For 2008, all Crossfire teams will be asked to submit a Referee into the Referee Pool. Ideally this would be a parent on the team, but can be any licensed referee that is willing to represent the team. For teams U-11 through U-13, the Referee must be a Level 9 or better and for U-14 through U-19 the Referee must be a Level 8 or better (more on the referee levels below). Each Referee will be asked to referee at least 10 games during the season. Shortly after teams are formed and team managers selected, managers will be asked to provide the name of the team’s Referee in Pool. It is highly recommended that this be decided at the team’s initial meeting after tryouts.

 

 

Consider the numbers involved here. For each game, a team would like to have 3 Referees – one center and two assistants. During a typical 14 game season, this means each team would have need for at least 42 referees, more if you add in tournaments. Even if all the teams submit a referee into the pool and that referee covers 10 games, it still leaves over 30 positions left to cover. Yes, there exists a group of Referees that helps fill in these gaps, but for Crossfire alone those extra 30 games equates to over 1500 games to cover. Factor in all the other clubs in the area and you get the idea. Also, it is a fact that this group or pool of Referees has been shrinking over the past few years due to retirement, move outs, etc.... There is desperate need for Adult Referees to refresh and rebuild the Pool.

 

 

To become a Referee, you must attend and successfully pass a training course. The most minimal training would be for a Level 9 referee. A Level 9 referee can referee games only up through the U13 level, and is appropriate for a younger referee (at least 14 years old). A Level 8 referee can referee at any age group, depending on experience. While referees “self-assign” to games that match their interest and availability, Referee assignors help ensure that referees are assigned only to games appropriate for their experience level. To see when training sessions are available, visit www.lwysa.org, and follow the Referee-Team Referee Requirements link to see a list of classes that are available.

 

 

Anyone with soccer experience has probably attended games where Referees are criticized or otherwise vilified by the parents or coaches. This is embarrassing. Crossfire parents and coaches should be model citizens in terms of their treatment of Referees. First, recognize that Referees will make mistakes, and this is part of the game. Second, only coaches should interact with the Referees, and then in a professional manner designed to get clarification or make sure rules are applied appropriately. We are the top club in the area, and our behavior should be top notch as well. On a practical level, Referees do discuss which teams are pleasant to referee, and since they get to choose, troublesome teams can soon find themselves without referees for games.

 

 

Of necessity, this flyer is short. If you have any other questions about Crossfire and Referees, you can send email to Brian Mueller at brianmu@exmsft.com. Brian is the referee coordinator for Crossfire. More information will be provided as we move through the year. Thanks ahead of time for all your support!