory Panel (IPAP)

• National referees, national instructors, national assessors, assignors, SDIs, SDAs, SRAs, etc. • Working since August 2011 • Initial task – general strategic re-evaluation of USSF’s system of grading, training, developing, and assessing referees

• Basic philosophy of this strategic re-evaluation – Training provides what the referee needs to maximize the likelihood of success and satisfaction – Assignment provides the referee with opportunities to use the tools gained through training – Assessment determines if the training and assignment functions are cooperating to meet the objectives of all participants – officials, players, teams, and leagues – Training, assignment, and assessment activities may be guided by USSF but, below the professional level, must be implemented by state organizations

Possible Reorganization of Referee Categories • Referees Reorganized into Levels – Level 1 • Small sided games (“small” = the field, the teams, the halfs, and the Laws) • Generally, U6 – U12 • Generally, recreational • Generally, single referee • Entry level for new referees

– Level 2 • • • • •

Transition from “small” to “full” Generally, U12 – U16 Recreational and competitive (aka “travel” or “select”) Generally, DSC New referee entry or advancement from Level 1

• Referees Reorganized into Levels – Assistant Referee Module • Options for offering – Independently (i.e., taken subsequent to Level 1 or in anticipation of advancement to Level 2) – Bundled with Level 1 – Bundled with Level 2 – At the discretion of the state organization

• Optional for Level 1 referee who does not intend to officiate any match using the DSC • Required for Level 1 referee to center or serve as an assistant referee in any match within the focus or challenge ranges for Level 1 • Badge for Level 1 referee with AR training is identified by edging • Required for entry or advancement to Level 2 • Assistant referee training (refresher and/or more advanced) incorporated into advancement to Levels 3 and 4

• Referee Levels – Level 3 • Generally, full-sided games • Generally, U16 – U19, plus recreational adults, lower division senior amateur, regional tournaments • Generally, competitive • Mostly, DSC • Advancement from Level 2

– Level 4 • Full-sided games • Generally, 1st and 2nd division senior amateur, regional premier tournaments, national competitions • Highest competitive level below professional • DSC and use of 4th officials • Advancement from Level 3

• Recommended Assignment Ranges – Focus Range • Majority of assignments during initial period following certification • Gradual expansion from low end to high end over time and demonstrated skill

– Challenge Range • • • • •

With experience and demonstrated skill in the focus range With interest in advancement and desire to explore the next Level Assignment to lower competitive games in the next Level Intended as an introduction to and preparation for advancement Not intended as a regular assignment pattern without advancement, supported by mentoring and/or teaming with experienced officials • Note: Challenge range for Level 4 is by invitation only as part of the professional referee identification program established by NY

Example: Focus and Challenge Level 1 Focus Small-sided games, single referee only, restricted application of some Laws of the Game – start at lowest age level and work up to U12 (or the highest age at which only a single referee is used) Level 1 Challenge (requires AR module) Start at lowest age at which the DSC is used and work up to U13 recreational as referee or AR or up to lower division U13 competitive matches)

Example: Focus and Challenge Level 2 Focus Level 1 matches, plus lowest age group using DSC, up to U14 (recreational or competitive, referee or AR), all divisions Level 2 Challenge U15-U16 recreational or lower division competitive matches, referee or AR (Note: the above examples are intended to be governed by any local rules regarding, e.g., referee/AR age relative to player age)

• When? (Year = Registration Year) – 2014 • It starts – New referees come in at Level 1 or 2, referees registered in 2013 keep their grade • Based on grade, age, and time in grade, current graded referees are advised – Default conversion Level – Possible next higher Level if state organization agrees

– 2015 • All graded referees in 2014 converted to default Level unless otherwise approved by state organization • All new referees enter at Level 1 or 2 • All advancements implemented only for Levels • State organizations monitor performance of those approved for a Level above the default

– 2016 • Level system fully implemented

Assessing vs. Mentoring Angelo Bratsis National Instructor AB-45

Assessor/Mentor

Key Issue It’s not just about identifying problem areas

it’s about

helping Referees

IMPROVE AB-46

Difference between Assessor and Mentor

Assessor: Evaluates a ONE-Game Performance

Mentor: Promotes and Monitors Progress AB-47

Assessment Program

Aims and Objectives • Improve the Individual’s Performance Level • Maximize Potential • Assist in Areas of Weakness and Reinforce Areas of Strength

• Give Oral and Written Feedback • Provide Information to State Association and National Referee Program AB-48

Assessor

Competencies  Knowledge of • Laws • Mechanics • Signals • Assessment Criteria • Art of Officiating AB-49

Assessor

Competencies  Being: • Objective

• Unemotional • Observant • Impartial

 Communicate Effectively

 Write Clear and Factual Reports  Maintain Confidentiality AB-50

What is a Mentor? For the beginning Referee: A Person who gives

ADVICE Integrating Theory and Practice

A Role Model? AB-51

What is a Mentor? For Referees with (some) Experience: A Person who offers

FEEDBACK On Skills and Abilities AB-52

A Mentor should be able to

1. IDENTIFY  WHAT went wrong  WHY it went wrong  HOW to correct it AB-53

A Mentor should be able to

2. APPLY

 Communication Skills  Empathy

AB-54

Question:

How can Mentors become more

EFFECTIVE? AB-55

Referee/Assessor/Mentor Relationships “The Assessor/Mentor’s

REPUTATION and the

PERCEPTION of him by the Referee are of paramount importance in order to have any

CREDIBILITY at all” AB-56

- Pat Smith

Referee/Assessor/Mentor Relationships

Building Blocks  TRUST  COMMITMENT  RESPECT AB-57

Referee/Assessor/Mentor Relationships

Building Blocks Assessors/Mentors MUST Demonstrate a GENUINE Desire to Contribute to the Referee’s Development AB-58

the ESSENCE of the Process AB-59

KEY QUESTION in Evaluating a Referee

AB-60

Key Question

Was the Referee’s Performance



ABOVE  EQUAL to  or BELOW the Required Level of

COMPETENCE? AB-61

Considerations

Referee’s

 Age, Grade  Years of Experience  Confidence Level  Competence  Commitment AB-62

Considerations

Referee’s



Confidence Level  Competence  Knowledge  Skill  Experience

demonstrated by the Referee

AB-63

Considerations

Referee’s



Confidence Level  Competence  Commitment  Energy  Activity

 Enthusiasm

shown by the Referee AB-64

Critical Notion Regardless of the Answer to the KEY QUESTION on the Referee’s Performance There will ALWAYS be SOMETHING to work on to Improve the Referee’s Performance AB-65

the Assessor the Referee the Action Plan AB-66

Action Plan 

Prioritize Problem Areas Examples  Foul Recognition

 Positioning  Man Management  Reading Ability

 Fitness  Lack of Experience AB-67

Action Plan 

Prioritize Problem Areas 

Solve 1 Problem at a time 

Identify Causes 

AB-68

Determine Plan

Action Plan

 Prioritize Problem Areas

 Solve 1 Problem at a time  Identify Causes

 Determine Plan  Set Objectives  Develop Strategies  Monitor Progress AB-69

Referee/Assessor/Mentor Relationships

The Importance of Communication AB-70

Peak Performer

D C

Grades 4 & 5

B

Grades 5 & 6

A Inexperienced Referees (7 & 8) AB-71

Developmental Level

Referee Key Word:

A

D C

B

“New”

A

Assessor Conference Style Key Word: “Tell”

AB-72

Developmental Level

B

Referee

C

B

Key Words:

Bonfire

D

A

Ready to go off

Assessor Conference Style Key Words: “Tell” “Discuss”

“Identify Together and Discuss How” AB-73

Developmental Level

Referee Key Words:

C

D C

B A

Enough Knowledge to be Dangerous

Assessor Conference Style Key Words: “Acknowledge competence” “Ask objectives” “Discuss strategies” “Discuss how s/he will know that the objective has been accomplished” AB-74

Developmental Level

D

Referee

D C

B

Key Words:

A

Peak Performer

Assessor Conference Style Key Words: Dialogue

Game Analysis

“Do you need any further help?” “How can I be of help?” AB-75

Development Level

D C B A AB-76

Conferencing Styles Style

Focus

A B

Tell

Directing

Suggest

Coaching

C

Ask how you can help

Supporting

D

Offer Referee Your Help thru Dialogue and Analysis

Delegating

Requirements 

Interpersonal Skills 

Communication Skills 

Observation/Analysis Skills 

Experience 

AB-77

Follow-Up  Constant Progress Monitoring

STEP

1

5 STEP PROCESS STEP

PRE-GAME

OBSERVATION

FOLLOW UP

STEP

5

2

VERBAL FEEDBACK

WRITTEN FEEDBACK

STEP

4

STEP

3

MEMORANDUM 2012

U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program Law and Interpretation Changes for 2012/2013 June 2012

MEMORANDUM 2012 International Football Association Board 126th Annual General Meeting (Surrey, England, 3 March 2012) Amendments to the Laws of the Game Instructions and Directives

MEMORANDUM 2012 1. Law 1 (The Field of Play) Interpretations – commercial advertising Present text Commercial advertising shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) from the boundary lines of the field of play. New text Advertising on the ground shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) from the boundary lines of the field of play.

MEMORANDUM 2012 New text (continued) Upright advertising shall be at least: • 1 m (1 yd) from the touchlines of the field of play, • the same distance from the goal line as the depth of the goal net, and • 1 m (1 yd) from the goal net

MEMORANDUM 2012 Reason: There should be no upright advertising within a one-meter area surrounding the goal net to allow an unrestricted view of the goal for match officials. The proposal was approved with some discretion for certain stadiums where a full meter distance behind the goal may not be possible without major stadium work. USSF Advice to Referees: The above change would be a concern only for matches played at facilities that had advertising around the field. However, the underlying reason for the change (an unrestricted view of the goal for match officials) should be considered applicable to any equipment, structures, or other conditions which similarly obstruct the view of match officials.

MEMORANDUM 2012 Net Depth

1 yard from net

Upright advertising

MEMORANDUM 2012 2. Law 3 – The Number of Players New text If a named substitute enters the field of play instead of a named player at the start of the match and the referee is not informed of this change: • the referee allows the named substitute to continue the match • no disciplinary sanction is taken against the named substitute • the number of substitutions allowed by the offending team is not reduced • the referee reports the incident to the appropriate authorities

MEMORANDUM 2012 Reason It is not rare that a substitution is made prior to the start of the match and after the referee has been informed of the names of the players and substitutes. This is normally due to an injury of a player during the warm-up. If the referee is informed of the substitution, this is permitted but it is necessary to clarify how to proceed if the referee is not informed of the change.

MEMORANDUM 2012 USSF Advice to Referees: The terms “named player” and “named substitute” refer simply to names being on the official roster given to the referee in advance of the match. In the absence of local rules of competition which would make the roster unalterable, names can be switched from player to substitute and substitute to player before the match actually begins. This addition to Law 3 clarifies that such alterations, even if not reported to the referee before the start of play, can be taken without being considered a form of misconduct or affecting competition rules limiting the number of substitutions. However, the match report should include full details of such a roster change.

MEMORANDUM 2012 3. Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment Present text stockings New text stockings – if tape or other similar material is applied externally it must be the same color as that part of the stocking it is applied to

MEMORANDUM 2012 Reason An increasing number of players are using excessive amounts of tape externally on their socks. This can be a multitude of colors and completely changes the look of the sock. This can cause confusion, particularly for assistant referees who may need to look at the sock to determine who last played the ball before it went out of play. USSF Advice to Referees: This new requirement applied to player socks is similar to restrictions on the visible color of clothing a player might wear under the shorts or the jersey. Team socks can come in many different patterns and colors, some of which may make enforcing this change difficult. Referees are advised to understand the underlying purpose of the change (excessive tape and tape colors which change the look of the sock) and implement it accordingly.

MEMORANDUM 2012 4. Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play Present text Infringements and sanctions The ball is dropped again: (…)

New text (following the above) If the ball enters the goal: If a dropped ball is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal kick is awarded If a dropped ball is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team

MEMORANDUM 2012 Reason There have been a number of occasions where goals have been scored from “uncontested” dropped balls. This has put a great deal of pressure on the referee as he has to allow the goal to stand. We then have the unseemly situation where the opposition allows the team to score from the kick-off without any players trying to stop them in order to rebalance the game.

MEMORANDUM 2012 USSF Advice to Referees: Referees must clearly understand what was changed as regards dropped balls and what was not. It remains the case that the dropped ball restart must be retaken from the original location if, directly from the drop, the ball enters either goal with no player having made contact with the ball. The purpose and effect of this revision was to not allow a goal to be counted if, after the ball is in play after being dropped by the referee, a player kicks or otherwise plays the ball directly into a goal. If the ball enters the player’s own goal, the restart is a corner kick: if it goes into the opposing team’s goal, it is a goal kick.

MEMORANDUM 2012 USSF Advice to Referees (continued): The change covers only those situations where the ball is played directly into a goal: if the play involves more than one action, it was not kicked “directly into” a goal and the goal would therefore be counted. Examples of this scenario would include (but are not limited to) a player receiving the ball from a drop and taking two or more touches on the ball before the ball goes into the net; or receiving the ball from a drop, flicking the ball up from the foot to the head, and then heading the ball into the net.

MEMORANDUM 2012 5. Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct Interpretations Present text Disciplinary sanctions There are circumstances when a caution for unsporting behavior is required when a player deliberately handles the ball, e.g., when a player: • Deliberately and blatantly handles the ball to prevent an opponent gaining possession New text Disciplinary sanctions There are circumstances when a caution for unsporting behavior is required when a player deliberately handles the ball, e.g., when a player: • Deliberately and blatantly handles the ball to prevent an opponent gaining possession

MEMORANDUM 2012 Reason It is more important to punish the consequences that the hand ball created rather than the fact that it was blatant. In fact, a hand ball could be inconspicuous but certainly very important. Furthermore, it is difficult to define what is meant by “blatantly” and therefore to have a uniform interpretation, especially by referees from different countries or continents with very different experiences. Deleting the word “blatantly” and providing that if the hand ball prevented the opponent from gaining possession must be cautioned, makes the interpretation easier. USSF Advice to Referees: The International Board’s explanation for this clarification needs no further comment.

MEMORANDUM 2012 Implementation: The decisions of this year’s Annual General Meeting of the Board regarding changes to the Laws of the Game are binding for confederations and member associations as from 1 July 2012 but confederations and member associations whose current season has not ended by 1 July may delay the introduction of the adopted alterations to the Laws of the Game in their competitions until the beginning of their next season.

USSF Advice to Referees: The Circular from the International Board, on which this memorandum is based, anticipates the possibility of certain other modifications in the Law and/or Interpretations being approved later in 2012. Any such further changes will be quickly brought to the attention of the referee community.

Assault and Abuse 2012

Abuse and Assaults On Match Officials Making the Report Presentation by Carla Winters and Diane Florkowski With help from Greg Miller, Paul Mungra and others including you.

What to Do While It Happens Be Professional and Watch What You Say & Do Maintain More than Arm’s Length from Aggressor Never Ever Strike Back, Defend Self Passively Be Stern and Firm as well as Calm and Collected Consider Your Options—what kinds of actions to be taken, resume or termination etc….

Get Away If You Can

 Get to other referees (yours or next field)  Get to neutral parties – marshals, field managers, other team’s parents or another team warming up.  If there is field coordinator, marshal, referee coordinator – let them know if you know things are going bad (before game, half time, injury, stoppage) so they can help.

Immediately After Seek Medical Attention if Needed Get Referee Team Together Away from Action Compare Notes (see next slide) Get Witness Names and Addresses Consider Whether to File Criminal Charges (if you do so you must inform the State Referee Office)

Just the Facts (and the Reaction) Get the details down on paper as soon as possible, in fact • What happened, where and when in the Game • Who did it (player’s number, name ; jersey color; team name) • Where it happened (location on-field; off field) • Reaction of other players ; coaches • Reaction of other match officials • Reaction of spectators • Get the facts right

Filing a Game Report Note Incident on Game Report—”with Supplement to Follow” Notify the Assignor (quicker = better) File a Supplemental Report File Referee Game Incident Report (online and within 48 hours) http://www.vadcsoccerref.com

The Nitty Gritty Details Use Proper Terminology According to the Laws Stick to the Facts—No Opinions Please Quote Statements or Words as Exactly Said Make it Precise, Professional, Informative and Accurate Keep Your Emotions Out-Describe Theirs

Game Incident Report To file the report properly, you need to submit it within 48 hours by email and SEND a signed copy. Your report will not be complete until BOTH actions are taken. The email serves as initial notification. Your signed report is the official notification. Each official provides written/signed report.

2012 What Happens Next - Youth The Chair of VYSA Disciplinary Committee contacts the club of the accused and obtains further information/reports. If possible, he negotiates a punishment. He then notifies the referees what has been negotiated which, to date, referees have accepted. Potential for hearing.

2012 What Happens Next - Youth Referee Advocates sometimes are not notified until after decision by Chair has been rendered. (SRC is working to fix this.) In last year, only 1 hearing has been held; there have been 6 reports (that we know of) since Columbus Day weekend. Referee wanting benefit of Referee Advocate will need to contact subcommittee.

2012 What Happens Next Adult Side No notification to referee advocates at all unless we hear from assignor or reporting referee. Committee offers accused choice of personal attendance at hearing. Some conference call hearings are held. Results posted on website.

Referee Support Subcommittee

Volunteers throughout the state that assist referees in preparing for hearing or other. Can coach, counsel, assist and mentor referees. Can give good advice to get referees back on the field. Will attend hearing if asked Are familiar with the proceedings Cannot write reports for you

Referee Advocates North (NOVA to Fredericksburg) and Chairperson Diane Florkowski [email protected] 703-255-3745 Central/East (C’ville Lynchburg to Atlantic Ocean) Carla Winters [email protected] 757-532-4682 West (The Rest) Vicki Weiss [email protected] 540-815-9197 Reports filed at vadcsoccerref.com referee resources, game incident reports.

Working within the System Referees who make reports need to be put in touch with referee advocates. The advocates can help assess the situation and assist the referees. Assignors who know of incidents also need to contact referee advocates so we can track reports.

After the Hearing or New System Remember the punishment is not up to you and a number of factors are considered—do not take it personally. Try to avoid same party at games for next season---in any league or tournament. Use that block.