Coach and Referee Summit

February 24, 2007

Coaches expressed a concern of the level of disconnect in communication between coaches and referees experienced at tournaments. Referees stated various ways that this is being addressed including; having referees come in and talk to the coaches about the laws of the game, or requirements that each team have at least on adult certified referee.

Coaches stated that a number of players are referees. Greg G. stated that all referees courses are listed on the TSSA website. Coaches stated the need to help recruit referees from within the teams.

Coaches stated that his district referees has issues with respect in the district. Problem with the skill level of officials being assigned, resulting in referees being obtained without going through assignor. The more experienced referees are used to avoid having an unqualified official.

Coaches expressed concern there may be issues with the evaluation process. Referees expressed concern that perhaps grade 9 referees should not be used in a competitive match. Referees further defined the requirements that officials go through in the evaluation process of the various grades of a referee. The referees defined the referee education requirements of officials with the entry level having an initial 14 hour hours of classroom instruction.

Further discussion asked about questions for continuing education for coaches regarding the laws of the game. Coaches stated the requirements/coursework for the various coaching licenses however there is no annual course required. Tom Condone stated that he agrees there should be an annual review of the laws of the games. The coaches suggested they should invite a Greg stated that only a select group of instructors should teach the laws of the games to coaches. Concern were stated that the referees were not consistent throughout the state such as the off side rule. Referees receive annual updates of the law changes and the coaches do not get annual updates of laws. John Snyder asked Tom Condone to get all the coaches of the copies of laws of the games.

Coaches suggested that web page for a discussion board on wide regarding officiating points of emphasis to include:

Hand ball

Substitution

Off Side

Advantage

Referees mentioned that elbowing was a POE however this will be different depending on the level of game. Mike Candebat stated that all the law changes and the will be disseminated to the coaches. Coaches wanted a venue for discussion when there is an erroneous call – misunderstanding of the law or misreading of the game it could be brought up on the discussion board.

Coaches mentioned that one official stated there is no advantage in the back third. The officials stated that no referee should be taught in that manner. Further mention stated that tournaments happen to work differently in how various laws are interpreted. Further discussion developed over having an onsite course to have the official attend the referee meeting at the tournament and reviewing various laws that are misinterpreted. Mike Candebat stated that recently we have an influx of officials upgrading. In addition, there are not enough officials upgraded to cover the tournaments. Coaches stated concern over lack of focus over the points of emphasis and stress law interpretation. The trend has been largely do to spectator behavior.

Mike Candebat asked if the clubs have points covered with the team parents and their behavior at the field. Knoxville has stringent policy that ejected parents cannot attend games for one year. Coaches expressed a need for a central location/webpage that can be used to relay information. Tom Condone mentioned that they have something similar on ussoccer Greg mentioned that there is something on ussoccer.com as well as ask a referee.

Coaches suggested having an official come to meet with coaches annually on the points of emphasis. Knoxville has newer referees protected in the academy program. Knoxville also has a mentoring program forming to entice higher level officials to coming into the state working. On March 3^rd Knoxville is have practical experience clinics for young referees. These clinics are a cooperative effort of the select teams and coaches to provide a controlled environment for enhanced referee instruction. Coaches suggested that similar programs should be introduced/implemented across the state. Referees were open to any additional training and are pleased with the support from the coaches.