Category: Uncategorized
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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…
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Somos Americanos: One Nation, One Team

After watching the MLB game at Rickwood Field last night, I took a moment to reflect how far we as a nation have come since the 1960’s but realize we still have a long way to go. US Soccer has been introducing a new series.
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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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SoccerParenting.com: keeping your players safe.
Hello Soccer Families: I’ve been keeping an eye on a site called SoccerParenting.com to see how they tackle some of the issues I see from the sidelines as both a coach and referee. Next Friday at noon EDT they are having a zoom meeting with the US Soccer Federation medical director. Feel free to sign…
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Protected: Referee Life: Remembering those that love the game.

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
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Ref Life: When you miss something in real time.

Guess what? As a referee we are human and do make mistakes or miss things. Yep that includes me. I had an epic miss last night during my match. However as a referee team, we caught the miss and made the correction during the normal flow of the game. Did you know as a referee,…
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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…