Our current Entry level Referee Clinics teach the Laws of the Game, but are insufficient in developing a foundation of real time decision making, foul recognition, mechanics, positioning, presence, awareness, and the game management skills necessary to produce a confident and effective referee. As a result, we believe On-Field Training facilitated by REFEREE TRAINERS will provide the assistance and support necessary to enhance the experience of new referees, increase retention, and develop new talent for advancement.
What REFEREE TRAINERS do -
- Attend assigned games to provide support to 1st and 2nd year referees
- Provide guidance on basic mechanics, LOTG, UYSA specific information and expectations during games
- Reinforce positive habits and behavior
- Provide constructive suggestions for areas of improvement
- Be someone to talk to, ask questions of & share concerns with
- Help manage the sidelines if necessary – coaches &/or spectators
REFEREE TRAINER Commitment -
- $25 per game
- Two (2) games per week over a six week season, both Fall & Spring. More is certainly acceptable.
- Paired with 1st and 2nd year referees that have requested additional training & support; approximately 3 times during a season per ref (preferably every other week for 6 weeks or three weeks in a row.)
REFEREE TRAINER Qualifications -
- At least 18 years of age
- Preferably at least 2 years of referee experience
- Current USSF certification with demonstrated knowledge of the Laws of the Game, USSF procedures & mechanics, along with any current modifications and fluent in UYSA policy as it applies to youth games
- Good interpersonal communication skills and the ability to assess and handle any game management issues that arise
- Ability to be a positive teacher, good observer and an intent listener for the purpose of giving referees the feedback they need to ELEVATE their game skills
- Complete REFEREE TRAINER Review with Program Coordinator
REFEREE TRAINER Responsibilities -
- Serve as an off field observer ie. 4th official or as an on field game official, but not as a member of the referee crew.
- Wear approved credentials to be identified as an official Referee Trainer.
- Provide real time guidance prior to and after the match as well as during half-time, without getting involved in judgment calls or decisions made.
- Train the referee crew, by necessary actions, to ensure player safety and proper application of the Laws of the Game.
- Intervene & diffuse any situation where coaches or spectators act irresponsibly and the referee is incapable or unsure of how to handle, including the warning and/or dismissing coaches and spectators.
- Provide constructive “suggestions” to the referee and AR’s. Concentrate on mechanics, positioning, referee communication and experience related decision making. Keep it Simple!
- Praise for “positive” performance, while providing the referee crew with ideas of things to work on in upcoming games - GIVE them Homework.
READY to ELEVATE the game as a REFEREE TRAINER. SEND US A MESSAGE.