2005  NASOA  OFFICERS NASOA Website  President   Pat Miller 876-8701w, 830-5703h, 603-3001c, patrick.miller@us.army.mil or patdagmar@knology.net (No Spam) Vice President   Michael Messervy See the Arbiter.net for phone number(s) mmesservy1@hotmail.com (No Spam) Secretary   Darrell Schmidt 461-7228h, 730-1072w, 651-8191c darrell_schmidt@knology.net  or darrell_schmidt@intergraph.com (No Spam) Treasurer   Kim Hensley khensley@hsvutil.org or whensley11@comcast.net (No SPam) USSF Officer   Gil Ferguson See the Arbiter.net for phone number(s) gjferguson@bellsouth.net (No Spam) AHSAA Officer   Ken Brown 536-5401h, 348-4855c kbrown1803@yahoo.com (No Spam) Board Member at Large   Michael Stewart See the Arbiter.net for phone number(s) mstryker@hiwaay.net (No Spam) Board Member at Large   Patrick Streeter See the Arbiter.net for phone number(s) arbitro88@gmail.net (No Spam) Past President   Mike Costello 882-0821h, 694-0286c, 961-1963w Mike.costello@knology.net or michael.costello@boeing.net NASOA Instructors:   Daphne Brown - Lead Instructor 536-5401-H, 348-2892-C, daphne@hiwaay.net   Barry Pharris, Mario Sandoval, Mike Rush, Ken Greer NASOA Lead Assessor:   Barry Pharris 721-3990h, barry_pharris@raytheon.com NASOA Associate Assessors:   Tom Pollard, Bob Linner, Mario Sandoval, Steve Walker, and Hugh Griffis. USSF Match Assignors:   Mark Silver - (NASL, HSC Tournament) MarkSilver@knology.net, msilver@origintech.com    Alfred Modrall (ASA, VFC, HSC Tournament) amodrall@csc.com    Daphne Brown (HASL, Kicks Tournament) 536-5401h, 348-2892c, daphne@hiwaay.net   Tommy Hunt (Alternate Assignor) 882-2992-H tjhbama@comcast.net   Brett Strauser- (Alternate Assignor) bsref@knology.net    Pat Miller (Alternate Assignor) 876-9656ext221w, 830-5703h, 603-3001c, patrick.miller@us.army.mil   or patdagmar@knology.net   For a complete list of all Instructors, Assessors and Assignors Click Here  Certified USSF Assignors must assign all USSF sanctioned matches to you, THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!

     "I believe in the traditional role of accepting decisions as part of discipline of sportsmanship and fair play."  Pierluigi Collina, FIFA Ref

     "The problem with referees is that they just don't care which side wins." Tom Canterbury

The Laws of the Game are intended to provide that games should be played with as little interference as possible, and in this view it is the duty of the referees to penalize only deliberate breaches of the Law. Constant whistling for trifling and doubtful breaches produces bad feeling and loss of temper on the part of the players and spoils the pleasure of the spectators. Law 5: IBD 8 - removed in 1998 revisions.  It is still one of the most important ideals every referee must aspire to.

Use these links to get to more of our Referee Information:

• Referee Forms, Documents and Articles (High School and USSF)
• Referee Links
• Referee Articles
• Referee Documents
• Links to Referee Websites
• NASOA Referee Pay Rates - Updated Rates August 2005
• Referee Uniform & Equipment Suppliers
• Directions to High School and Middle School Fields

North Alabama Soccer Official Association (NASOA)

    The North Alabama Soccer Official Association General membership meetings are held every Monday night at 6:00pm during the soccer season. The location of the meetings is at the Soccer Central Building at the Merrimack Soccer Complex. Merrimack is located on Triana Boulevard, between Bob Wallace Drive and Drake Ave. Instruction, assigning of matches and other general information is passed out at these meetings. Duration of the soccer season tends to be August until late November, January until     the middle of June. For further information contact Tommy Hunt, 882-2992 or TJHBAMA@comcast.net  The NASOA soccer hotline is 864-0300.
     Click here to download an information sheet with the latest NASOA information.

Certification

• Subscribe to the AHSAA Soccer e-mail list
   
• USSF Beginner's Referee Course August 5-7th, 2005 in Huntsville.
  Entry Level USSF course will be held August 5-7, 2005 at First Christian Church in Huntsville. Address is 3209 Whitesburg Drive.
  Friday, August 5th - 6:00pm to 10:00pm
  Saturday, August 6th - 9:00am to 5:00pm (Lunch will be on your own.)
  Sunday, August 7th - 2:00pm to 6:00pm
  The cost is $70.00 - due when the course is completed and the test is passed. Contact Daphne Brown at daphne@hiwaay.net 
   
• USSF Beginner's Referee Course August 26-28th, 2005 in Birmingham.
  Clinic will be held at UAB Humanities Building Room 105
  Fri. night; 6:30pm-9pm
  Sat.;  830am-5pm
  Sun.; 830am-1pm
  Cost: $70 (check only) - discount available with $30 coupon
  Directions to Humanities Building - From I-65 North at University Blvd, turn right on 12th Street South (baseball field on corner), parking lot across from baseball field. Contact David Adams 205-542-1164 SocrRefAL@charter.net
   
• On-line Officials Manuals added at AHSAA
  A new web page has been added to the AHSAA Official's portion of the AHSAA web site.  This new page has links to AHSAA publications including Official's Guide, Official's Manuals, Official's Bulletins, Annual Publications, etc. The link to this new page is:
  http://ahsaa.com/officials/officials_manuals/list_of_manuals.asp
  The main site page is: http://ahsaa.com/
  The official's sections is: http://ahsaa.com/officials/
  2005-2006 Soccer Official's Manual
  
   
• Pay Raise for High School Soccer Referees for 2006 Season:
  From Greg Brewer at AHSAA.
  The AHSAA Central Board of Control approved a maximum pay increase in soccer for the schools along with an application fee increase. The following table contains the new amounts for the schools.  The new application fee for each person registering as an official next season will be $40 with a late fee of $20.00. The new maximum pay schedule for the AHSAA member schools is as follows:
  
  Soccer Regular Season 2005-06
  Varsity (Center Referee) $45.00
  Varsity (Assistant Referee) $35.00
  Jr. Varsity (Center Referee) $40.00
  Jr. Varsity (Assistant Referee) $30.00
  Jr. High (7-9) (Center Referee) $35.00
  Jr. High (7-9) (Assistant referee) $25.00
  
  Championship Playoffs
  Varsity (Sub-State) (Center Referee) $50.00
  Varsity (Sub-State) (Assistant Referee) $40.00
  Varsity (State) (Center Referee) $50.00
  Varsity (State) (Assistant Referee) $40.00
  
  Mileage remains 36 cents per mile round trip from local association meeting site. The administrative fee for handling of tax information remains at $35.00 per school. More information will be forthcoming regarding changes in our program for the future. Again, I strongly encourage all officials to go to AHSAA.com website and subscribe to the email list.
   
• Resident Referee for any of the ODP sessions
      If you are interested in being considered as a Resident Referee for any of the ODP sessions listed below, please contact me with the Camp and location you are available to attend. The more you are available, the more likely you are to fill a slot. I am preparing a list and will select referees as soon as possible.
      Each State is asked to supply at least 2 referees per session. In order to insure that a sufficient number of referees are in residence, Alabama may have more than 2 per session.
      This is a tremendous learning opportunity for the referees that are selected. The classroom training, field work, and game experience can be the step that allows you to advance to the next level in your referee career. National and International level Instructors/Referees will be leading the Sessions.
     Please contact Bill Walker at bwalker@gulf-states.com if you are interested.
  
  Boys ODP - Tuscaloosa - University of Alabama
  July 14 - 18 1988 Holdovers, 1990 Holdovers & 1992 Teams
  
  Girl's ODP - Montevallo - University of Montevallo
  July 15-19 1988 Holdovers, 1990 Holdovers & 1989 Teams
  July 20-24 1989 Holdovers
   
• Coaches May Note Use Electronic Equipment.
  From Greg Brewer at AHSAA.
  Rule 12 prohibits use of electronic equipment.  See page 55. Rule 12-8-1e. This is a cautionable offense.  Coaches may not use cell phones or headphones to talk to another coach or assistant coach.
   
• Only "Hard" Red Cards are to be reported to AHSAA
  From Greg Brewer at AHSAA.
  "The question has been raised regarding the reporting of hard and soft red cards as ejections to this office under our conduct rule. The spring book states that soft reds are not considered to be ejections under our conduct rule. Therefore, only hard reds are to be reported to our office as ejections under our conduct rule."
   
• High School Rules - Shin Guards:
  At the director's meeting, the size appropriateness was well defined; If the player is more than 5 feet tall, the shin guard is to be two inches or less above the ankle and be at least 9 inches in length; If the player is less than 5' tall, the shin guard only has to be 7" in length; The padding that connects the shin guard to the foot is not part of the shin guard. This interpretation of the size appropriateness rule was made clear, discussed and agreed upon.
   
• High School Rules - More:
  • 30 minute forfeit time; 30 minute weather limit
  • Maximum team size is 22 players
  • Section games take precedence
  • Changing rules is not permitted
  • Officials fees, mileage; one referee and two ARs are recommended
  • Game length 40 minutes halves Varsity; JV and MS 35 minutes (this is different from rule book);
  • If section games are tied there will be two 5 minute sudden victory overtime periods, add one to winning teams score for official score
  • Ball holders are required; Wilson balls in all section games
  • 10-goal differential anytime after the end of the first half ends game
  • Section alignments girls and boys may be different
  • Tournament brackets, times, and fields; home team bottom of bracket
     
• New FIFA Laws of the Game:
       FIFA recently announced its 2005 changes to the laws of the game (LOTG), but coaches, don't start changing your team strategies yet. What appears to be a major change in the offside law is actually, apparently, only a clarification of existing policy. Please wait for clarification from your youth soccer organization before instructing your front players to ignore the opponent's defensive restraining line.
      Law 11 (Offside) still includes the provision that a player in an offside position commits an infraction when involved in active play, interferes with an opponent, or gains an advantage. However, a literal reading of the new law seems to imply that a stricter interpretation of being involved in active play is now in place. It appears that a player would have to touch the ball to be offside due to being involved in active play. But, don't believe it. This is NOT the case, and according to "everyone", the new wording was supposed to better document how we've been playing the game for years. So, wait for clarification from your soccer association.
      Law 11 (Offside) does clarify that a player is offside when any part of
  his/her body (toes, hair, fingers, etc.) is forward of the last defender.
      Law 15 (Throw in) Opponents must be a minimum of two yards away from the thrower.
      Law 12 (Fouls) Tackles that endanger an opponent shall be considered
  serious foul play and the offender shall be sent off. In the past this
  part of the LOTG referred to tackles from behind.
      For a complete digest of the changes, see
  http://www.fifa.com/en/news/feature/0,1451,105505,00.html?articleid=105505
   
• AHSAA Website Additions For Officials:
       There have been two additions to the official's section of the AHSAA web
  site. These additions complement the AHSAA Official's Guide.
       There are two cards in this guide that have been duplicated on the web site. One is the OFFICIAL'S GAME REPORT form and the other is the OFFICIAL'S CHANGE OF ADDRESS form.
       The OFFICIAL'S GAME REPORT form can be used to report game ejections of coaches and/or players. It is not to be used for unsportsmanlike incidents
  (such as a fan or spectator ejection).
      Fax a written report on any incident that does not involve an ejection.
  Removal of a fan or spectator if reported is not reported as an ejection. If
  reported, it is to be reported as an unsportsmanlike incident. (AHSAA Fax
  Number: 334-387-0075/0076)
      The OFFICIAL'S CHANGE OF ADDRESS form can be used to provide the AHSAA with a change of address. The form in the Official's Guide can still be used.
       The web addresses are as follows:
  Officials Section: http://www.ahsaa.com/officials/ 
    (Links to the forms on this page)
  OFFICIAL'S GAME REPORT:
    http://www.ahsaa.com/officials/officials_game_report.asp
  OFFICIAL'S CHANGE OF ADDRESS:
    http://www.ahsaa.com/officials/officials_address_change.asp
   
• New Information form for all Referees
  All referees are to fill out a new registration form for NASOA. This form is for attaining current information on all members, High School, College, USSF, old and new, young and physically mature. Daphne will have the forms over the next few weeks. The forms will be used to update the database.
   
• Match Assignors:
  All USSF sanctioned matches must be assigned to you by a certified USSF Assignor. There are no exceptions.
  
  Mike Costello - AYSA, ASA, NASL, and HSC Spring Classic, 882-0821 home or 694-0286 cell, Mike.Costello@knology.net   
  
  Daphne Brown - HASL, HSC Summer Classic, Kicks Tournament - 536-5401 home, 348-2892 cell, daphne@hiwaay.net
  
  Tommy Hunt - Alternate Assignor - 992-2992 home tjhbama@comcast.net
   
• Instructor News
  Daphne Brown has been designated at the Lead Instructor for NASOA, and Barry Pharris has been designated at the Lead Assessor for NASOA.
  
   

Assigning Protocol Contact information Home Phone 882.0821 Cell Phone 694.0286 (voice mail) E-mail Mike.Costello@Knology.net Assigning Protocol First priority given to General Membership Meeting attendees Second priority given to those that send a weekly (Tuesday-Monday) e-mail availability on Sunday All matches unfilled after the Monday meeting will be communicated via e-mail on Monday night or Tuesday morning; first come will be first served Youth referees will not be assigned unless there is a) at least one adult referee on the crew or b) a referee monitoring the match as a spectator/ advisor Goal is to give more referees fewer games, given capability/experience AYSA v NASL Match Payment AYSA matches paid through SYRA at later date (see below) NASL matches paid on the field, no paperwork, DO keep player passes (turned in at Petes within 24 hours of match completion) Highly recommend refs know match pay rates AYSA payment requests to be submitted to SYRA on 9/7 (Weeks 1- 4), 10/4 (Weeks 5-8) and 11/2 (Weeks 9-12) Match Protocol Check rosters v passes prior to all matches No pass, no play All participants on field/technical area must have passes For AYSA, sign and return roster/match reports to both teams after match is completed, do NOT keep player passes For NASL, no added paperwork, keep passes and return to Petes Soccer Shop within 24 hours of match completion Match Schedules AYSA and NASL schedules are located at www.nasl.com/schedules.htm AYSA schedule static, NASL schedule dynamic NOTHING is final until the final weekly schedule is communicated at the General Membership Meeting USSF Match Report Must be submitted by CR to assignor via e-mail within 48 hours of match Accuracy is essential AYSA or NASL match number must be in the subject line of e-mail Unless requested otherwise, send reports to assignor only Report field deficiencies (especially absence of corner flags) in notes portion of report

REFEREE NEWS:

• Important Notes for the Fall USSF Seasons:

  • No corner flags, no play.
    Fields MUST have corner flags. It is the responsibility of the home team to provide corner flags. If the home team can not provide them within 15 minutes of the start time of the match, then it is listed as a no show match. If flags are secured within the 15 minutes grace time, then the match is played with out a deduction in time.
     
  • No passes, No Play.
    NASL matches - If a team shows up without coach or player passes, the offending team (the one without the passes) will pay the entire match's referee fees on the field at that time. If they refuse to pay, then the referees will contact Pat Miller and Mike Costello at NASOA and submit a report. It is the home teams responsibility to inform the out of town teams of this issue. This is for NASL matches only. State matches require passes also but referee fees are not paid on the field.
     
  • Rule Change - Mandatory Caution for removing shirt
    Law change for 2004, it is a mandatory caution if a player raises his/her shirt above the head or takes off the shirt in a celebratory/derogatory manner.
  
   
• High School Publications
  AHSAA Officials Guidebook 2003
  AHSAA Spring Sports 2004 - Soccer Section Only
  NFHS Spring Sports
  
   
• Officials' Code of Ethics
       Please re-affirm with each of your respective association members, the Officials Code of Ethics. You shall never berate, admonish, or degrade another official in a public forum, whether that be personally in public, or through an electronic chat room or forum. You may exchange your Name, AHSAA Officials Number, email  address, etc. with another official... If you feel that you need to discuss a particular situation or event on a one-to-one basis, or at your next respective officials association meeting. But, never do this discussion in a public place, where other may overhear, and mis-understand what is being said and responded.
        I don't care how wrong you may feel another officials is, or how unjust you feel personally, because your son or daughter was on the other team. You will never, never berate, admonish, or degrade another official in a public.
        YOU ARE ALWAYS AN OFFICIAL FIRST. Even though it is very tough not to be a parent first. If you have some major concerns during a game, then submit an observers game report, and have it brought up for discussion during your respective officials association meeting. Or, forwarded to the respective Association President, for the association that the official is a member. Ensure that I get a CC of the same email or report.
       I have attached the following website for the AHSAA Mission Statement and Code of Ethics:
  http://www.ahsaa.com/officials/missionstatement.asp
       A single incident could get you suspended from all AHSAA activities for a period of two years, and that could involve your restriction from all sports, not just soccer. I know a few of you work more than one sport, and Code of Ethics applies to all officials, in all sports.
       Tommy Hunt, AHSAA Northern District Director for Soccer
  (h) 256-882-2992, tjhbama@comcast.net  (w) 256-895-1612, tommy.j.hunt@hnd01.usace.army.mil
  
   
• Head Gear Approved for USYSA and AYSA Play
       The Alabama Youth Soccer Association has recognized and endorsed the new protective headgears available for soccer. Please note that this is club ball not high school. 
        According to Tommy Hunt:
  "NFHS and AHSAA currently state that if a player needs headgear to eligible to play, for health reasons, then they probably shouldn't be playing at all. The allow the face guards in basketball for things like broken noses, but the head is not a part of the game (usually) in basketball.   It is an active part of the game in soccer."
   
• Noisemakers - Legal or Not?
       From Greg Brewer - "It has come to our attention that some (high school) game officials are instructing spectators in the Birmingham area to refrain from using cow bells at their soccer game.  Artificial Noisemakers (Cow Bells) are legal for spectators at outdoor sporting events.  Please forward this information on to your local associations so these type of actions by officials will stop."  
        Clarification from Tommy, Air powered noise makers such as Air Horns are not permissible.  Drums fall in the same category as cow bells, in that they are man-powered and therefore allowed. Generally, we do not see these in this area, but may be exposed to them during Sub-State games, when attendance and spectators participation grows.
   
• NASOA Flipping Coins
  NASOA board approved and ordered the purchase of a NASOA flipping coin. All members of NASOA will receive one coin at no charge to the member. If you wish to purchase coins, the cost is $3.00 apiece, limit is five coins per referee. Daphne Brown will have the coins with me for the next several meetings.
   
• NASL Referee Pay Rates
  
      The NASOA Board voted to increase the NASL referee rates to reflect the same rates as ASA Division II. There are two files linked below. The first is the current rates as of the Fall 2003. The second is the new rates for NASL that reflect the exact amounts as ASA Division II. These changes do not represent a significant increase in the fees paid to referees. Secondly, since there is no DII for U9 - U10 we decided not to increase the rate for that age group. If in the coming season ASA increases their DII rates the NASL rates will reflect that increase.
  • NASL-NASOA New Referee Pay Rates For Fall 2004 - Excel Spreadsheet
  • NASOA-NASL Contract for Fall 2004
     

NASOA CODE OF ETHICS

I shall always maintain the utmost respect for the game of soccer.

I shall conduct myself as a gentleman at all times and maintain the dignity of my position and support a professional separation from both players and coaches.

I shall always honor a contractual obligation.

I shall attend local meetings and clinics to best know the rules and their interpretation.

I shall always strive to achieve maximum teamwork with my partner.

I shall be loyal to my brother officials, and never permit or promote criticism of them.

I shall be in good physical condition so as to be in the right place at the right time.

I shall control the players effectively by being courteous and considerate without sacrificing firmness.

I shall do my utmost to assist my brother official to better himself and his work.

I shall live up to the credo of the ideal official who notices everything but is seldom noticed themselves.

I consider it a privilege to be a member of the NASOA and will uphold its ideals at all times.

I shall not solicit games.

I shall not allow personal relationships to affect my professional standards on or off the field.

THE REFEREE COMMITMENT

The U. S. Soccer Federation National Referee Program, through the involvement of each referee, is recognized by players, coaches, and administrators as a program which consistently provides excellence in officiating and displays the highest level of professionalism through service and dedication. 
To accomplish this, I, as a referee, am committed to:

1. Officiating matches in a fair and safe manner that ensures players and spectator enjoyment.
2. Maintaining my physical fitness for peak performance.
3. Faithfully keeping all appointments assigned to and accepted by me.
4. Supporting my fellow officials with loyalty, pride, and dignity.
5. Conducting myself in a way to be ethically and morally beyond reproach.
6. Granting players and coaches dignity and self-respect.
7. Contributing to the overall development of the National Referee Program.
8. Remaining committed to a continuous learning and improvement process that enables me to perform to my full potential. 
   
   UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION, INC.
   1801-1811 South Prairie Avenue
   Chicago, Illinois 60616
   (312) 808-1300 (Telephone)
   (312) 808-9572 (Direct fax to the Referee Department)
   Revised 1996

---

NASOA By-Laws:

ETHICS, DETRIMENTAL CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS

SECTION 1.  ETHICS

1. That I shall always maintain the utmost respect for the game of soccer.
2. That I will conduct myself as a gentleman at all times and maintain the dignity of my position, and support a professional  separation from both
   players and coaches.
3. That I shall always honor a contractual obligation.
4. That I will attend local meetings and clinics so as to best know the rules and their interpretation.
5. That I will always strive to achieve maximum teamwork with my partner.
6. That I shall be loyal to my brother officials, and never permit or promote criticism of them.
7. That I shall be in good physical condition so as to be in the right place at the right time.
8. That I will control the players effectively by being courteous and considerate without sacrificing firmness.
9. That I shall do my utmost to assist my brother official to better himself and his work.
10. That I shall live up to the credo of the ideal official who notices everything but is seldom noticed themselves.
11. That I consider it a privilege to be a member of NASOA and will uphold its ideals at all times. 
12. That I shall not solicit games.
13. That I shall not allow personal relationships to affect my professional standards on or off the field.
     

SECTION 2. DETRIMENTAL CONDUCT

The following examples of misconduct, among other matters, shall be considered grounds for suspension or expulsion from the association:

1. Refereeing a game or appearing for a game while under the influence of intoxicants, or being a spectator at a game in this condition.
2. Wagering upon soccer in any respect or acting as a stakeholder for a wager upon a game.
3. Conviction of a felony, or conviction of a misdemeanor if such may bring discredit to the member or to NASOA.
4. Failure to meet financial obligations, if such may bring discredit to the member or to NASOA.
5. Smoking in uniform in the vicinity of the field.
6. Making derogatory statements about any other game official, whether as a coach, player, spectator, or an official.

---

Dealing with an Angry Coach:

First, calm down your adversary.
Use peaceful body language.
Once you achieved this, let your adversary speak.
Ask your adversary if you can reply to his/her concern.
Keep your arms behind your back.
Use respectful words/titles to address your adversary
and his/her concerns.
If you are at fault, DO ADMIT IT.

You are the law.... they perceive you as perfect.
Remind them you are just like anybody else and
subject to making errors.
Angry coaches want to spill gas on the fire and draw you in
as to be a guilty party so they have you as a proven part of
their problem. Your job is to cool the fire down.

(submitted to the ref's e-mail list by David Albany)

---

A Simplified Laws of the Game for Spectators:

        I have posted a simplified version of the Laws of the Game provided by Bob Christensen of the Mandan Soccer Club which are a good prep course for newcomers, players and spectators.  They are not designed to cover all aspects of the game but do cover the major portion of the Laws. 

---

Handling Dissent:

This was posted to a referee's e-mail list by Mike Goblet:

 A good, no, a very good friend sent me this note. I think this answer may be of use to others, too:

 I have found that dissent covers two different types of situations: facts and law interpretation. I am comfortable with the fact part (since Law 5 says we have the ultimate say), and I calmly say something like "you kicked him in the heels". On Law questions, since I really pride myself on knowing this, and usually get the highest grades on tests, I tend to take that dissent more personally. I have yet to come up with a good response that doesn't sound officious, if someone persists in questioning my knowledge of the laws. Have you come up with something?

In many clinics I am honored to present, dissent is one of the primary subjects I address. Anyone who has read my thoughts is fully aware that I speak often of the referee's responsibility to be a man- and match- manager. I continually raise the premise that the referee must learn to pick battles carefully, choosing to fight those that offer some real benefit, not merely an opportunity to impress others with their excellent debating skills. I take the position that most cautions for dissent are really cautions to soothe the referee's ego, and the dissent they caution often results from an omission on their part - a failure to fully discharge their duties and powers. I mention that it is impossible to argue with someone who is not there. Perhaps the surest method to quell dissent, valid or invalid, is to get the ball back into play as quickly as is practical. I don't hang around after calls, and absolutely ignore the touchlines.

Please don't misinterpret my position. Real dissent is cancerous, and must be dealt with. Each of us must learn to filter real dissent from comments born of frustration and disappointment.

A friend told me something I found profound - there are times when it hurts to be a referee. This can't be helped. The only advice I can give that may assuage the real pain that is experienced by referees, who are doing their level best, when the great mass of unknowing complain, is to take comfort in the knowledge that you have done your best to fulfill your responsibilities to the highest standard ... and if you haven't, that you take the responsibility to correct any errors you discover .

We all make errors, yet even the least skilled usually call balanced games - they indeed call it both ways. With a little time and a few games under their belt, I would suggest the vast majority of all referees get it right more than 80% of the time. How many athletes can say the same?

In the final analysis of any human relations situation, each of us has the responsibility to choose how we will respond in our interactions with others. We can accept or reject the baggage others want us to carry. We benefit no one if we allow the often self-serving comments of others, often born of frustration, define us.

The best response is to be found in action, not words. A comeback only validates criticism and lowers the referee in many peoples eyes. Try not to go there.

I hope this helps ... 
Mike "Skipper" Goblet

---

These pages are best viewed at 800 by 600 using 
Internet Explorer v4 or higher or Netscape Navigator v4 or higher

Web Administrator:   Suzette Dye  dprsports@peoplepc.com