South Texas Soccer Referees, Inc.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) revised Law 11 (Offside) effective 1 July 2005 by, among other things, incorporating definitions of what it means to "interfere with play," "interfere with an opponent," and "gain an advantage by being in an offside position." The USSF Advice to Referees section of Memorandum 2005 ended its discussion of the addition of these three definitions by noting: Read the memo...

STSR's Roles and Responsibilities

At the Houston Instructor In Service Clinic in June 2005, SRA Sam Ghalayini presented his view of where STSR is and where it should be going. That presentation can be viewed here. (Click on the Slide Show icon in the bottom right corner for the best view, and left-click your mouse to scroll through the pages.)

Angelo Bratsis is our NBOD Referee Representative

Greetings to all US Referees and Administrators:

I have been informed by the Federation that I have been elected as your representative to the USSF National Board of Directors.

I am honored to be your representative. For those of you who supported me, thank you. For those of you that did not, I promise I will work very hard to earn your confidence and your support.

I intend to work very closely with the National Referee Committee to make sure that your issues and concerns are adequately addressed.

I will be in contact with each state administrator for feedback and consultation on a regular basis, and I encourage every referee to call me at any time with any concerns or issues. I will be available via email and telephone.
For USSF Referee matters, my email is: USREFEREE@AOL.COM
My telephone numbers are: EVENING 781-769-2336, CELL 781-769-2336

Please remember that I am one of you and I will represent you with all my energy and conviction.

With best regards,
Angelo Bratsis
Service Before Self
May 2005

Angelo's bio
Angelo's page, Keeping You Informed

2006 National Referee Candidates Named

Four referees from South Texas have been selected as National Referee Candidates for 2006. Seeking their national badge for the first time are:
Greg Boles
John Lohr
Oscar Ortiz
Paul Winders

Congratulations and good luck!

Handling Offenses memorandum

USSF has issued a memorandum on Handling Offenses. It gives the characteristics of what are clearly and clearly not handling offenses, and discusses the standards of judgment which the referee will apply when the handling offense is not immediately clear. Read the memo...

U.S. Soccer Introduces New FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Page

New referees can now find answers to their questions more easily than ever by logging on to the Frequently Asked Questions for New Referees page in the Referee section of ussoccer.com.

The FAQs for New Referees section is designed for new and inexperienced referees who have basic questions about specific game situations. It also allows new officials to browse through different questions and learn about other game situations before they encounter them. The page can be viewed here and will be updated on a regular basis.

"The new page has been designed help new referees face real game situations the first time they come up," said Julie Ilacqua, U.S. Soccer's Managing Director of Federation Services. "We won't be able to cover everything because new and different things happen all the time, but it will provide insight based on the kinds of questions we receive from new referees."

The new section is an extension of ussoccer.com's current Ask a Soccer Referee section, where officials can seek in-depth answers to any question they may have regarding the Laws of the Game via email. If new referees have questions other than those listed on FAQs for New Referees page, they can email askareferee@ussoccer.org and receive a personalized answer. The question may also be later included as a Frequently Asked Question.

Ilacqua describes the new page as a tool to develop the referees at every grade level and for every level of competition to better service the game.

"I'm excited whenever we add a new tool or concept for referee development," Ilacqua said. "Different people respond to different training tools so the more variety we can offer, the better we can develop all of our U.S. Soccer referees."

U.S. Soccer to Hold Two National Training Camps in 2005

U.S. Soccer Referee Department will kick off 2005 with its annual National Referee Certification and National Training Seminars at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., beginning Thursday January 13 and running through Sunday January 16. A second national seminar will run from February 3-6, also in Carson. Known as National Training Camps, the Seminars are four-day clinics where referees are tested and trained to officiate at the top tier of professional soccer in the United States, including Major League Soccer.

"I have no doubt that all attending individuals will give everything they have to making the camps a success," said Manager of Referee Development and Education Alfred Kleinaitis. "We have no doubt that the effort from these referees will show again the sustained growth and excellence that exists in our referee program."

National Training Camps are required for all officials looking to earn their National Referee Badge for the current year. More than 105 returning national referees are expected to attend the camp in January and more than 130 are expected to seek their national badge for the first time at the February camp. Members of the FIFA International Panel of Referees will also be recognized and presented with their FIFA badges.

Participation at the national referee camps is by invitation only. All participants must have a cataloged summary of their 2004 game experience and a certain number of assessments, each by a different assessor, to qualify. The number of assessments that a referee must have depends on whether that candidate is seeking re-certification or receiving a National certificate for the first time.

Both training camps will kick off with opening ceremonies that will see U.S. Soccer recognize members of the FIFA International Panel as well as referees assigned to professional playoff games. This year, U.S. Soccer will also be presenting Fernando Alvarez with the FIFA Order of Merit, the highest award bestowed by FIFA, for his dedication to the international referee community. Also speaking at the opening ceremonies will be U.S. Soccer President Dr. S. Robert Contiguglia.

On Friday, referees will be required to pass both a written and a physical fitness test to obtain their badge. Both male and female U.S. Soccer officials must meet the same fitness standards. To be selected for officiating at the highest level of soccer in the U.S., officials must run 2,700 meters (about 1.7 miles) or more in 12 minutes. After the 12-minute run, officials must complete a 200-meter sprint, followed by a 50-meter sprint, another 200-meter sprint and another 50-meter sprint. Both 200-meter dashes must be completed in 32 seconds or less, and the 50-meter sprints must be run in 7.5 seconds or less. To receive a national badge but not be considered for the top level, referees must run at least 2,400 meters in 12 minutes, followed by the 200-meter and 50-meter sprints, which must be completed in 40 seconds and 9 seconds, respectively.

The remainder of the seminar will consist of practical field sessions, where the referees will cover everything from field positioning to handballs, penalty kicks and obvious goal scoring opportunities. The seminars will conclude on Sunday evening with the presentation of badges to the National Referees.

National Referee candidates from South Texas are:
Darren Engers
Jair Marrufo
Michael Brow
Masoud Rasti
Dionysios Papadopoulos
Rodolfo Niño
Paul Hooks
Colin Tait
Jeff Kattawar
Edouard Groguhe
All are returning National Referees except Colin.

Congratulations to our successful National Camp participants! Click the thumbnail below for the full-sized picture:

Here is a picture of the Grade 4 Nationals from Camp 2. Not pictured are Darren Engers and Jair Marrufo (Grade 3s).		Here is a picture of the Nationals with Dick Triche - National Staff.

Kicks from the Penalty Mark memorandum

USSF has issued a memorandum on the Kicks from the Penalty Mark procedure. The purpose of this memo is to summarize the important elements of the kicks from the penalty mark procedure. It updates and expands prior memoranda on this subject. Read the memo...

Cautions and Cautionable Offenses

Download as a pdf file (82.2kb) here.

2004 Memorandum of Law Changes for Spanish Speaking Referees

The 2004 Memorandum of Law Changes has been prepared for Spanish speaking referees. It can be downloaded here.

Winnie the Pooh and Other Wet Adventures

Want to see the pictures?

2004 Youth Regionals

Photos: Regionals Delegation Nationals Delegation

Updated USSF Publication

Recently, the International Football Association issued law changes that will affect tournament play for the upcoming season. Attached please find the updated publication "Instructions for Referees and Resolutions Affecting Team Coaches and Players." This document explains how the recent law changes should be applied.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Alfred Kleinaitis, Manager of Referee Development and Education
April 15, 2004

Note: While this paper is directed at Referees assigned to Regional or National Cups, it contains some very good explanations that Referees at all levels will find helpful.

STSR's New Instructors

At the Instructor Clinic in Houston last month, STSR gained fifteen new Grade 10 Instructors from across south Texas. They are:

Also, ten instructors successfully completed the ITIP course. They are:

To all of you, congratulations. Now go, teach!

Female Youth Referee of the Year

A few months ago, I posted what I felt a Referee was. Well, here is another that is worth telling you about...

On April 7th, Alane Blakely, sixteen, Referee Grade 08, of Houston, Texas, was recognized as the Female Youth Referee of the Year, at the Winter STYSA AGM, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Alane has been playing soccer since the age of five, but gave up her playing days four years ago to begin her career as a Referee. Alane is respectful of other officials and seeks out advise to become a better Referee. Alane plans to up-grade to 07, as soon as she meets the age requirement of seventeen.

Alane, a sophomore, attends Lamar High School and holds a 4.35 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, Spanish Honor Society, Debate and Model UN, and served on the Student Council as a freshman. Alane is a member of the Lamar Water Polo team and the Houston Water Polo Club.

Alane was a summer student last year in Cadiz, Spain, and studied at the City University receiving College credit. She plans to return to Spain in 2004 for further adventure and study. Alane is a member of the West University Baptist Church, participating in summer Mission work.

All of the South Texas Soccer Referees wish Alane the very best for the future. Well done Referee!

(The West U Examiner has an article and photo at http://www.westuexaminer.com/link.asp?smenu=56&sdetail=8165.)

Randy Francis
State Referee Administrator
South Texas Soccer Referees

An Interview with Pigi

"On Friday he turns 44, and he's done every game a referee can do: from a World Cup final to an Olympic final with the Champions in between, nobody disputes that he's Number 1."
Click here for the rest of an interview with Pier-Luigi Collina, from Planet Futbol.

National Referee Camp

The annual National Referee Testing and Certification Seminar was held January 22-25 in Torrance, California. Commonly called The National Camp, the Seminar is a four-day clinic that saw more than 109 national referees and national referee candidates in attendance. The camp is an annual requirement for all officials seeking to earn their national badge for the current year.

South Texas sent twelve referees. They all passed and did well at Camp. Thanks to everyone for their support. Congratulations to all our Nationals!

Michael Brow
Carlos Clark
Darren Engers
Edouard Groguhe - New National
Jesus Guerra
Paul Hooks
Jeff Kattawar
Jair Marrufo
Rudy Nino
Dionysios Papadopoulos
Masoud Rasti - New National
Enrique Sanchez

Pigi to Hang Up his Whistle

Pierluigi Collina may be the world's first superstar referee but he is resigned to having to hang up his whistle in the summer of 2005. The Italian, who handled the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, admits he will have no choice but to quit when he passes the official Italian retirement age of 45 at the end of next season.

Recognizable even outside the football world because of his bald head and piercing eyes, Collina has six times been voted the best official on the planet and has appeared in ads, pop videos, and at showbiz events. He was even voted Italy's sexiest man and has appeared on the catwalk in Milan's Fashion Week.

"In June of next year when I am 45 I will stop refereeing, in accordance with the rules," said Collina. "Some footballers have given great examples in continuing to play at the top level, even at unbelievable ages, but I must stop," he said. "But we referees are governed by laws."

Father of the Bicycle Kick Dies

Soccer great Leonidas da Silva, credited with inventing the bicycle kick, died Saturday from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was 90.

His bicycle kick, which requires the player to flip over to kick the ball from an upside down position, made him the first superstar of professional soccer in Brazil. His elasticity and acrobatic kicks first earned him the nickname ``Rubber Man.''

Da Silva later came to be known as the Black Diamond, and was the top scorer with eight goals at the 1938 World Cup, where Brazil came in third. He also played for Brazil in the 1934 World Cup, where he scored the team's only goal before the team was eliminated in the first round by Spain. In total, he played 26 games with the national team and scored 25 goals.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, da Silva played for Flamengo, Vasco, Sao Paulo and Botafogo. He also played for Uruguay's Penarol. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease since 1974. He will be buried Sunday in Sao Paulo. It was not immediately clear whether he left any survivors.

Report to State Referee Administrators

At the most recent USSF National Board of Directors Meeting, the board voted unanimously to provide the National Referee Office with almost a quarter of a million dollars to fund new referee services. The first part is to develop a database of referees and electronic registration accessible to all State Referee Committees. The second part is for more personnel at the National Referee Office to provide more efficient, more timely, and more accurate support services to the state referee programs.

These are two areas that we have wanted to implement and improve on for years. I am very pleased that the Board Of Directors voted to assist the referee programs across the country by providing the funding to do so.

Currently, the NRO with its own task force and an independent task force led by Scott Meyer, SRA of Virginia, are defining the desired applications and functions of the electronic database. The task force has already identified most of the desired functions. At the SRA/SYRA workshop in February, 2004, the draft proposals will be presented to the Administrators. There they will have the opportunity to help further refine both the criteria and priorities... (to) help the USSF create a database that helps your state referee programs.

On a different note, FIFA congratulated the United States for its excellence in refereeing at the Women's World Cup and publicly stated that the United States has "one of the top three referee programs in the world." At the next opportunity, I'd like to remind FIFA that the excellence in the referee program is due in large part to the excellent state referee programs across the country and the millions of hours of volunteer work that the State Referee Committees, state and local administrators, instructors, and assessors have invested in the program!

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and best wishes for great good health and happiness in 2004.

Safe. Fair. Fun. Soccer.

John M. Bouda
Referee Representative

2003 Advice to Referees Available

The 2003 Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game can be downloaded from the USSF site as a pdf file at http://www.ussoccer.com/referees/content.sps?iType=4169&icustompageid=6691. (Also available is the 2003 Guide to Procedures.)

The USSF ATR file is large (3.0MB). A smaller version (0.7MB), missing only the cover page, can be downloaded at http://www.geocities.com/rasoweb/rule.htm. This site also has a comparison of the differences between the 2003 and 2001 ATR's. (This comparison was software generated and not 100% proofread.)

Goal Safety

I wish to share with you some history and also a more recent incident on ensuring that goals are secured for soccer games or practices. The following link has a list of incidents from 1979 -2001: http://members.tripod.com/goalsafety/incidents.htm

This report is on the ABC news web site today.

Soccer Goal Post Collapses During Practice, Killing 6-Year-Old Illinois Boy The Associated Press

VERNON HILLS, Ill. Oct. 3 — A metal soccer goal post collapsed on a 6-year-old during practice, fracturing his skull and killing him, police said. Zach Tran was pronounced dead Wednesday at a hospital. "It's a tragic accident," police spokesman Kim Christenson said. The portable goals at Century Park are supposed to stay anchored to the ground, but people often move them and don't put the anchors back in, Park District Executive Director Larry DeGraaf said. Tran was a first-grader at Hawthorn Option School. Superintendent Joseph Yomtoob said counselors and social workers would be made available to students, staff members and parents. Vernon Hills is about 30 miles northwest of Chicago.

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20031003_554.html

We all need to re-emphasize the importance of ensuring that the goals are anchored securely to the ground prior to any game.

Raymond Lalgee, SDI

Severe Weather Position Paper

Please find attached the position paper for referees on dealing with severe weather. This position paper should be discussed at future recertification clinics so that referees are assisted in dealing with severe weather. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Raymond Lalgee, SDI.

Severe Weather Position Paper (Word, 33kb, Revised 10/07)

Non-Compulsory Equipment

On August 25, 2003, FIFA issued Circular #863, regarding the legality of players wearing non-compulsory equipment.

FIFA notes that, under the "Powers and Duties" of the referee in Law 5 -- The Referee, he or she has the authority to ensure that the players' equipment meets the requirements of Law 4, which states that a player must not wear anything that is dangerous.

Modern protective equipment such as headgear, facemasks, knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight, padded material are not considered dangerous and are therefore permitted.

FIFA also wishes to strongly endorse the statement on the use of sports spectacles made by the International F.A. Board on March 10, 2001, and subsequently in FIFA Circular #750, dated April 10, 2001. New technology has made sports spectacles much safer, both for the player himself or herself and for other players. This applies particularly to younger players.

Referees are expected to take full account of this fact and it would be considered extremely unusual for a referee to prevent a player taking part in a match because he or she was wearing modern sports spectacles.

Referees are reminded of the following points which can assist in guiding their decisions on this matter:

• Look to the applicable rules of the competition authority.
• Inspect the equipment.
• Focus on the equipment itself – not how it might be improperly used, or whether it actually protects the player.
• Remember that the referee is the final word on whether equipment is dangerous.

Alfred Kleinaitis
Manager of Referee Development and Education
September 3, 2003

Laws of the Game Made Easy

U.S. Soccer has recently released The Laws of the Game Made Easy, a simpler and lighter look at the rules of soccer geared toward the many who crowd local parks and soccer fields each weekend around the United States. Written for players, referees, coaches, parents and fans alike, this 60-page reference makes the rules easy to understand – without compromising the integrity of the information it is providing. takes a fun, light-hearted approach in promoting an understanding of the official Laws of the Game. Selections from the comic strip Cleats, from artist Bill Hinds and the Universal Press Syndicate, add life and humor to the booklet's pages.
http://www.ussoccer.com/referees/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=40962&itype=4042&icategoryid=83

2003 Snickers National Championships Southern Regionals

The South Texas Referee Delegation is back from the 2003 Snickers National Championships Southern Regionals in Greensboro, North Carolina, June 26th through July 2nd. Our delegation consisted of the following Referees:
Amy Mahan, 19 years of age, from San Antonio.
Forrest de Spain, 29, from Houston.
Dustin Downs, 27, from Austin.
Andrew Gage, 29, from El Paso.
Luis Guardia, 17, Houston.
Josh Herrera, 23, from El Paso.
Courtney Jackson, 31, from Austin.
Jonathan Jimenez, 18, from El Paso.
Daniel Miller, 20, from Austin.
Artie Odoms, 26, from Corpus Christi.
Matt Mechler, 19, from Houston.
Carlos Salas, 28, from Austin.

And as Assessors:
David Olmos, National Assessor, from San Antonio.
Raymond Lalgee, State Assessor, from Corpus Christi.
Bruce Spitz, State Assessor, from El Paso.

Two of our Referees made it to the Top 20 list of officials from the Tournament among the State Referees (Grades 05 & 06). They were:
Dustin Downs from Austin.
Courtney Jackson from Austin.

Among the Grade 7s, we placed 4 Referees on the tournament's Top 20 from our State:
Luis Guardia from Houston.
Jonathan Jimenez from El Paso.
Daniel Miller from Austin.
Carlos Salas from Austin.

Jonathan Jimenez, Grade 7, 18 years of age, and from El Paso, was selected to attend this year's National Championships in Germantown, Maryland later on this Month.

Going to the Boys Olympic Development Program (ODP) Regionals in Tuscaloosa, Alabama this year are:
First Session, July 5-10, Amy Mahan from San Antonio and James Spencer from Houston.
Second Session, July 12-17, Robert Babcock and Hayden Edwards from San Antonio.

Going to the Girls ODP Regionals in Montevallo, Alabama this year are:
First Session, July 3-8, Luis Guardia and Forrest de Spain from Houston.
Second Session, July 10-15, Jonathan Jimenez and Chris Sanchez from El Paso.
Third Session, July 17-22, Amy Mahan from San Antonio and Daniel Miller from Austin.

Thank you very much.

Sergio R. Vega
State Youth Referee Administrator

Picture at: http://www.stxsoccer.org/Competitions/2003%20SnickCup/RefereePage.htm
Left to right, Back Row: Ed Loucks STYSA, Artie Odoms, Jonathan Jimenez ,Dustin Downs, Sergio Vega SYRA, Anthony Herrera, Andrew Gage, Forrest de Spain, Carlos Salas, Luis Guardia, David Olmos SDA
Front Row: Joe Payton STYSA, Bruce Spitz, Matt Mechler, Amy Mahan, Daniel Miller, Raymond Lalgee SDI, Courtney Jackson, Dr. Eric Pappert STYSA

Updated 7 + 7 Cautionable and Sending-Off Offenses

An updated copy of the list of "7 + 7 Cautionable and Sending-Off Offenses" is available. This edition of the guide was changed to reflect terminology used in the 2003-2004 Laws of the Game.

Please take particular notice of the changes to the guidelines at the end of the first section that deals with Cautionable Offenses. Thank you.

This has been posted on the referee page of the U.S. Soccer web site under the sub heading "Laws of the Game".

Alfred Kleinaitis
Manager of Referee Development and Education

Trees Overhanging the Playing Field

The issue of trees overhanging the playing field came up at the Snickers Cup in Round Rock. I wish to provide a definitive answer to any question or concern.

Trees hanging over the field are considered to be a part of the field.

If the ball becomes stuck in the tree, the referee will restart with a dropped ball beneath the place where the ball became stuck (keeping in mind the special circumstances described in Law 8).

If the ball drops to the ground inside the field, it is still in play.

If the ball drops to the ground outside the field, then the restart will be for the team whose opponents last played the ball before it left the field.

See the attached article, from one of the past issues of Fair Play, for more on the subject.

Best Regards

Raymond Lalgee
State Director of Instruction

It's Official

Effective August 28, 2003, the United States Soccer Federation and the National Board of Directors, acknowledged the subject Referee organization, as the State Referee Committee of South Texas.

The decision to Incorporate was done to better serve Referee, Assessor and Instructor Development. However, nothing has changed as far as the operation of the State Referee Committee, or the services offered, per USSF By-Laws, for the Youth (STYSA) and Adult associations (TSSAS).

Please feel free to discuss this matter with either:

Randy Francis - SRA
Raymond Lalgee – SDI
David Olmos – SDA
Elo Veselka – SAC
Sergio Vega - SYRA

Best regards,

Randy Francis
State Referee Administrator
South Texas Soccer Referees

Full Announcement Memo (Word, 110kb)

South Texas Soccer Referees, Inc.

To all Referees, Instructors, Assessors and interested parties of Texas South... the State Referee Committee of Texas South has incorporated effective July 15, 2003, and will be known by the State of Texas, STYSA, TSSAS and the United States Soccer Federation, as South Texas Soccer Referees, Inc. The decision to incorporate was necessary to better serve the Referee Community, STYSA and TSSAS. Within two (2) weeks, the transfer of all Referee funds to the South Texas Soccer Referees, Inc., will be complete... a checking account and an interim treasurer have been established.

Incorporation to become the South Texas Soccer Referees, Inc., in no way diminishes the responsibility to serve both STYSA and TSSAS. The policies of the United States Soccer Federation, 531-2 are very specific about servicing the state organization, which includes both Youth and Adult.

The Referees, Instructors and Assessors remain independent contractors, but shall abide by the policies and procedures of the United States Soccer Federation and the State Referee Committee of Texas South, known as South Texas Soccer Referees, Inc.

Best regards,

Randy Francis
SRA

2003 National Referees

Well so much, for omens. Texas South sent thirteen (13) and we returned thirteen (13). In January 2003, at National Camp, in Phoenix, Arizona, they continued the quest for the National Badge. Everyone passed the requirements, and now proudly wears the 2003 National Badge.

Jasen Anno – San Antonio
Michael Brow – Austin
Carlos Clark – Houston
Darren Engers – Austin
Jesus Guerra – Houston
Paul Hooks – Houston
Jeff Kattawar – Austin - NEW
Jair Marrufo – El Paso
Rudy Nino – Houston
Dionysios (Saki) Papadopoulas – Austin - NEW
Enrique Sanchez – Houston
Dick Triche – Houston
Gibby Widner – El Paso

Let us everyone congratulate these National Referees on a job well done.

For your information, there are four (4) 2004 National Referee Candidates. Let us support these individuals in their quest for the 2004 National Badge.

Michael Babajanov - Houston
Edouard Groguhe – Angleton (Houston)
Diana Driggers – San Antonio
Masoud Rasti – San Antonio

Best Regards,

Randy Francis – SRA/TXS

FIFA Under-19 Women's World Championship, by Kari Seitz

(U.S. Soccer referee Kari Seitz has been a FIFA official since 1999 and worked the Women's World Cup in the U.S. that year. Last month, Seitz - 2002 WUSA Referee of the Year - worked the inaugural FIFA Under-19 Women's World Championship in Canada. What follows is Seitz's description of that historic event in Canada.)

When the final decision was made to stage the inaugural Under-19 Women’s World Championship, I had many questions in my mind, including, "What level of soccer will we see on the field?"

After officiating in the Under-19 Women’s CONCACAF qualifying tournament in Trinidad & Tobago I learned very quickly that these Under-19 Women’s teams had the same drive to win as did the players in the 1999 Women’s World Cup. The games were very competitive, fast-paced, dynamic and hard fought. Of course, I was not assigned to the group in which the United States team was playing. The group I was assigned to included Mexico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica, and the teams were very evenly matched and produced some great games.

I have been fortunate to officiate all levels of men’s and women’s soccer in the U.S., and I knew the type of skill the US Under-19s were capable of exhibiting. What I was not fully aware of prior to the qualifying tournament, despite watching some game tapes, was the skill level in the newly formed team from Panama or the type of improvements Jamaica had made in the last few years. With so much on the line for these players it was clear that a high level officiating skill would be needed for the world championship in Canada.

When FIFA referees travel from around the world to a FIFA tournament, the referees typically start with a clinic to set the expectation for what is expected on the field, followed by at fitness test. Right away you could see the level of preparation was high among the officials in Canada, with everyone successfully completing the fitness test. It appeared that the average scores had improved from previous tournaments I have attended, including the Women’s World Cup in ’99 (which was the first major tournament to feature all women referees and assistant referees).

As with my games in the qualifying round, it was clear that these games would be very competitive. Being assigned to Vancouver where Germany, Brazil, France and Mexico were playing, I had the difficult task of officiating games featuring teams that favored different styles of play. My first game as a referee was Germany vs. Brazil. These two countries obviously favored two very different styles of play, as was evident in the World Cup Final just a couple months ago.

It was no different here, with the straight-forward, physical attacking Germans and the rhythm and movement of the Brazilian “beautiful game”. There was some incredible skill displayed by both teams, and I think more than one player on each team could play alongside members of their senior teams. Though there was a lot of work required managing the players and a lot of running to compensate for Brazil’s quick counter attacks, the game was an absolute pleasure to be a part of. I always love to be in the middle of a well played, hard-fought, challenging game, and I got that opportunity again in my following game just two days later with Brazil vs. France, two teams who also had very different styles of play.

There was no question in anyone’s mind after watching these games or seeing the USA team play that the Under-19 Women are a very skillful group of players who can produce wonderful displays of soccer. I am proud of the U.S. Under-19 Women’s National Team and their success in this historic event. They many not be aware of it, but their success has opened a lot of doors for referees from the United States, giving us more opportunities to officiate high levels of soccer. Additionally, they have also helped women referees from around the world by proving that women’s soccer can be exciting and well played.

Not only did this tournament benefit the players, it also provided a stage for up-and-coming referees from around the world to showcase their talents – exposing them to higher and higher levels of soccer. I was proud to be selected to referee at this world championship, and I was honored to be a part of history.

Secure Those Goals!

Since this is the beginning of a new season, it is a very good time to remind coaches, parents, players, fans and referees that goals simply must be secured, or the game CANNOT be played.

The revised ATR, section 1.3, says that the game SHALL NOT BE PLAYED if the goals are not properly secured. It does NOT give the referee ANY latitude in this matter (e.g., "The visiting team travelled two hours to get here, ref. Can't we just play with some soccer bags sitting on the net?").

Last September, an unsecured soccer frame toppled onto a Montreal boy crushing him to death. A coroner's inquest said the accident could have been prevented. The authorities knew the goal was not secured.

This boy was 14, an age when we tend to think such things cannot happen. They can, it did, and the reason was the soccer goal was unsecured. We do not want a tragedy which is so preventable to happen here in Texas South.

This is a serious safety matter. The game SHALL NOT be played. Period. End of discussion. Follow the ATR so this does not happen here!

Snickers Youth Southern Regionals

On June 27th, eleven (11) TSSAS Referees and four (4) TSSAS Assessors left for the Youth Southern Regionals in Little Rock, Arkansas. Referees: Greg Boles. Heather Chin, Dustin Downs, Andrew Gage, Courtney Jackson, Jonathan Jimenez, Brian Kennedy, Matt Mechler, Artie Odoms, Oscar Ortiz, and Sergio Vega. Assessors: Ernie Begnaud, Randy Francis, David Olmos and Bruce Spitz. (Click here for photos.)

"The Mission"... to represent Texas South... and every one did just that. Conditions were hot, rainy at times, but there was plenty of liquids, and food. The Referees were at the field from 6:30 AM staying until 8:00 PM to support their fellow Referees. The meetings, each evening, went very late, however, the Commodore was great to experiance. Ernie Begnaud, the "Head of Delegation", led everyone through the "mine fields", staying on top of each detail, to see that assignments were delivered in the early morning and everyone left the hotel to be at the fields on time.

Texas South had three (3) Referees in the "Top Fifteen", Greg Boles, Brian Kennedy and Oscar Ortiz. Texas South had two (2) AR's, in the "Top Seven", Dustin Downs and Jonathan Jimenez. Of those Referees, Greg Boles and Oscar Ortiz will attend the Youth National Finals in Baltimore, Maryland.

The people in Arkansas who put this Regional together were excellent, host to everyone. The fields were in fabulous condition, plenty of water for everyone, and field marshals at each game to be sure there were no problems. There was transportation not only to and from the hotel, but to the fields to be sure games started on time.

Let's give a hand to the Referees who represented Texas South so well. See you next year in North Carolina.

Randy Francis - SRA / TXS

Availability of Water During a Match

The FIFA Medical Committee recently emphasized the importance of proper hydration during a match and the need for water (or other appropriate liquids) to be available to the players. Referees are advised to use the following common sense guidelines in determining the correct ways in which this concern can be implemented. Although the term "water" is used below, the guidelines apply to all liquids that may be provided for player hydration in the immediate area of the field.

• Players may drink water during play or at a stoppage but only by going to a touch line or goal line.
  
  
• While drinking water, players may not leave the field nor may they carry water containers onto the field. The players should stand at the touch line or goal line while drinking water.
  
  
• Water containers may not be held in readiness where they will interfere with the movement of the assistant referees. After water containers are used, they must be removed so as not to interfere with the movement of the assistant referees.
  
  
• Under no circumstances may water containers of any sort (regardless of material, size, or construction) be thrown onto the field or to players even during stoppages of play.

Companion article concerning youth players.

National Candidate Requirements
Re-certifying National Referee Requirements

On April 20, 2002, the Referee Committee made the following procedural changes for National Referees and National Referee Candidates.

1) The Referee Committee authorized the following change in the assessment requirements for re-certifying National Referees:

2) Referees wishing to become National Referee Candidates must declare their intention to do so between December 1 and December 31 of the year prior to the year they will be candidates.

3) Assessments for National Referees must be by a currently registered USSF National Assessor or an assessor approved by the National Program Office. They must be on games approved by the Referee Committee and played within the dates specified (Dec 1-November 30).

These changes are effective immediately.

Julie Ilacqua
Managing Director of Federation Services

National Referee Candidates

There are three (3) new National Candidates this year from Texas South, for 2003:

Let's support and wish them great success in their quest for the "National Badge"!!

Randy

7 + 7 Cautionable and Sending Off Offenses (additional)

From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center -- April 27, 2002

A second memo from the U.S. Soccer Referee Department detailing the 2002 7 + 7 Cautionable and Sending Off Offenses has been published. It can be downloaded here (Word 97, 653kb).

Womens State Cup - San Antonio, Texas

On a cold, windy, gloomy, rainy weekend, the Womens State Cup was held at Ratama Field in San Antonio, Texas, April 6-7, 2002. Twenty-Four (24 ) Referees from Austin, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Houston, and San Antonio and Six (6) Assessors participated in this event. The spirits of the Referees were high, the Assessors were focused, and the matches were very competitive. Up-Grade Assessments to grade 07 were completed for Heather Chin, Sara Ellis and Natalie Roszel. We even took some photographs.

Referees that participated in the tournament were:

Assessors for the tournament were:

Thanks to everyone, no mater what your role, for making the Womens State Cup successful...

Randy Francis - SRA

From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center - March 7, 2002

As part of our continuing effort to service and educate our membership, each Thursday the U.S. Soccer Communications Center will send out an informative article from one of its departments. Once a week, you will receive an article/paper/essay in your inbox that will hopefully enhance your enjoyment and knowledge of the game of soccer - on and off the field.

Each Thursday will bring a new article, and on the first Thursday of each month we will bring you an article from one of the world's most respected female referees, Sandra Hunt.

What follows is a portion of a recent article that Sandra Hunt wrote for FIFA. Hunt has been working as a FIFA official since 1999. The Bellingham, Washington, native worked the 1999 Women's World Cup and the 2000 Olympic Games, and recently officiated at the 2001 Asian Women's Championship in China in December. Earlier today (March 7) Hunt refereed the Algarve Cup final between China and Norway in Portugal.

"What is the difference between refereeing the men's game and the women's game?"
By Sandra Hunt

As a woman FIFA Referee with many years of experience refereeing men's amateur, professional and women's international soccer matches, I am often asked, "What is the difference between refereeing the men's game and the women's game?" "Is there a difference?" To that question I answer a resounding "Yes." In my opinion, to successfully referee women's matches a referee must understand some fundamental differences between male and female soccer players.

Prior to the kick-off of the WUSA in 2001, my professional league refereeing experience consisted only of men's professional soccer. My experience refereeing women was much less than my experience refereeing men. Early last season I found I needed to make a few adjustments to the positioning I used for men's soccer to successfully referee women's soccer.

Generally referees can expect to run wider in a women's match, as play does not move up and down the field quite as rapidly. Estimates are that the distance covered by a referee is similar in a women's game compared to a men's, and the work rate of the referee should be comparable since it is necessary, in general, to position oneself wider during active play.

At most goalkeeper punts and goal kicks, it is recommended that referees position themselves opposite the Assistant Referee in the same half of play as the goalkeeper or the team kicking the ball because the ball ordinarily will not travel into the opponent's half of the field. Throw-in's require observation early in a match to determine how far the ball can travel. Many women players have the ability to throw the ball as far as men.

Free kicks also require consideration for referee positioning. Male players have much more success on free kicks using their physical strength, while in women's soccer free kicks generally involve intricate passing or great precision. In addition, it has been noted that women's games are typically made up of more short passes than a men's match. I attribute much of this to the physical strength differences between men and women.

So to answer the question, "Is there a difference?" I say, "Yes, different." In my opinion, one is not better than the other, just wonderfully different. As football fans realize their sport is played by players of another gender who participate with the same skill, passion, enthusiasm and intensity, they too will be drawn to appreciate and embrace "the differences" which make this the beautiful game for everyone.

For more information, please contact Carol McGuire, U.S. Soccer's Referee Programs Manager. Carol can be reached at cmcguire@ussoccer.org or 312-528-1241.

National Referee Camp in Houston

To: All TSSAS
From: Randy Francis - State Referee Administrator

As many of you know, National Camp was held in Houston, Texas, January 24th through the 27th. Approximately 300 referees participated in their quest for the "National Badge". Among the participants, were thirteen (13) of our own…Jason Anno, Michael Brow, Darren Engers, Jair Maruffo, Rudy Nino, Enrique Sanchez, Dick Triche, Sergio Vega and Gibby Widner, were returning Nationals and four (4) National Candidates…Michael Babajanov, Carlos Clark, Jesus Guerra and Paul Hooks. I am pleased to advise that everyone successfully completed the four (4) day course and received their "National Badge".

Please join me in congratulating our National Referees for 2002, for a job well done!

Along with the physicals and testing, there were many activities going on behind the scenes. People had to be picked up from the airport…at all hours of the day and evening, timers for the physical had to be available at 6:00 AM on Friday and Sunday. Coffee, juice and water were critical, and also had to be available at 6:00 AM. The written test had to be graded, pictures needed to be taken, bags and envelops needed to be stuffed, t-shirts distributed and the hospitality of the entire National Staff was critical.

I would like to thank everyone who got involved…without you it would not have been as success. I have listed everyone below who gave their time and or a day off. If I missed your name, I truly apologize.

I would especially like to thank Bob Yampey, TSSAS President for his support, the TSSAS Referee Committee that attended and gave so much of their time, Raymond Lalgee, David Olmos and Elo Veselka. Ernie Begnaud who was in charge of all VIP transportation, Anthony Amore, the District 1 - DDRI, who worked the airport, written testing and many other duties... I don't think anyone got any sleep for four (4) days. And a very special thanks to Dick Triche, who was instrumental in National Camp being in Houston the past two (2) years. Not only did Dick help with the audio visual, and coordination of activities, but was a participant...and had his best times ever in the physical.

I have always said, "You cannot be a self serving individual and do what we do, and give of our time for others." And everyone who participated, has proved just that.

Thank you,

Randy

TSSAS Volunteers
2002 National Referee Certification Camp
Houston, Texas
January 24 - 27, 2002

Jamal Al-Khatarri	Anthony Amore	Ernie Begnaud	David Bollinger	Bill Bryan
Ed Chavez	Joe Crumbley	Ed Czerwinski	Vic Defiori	Randy Francis
Paul Goode	Raymond Lalgee	Michael Lett-Brown	Hal Mechler	Carlos Mero
David Olmos	Earl Pierce	Afif Saad	Tim Sonnier	Tim Sparks
Colin Tait	Bob Yampey

You can see the TSSAS National Referees here (52kb).

2001 Advice to Referees

The 2001 Advice to Referees is now available and can be downloaded from the US Soccer site at http://www.ussoccer.com/referees/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=2807&iCategoryID=83. (This is an Adobe pdf file. Download a free Reader here.)

You can also find an unofficial comparison of the 2001 ATR to the 1998 ATR at http://pete.uri.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0111d&L=socref-l&F=&S=&P=3001.

New Registration Period for Referees, Assessors, Instructors and Assignors
January 18, 2002

The Referee Committee approved the following policy:

Registration period for Referees, Assessors, Instructors and Assignors

Referees* are registered for the calendar year, January 1 to December 31. Registrations must be submitted between September 1 (of the year prior to the registration period) to June 30 of the registration year.

Approved: November 10, 2001
Effective: For registrations in the year 2002

Procedure

New Referees: Forms that are postmarked after June 30 will be processed for the following year’s registration period. New referees registering from June 30-August 31 should be registered for the following year’s registration period and receive the appropriate badge.

Every effort should be made to see that the forms for referees registered before June 30 are sent to the National Office before that deadline. Therefore, we request that each state avoid scheduling clinics in the last two weeks of June. If that is not possible, it is recommended that you register referees completing the clinic between June 15-30 for the following year.

New referees will be considered registered after the State Referee Administrator has accepted the registration, provided that United States Soccer Federation policies and procedures have been followed, and may be added to state assignment lists thereafter

Please note: New referees who have checked “Yes” in Section E of the United States Soccer Federation Registration Form are not authorized for assignment until approved by the Federation’s legal department. Referees who have not completed Section E. should not be assigned to games until it has been completed.

Re-certifying Referees: Forms must be postmarked on or before June 30 of the registration year.

No recertification forms will be processed between July 1 and August 30 for the current registration year

Re-certifying referees will be considered registered when they are in compliance with all United States Soccer Federation registration rules and regulations and may be added to state assignment lists at that time.

Please note: Re-certifying referees who have checked “Yes” in Section E of the United States Soccer Federation Registration Form are not authorized for assignment until approved by the Federation’s legal department. Referees who have not completed Section E. should not be assigned to games until it has been completed.

National Referees and National Referee Candidates must be registered by December 15 of the year prior to the certification camp.

* In this policy, the word “referee” or “referees” refers to referees, assessors, assignors and instructors.

From the US Soccer Communications Center -- Sept. 22, 2001

A NATION UNITED

As part of a program to remember and honor the victims of the tragic events of September 11, U.S. Soccer is asking all referees and assistant referees to wear the United States' flag on the left sleeve of the referee uniform. Both MLS and the WUSA have endorsed this practice and MLS referees wore the patches in their first-round playoff games last night. The flags may be worn on the uniforms until further notice.

Flag patches for the uniform shirt may be purchased from OFFICIAL SPORTS and OSI will donate 20% of the selling price to the American Red Cross and the September 11th Fund, which will focus it's support on the victim's families and on the survivors. To purchase a Flag, please visit the OSI website at http://www.kconline.com/officialsports.com/cgi-bin/catalog.cgi.

Usage Note: The U.S. Flag patch should be worn centered on the left sleeve of the uniform shirt, three inches down from the shoulder seam and above all other markings or patches.

Don't Have MS Office 97?
Download a FREE Word Viewer.
Download a FREE Excel Viewer.

South Texas Soccer Referees
Home    News    Clinics    Forms    Links    Contacts

Send mail to webmaster(at)stsr.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: February 25, 2007