Category: journaling
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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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Ref Life: Observing Memorial Day off the pitch.
Hello Fellow Referees: This is a big showcase/tournament/shootout/beach blast weekend for those that make the big $$$$ hosting tournaments in destination places. Do you normally spend your Memorial Day working one of these events? If so, please stop! This is a holiday to spend with friends and family to reflect on how the United States…
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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: Can we hub and spoke grassroots development?
Pittsburgh is a city that has a topography, hydrography, geology, logistics, bridge and tunnel issue. Player development in soccer is just like the public education system. You player development tends to differ based on where you are located in the region and how much your local municipality is willing to invest. What if we created…
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Ref Life: when questioning isn’t questioning.
Originally this was published for the referee community. After bouncing it around with a few of my colleagues I figured it was time to share this with all. Remember be kind to your referees. They are likely giving up family time to make sure you have a game. Can you name US Soccer’s 6 tasks…
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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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Ref Life: What does your map look like? Pennsylvania edition.
I’m reaching the midway point of the high school soccer season in the Pittsburgh region. As a referee this is a crazy time of year with games available 7 days a week between USSF, PIAA and adult soccer. The coach in me does not like the approach of 2 games and 3 training days per…
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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.
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Jr. High: Heading, Blocking shots with our Head and the current FIFA, US Soccer Concussion guidelines.
Soccer is a collision sport. There are some risks any time bodies collide at full speed going after one ball. There are risks every time a ball is kicked. It may hit us somewhere that may hurt. These risks are inherent every time we step on the field. As a referee I cannot prevent these…
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Jr. High: When a positional crisis hides all of our development.
There is winning and learning. There is no such thing as winning and losing. We as a team are faced with three main challenges. I’m in year three of trying to change the soccer culture and build a soccer community here in Armstrong, Clarion and Indiana counties. I was lucky enough to grow up in…
FCArmstrong 