Category: confidence
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Ref Life: Reflection and Video Review using Hudl.

The angles of a 2 man, 2 whistle system are bad. The joke is you have a bad look at the play or an even worse when it comes to making calls in a football game. The one angle from the center of the field on Hudl is the worst possible for reviewing game film,…
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Ref Life: PlumKickoff Classic Tools for Managing The Temperature- field, sideline, crowd.

Referees– What tools do you have in your toolbelt to manage player safety, fair play, sportsmanship and a general positive environment for our grassroots community players in PA West? If you are a first year referee there is a good chance you never thought about using non-verbal or non-audible tools to control the game. Creating…
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Ref Life: Has the soccer gotten any better?

After a long weekend of officiating a lot of games from U12 to open men, I have my answer. The question I have for you is what do you think?. . . Has American Soccer Improved? I’m not a kickball fan. When I played my teammates and I kicked around on our own, played 2v2…
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Protected: Wrapping up Pro-Sports Futsal 2024-25 Season.

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
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Ref Life: Story Corp – Parents

Is there anything you wish parents understood about being an arbitro? This beautiful game is not basketball where every time we see something we need whistle the play dead. Wait and let the players learn to play through a foul, maybe they will show you something magical. Just like life, futbol teaches us to work…
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Ref Life: Story Corps- Red Card memories.

Do you have any favorite stories from issuing a red card? Normally a 2nd yellow card for unsporting behavior is an easy red card to issue. Normally I don’t think twice about the caution. Normally I let the laws of the game guide me and don’t double thing the situation. Normally I don’t take into…
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Ref Life: Story Corp in Pittsburgh

Ok so this may not be truly about being a ref, but in the spirit of reflection and sharing our stories, this was an item I wanted to share. I have been blessed to have great mentors in my soccer life as a player, coach and referee. Some of my mentor’s may have told me…
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Let the game be the teacher.

The coach is frustrated with the impact of Youth Soccer Regional Travel Super Clubs on futsal training in Pittsburgh. He’s exhausted from officiating bad soccer, limited opportunities for players to play and master basics, and the lack of creativity and experimentation. He suggests thinking outside the box or creating a new playing environment.
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Jr. High: Where are you in your development? Part 1. Key Qualities?

Hey there I wanted to plant a little seed as our off season training takes hold to see where you see yourself in your understanding of yourself. While we may not all agree on the best way to develop into community/grass roots player for our school team, the game still can be the best teacher…
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Jr. High: Believe in the game, believe in change, believe in our community.

The author emphasizes the importance of community-based soccer for youth in various Indiana counties. Key strategies include creating local play opportunities, encouraging regular training, and fostering community. The proposed program involves structured training, open play, weight training, and mentorship from college players, all aimed at developing competitive skills and fostering a passion for the sport.