Category: RefLife
-
Ref Life: US Soccer New Abuse Prevention Program Launch.
I’m not sure if you know what life as a referee is like or what it is like to get a new referee on-boarded, trained, reinforced and back on the field game after game for the first three years. After 15 seasons, I’ve seen a whole lot and have many tools in my referee tool…
-
Ref Life: Heat, Waiting for Advantage, Hand to ball in a natural position, video learning.
Quick review of the past weekend. It was hot. Hydration breaks were added, since this was the first week with air temps over 80 degrees F, then add in the turf temp. The real feel with humidity was close to 100! Sometimes you clearly see a foul, but realize that players may be able to…
-
Ref Life: Role Model Mindset- Pay
How do we give the next generation of referees the opportunities they need to grow and develop? How do we let them focus on the game and not on the external factors that prevent them from feeling safe? I spent the past weekend working the Plum Kickoff Classic for PA West Travel teams. These are…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Protected: Referee Life: Remembering those that love the game.
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
-
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…
FCArmstrong 