tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40560054062179464692024-02-20T19:45:47.569-05:00Kicking BackOpining on The Game outside the lines since 2010Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.comBlogger1348125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-22238323542843291652017-04-09T09:15:00.002-04:002017-04-24T05:15:25.389-04:00Got Pressure?Here is an interesting article about the effect of outside pressures on referees in the National Football League. The author includes data to back up the claim, and even a reference to a German study about soccer referees and the impact of crowd noise. Worth reading.....<br />
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<a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/nfl-coaches-yell-at-refs-because-it-freakin-works/">https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/nfl-coaches-yell-at-refs-because-it-freakin-works/ </a><br />
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<br />JAFOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14534697587616131769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-9474008084892934972017-03-27T07:00:00.000-04:002017-03-27T07:00:10.963-04:00A behind the scenes ... behind the scenes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Often times the discussion on this blog regards itself with refereeing or things related to that craft. At times this can get fairly monotonous and even at times "wonkish."<br />
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This latter term is not meant as a pejorative, but rather to describe an individual that is really in the weeds on a given topic. Refereeing itself at times is there as we concern ourselves with levels of detail most will never appreciate about The Game, this last weekend however at the 2017 US Soccer referee program workshop in Chicago took me to a whole new level.<br />
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At its highest level, this workshop is the place for all US Soccer state associations (there are currently 56 such associations in the US - CA, NY, PA, TX, VA have more than one) to share ideas, meet with the National Office, and generally reconnect with friends.<br />
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It was a reminder for me of a couple of things:<br />
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First, is US Soccer is generally operated under principles of federalism. Meaning specifically that while there is national governing body in US Soccer, specifically the National Referee Program (NRP), each state association is responsible for administrating their own program. This can have several effects, some good, some less good.<br />
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On the good side, while there is guidance provided by the NRP about how some things may be done at the state level, each state may provide as much support as they want into various types of programs. An one example, Massachusetts, and various other states in the US have an advanced referee academy that is supported entirely by the individual state. In Massachusetts this is the Alpha Project and is completely staffed and funded by the Massachusetts State Referee Association. This project is dedicated to creating advanced referees and is done through classroom work, match observation, group coaching, and individual mentoring.<br />
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On the less good side, each state is left to their own devices with little or no coordination with other states. This can be very detrimental as the development of referees in the US is not uniform across the US. While state referee programs are a factor, others exist such as the type, amount, and quality of play within the state itself. For example, without a professional team nearby, some referees may never get an opportunity to reach such a level if they were not exposed to it at the right time in their career.<br />
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Related to the Workshop, the behind the scenes, behind the scenes was a fascinating look into various state associations working together to make things better for referees in every state. I remain awestruck by the amount of time people are willing to volunteer of there own time and dedicate it to something they may never get back in an effort to make it better for all.<br />
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As one of many examples, serious discussion was given to the problem of rogue referee assignors who utilize US Soccer resources to assign referees to unaffiliated matches. There was yelling, screaming, cursing, and serious discussion about how to solve these issues. While so in the weeds it at times gave me a popsicle headache, it was great to see so much energy surround the issue.<br />
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When I was a younger referee I never really gave too much thought to what makes the program go, at the state or national levels. Since stepping out of the limelight, I am humbled by the time volunteered by so many.<br />
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Next time you get a chance, thank an administrator or volunteer of your choice. I know they would appreciate it.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-40045861693084435692017-01-25T07:47:00.001-05:002017-01-25T07:47:41.411-05:00What means Consistency?Consistency is probably the most sought-after characteristic for a referee. With everyone we encounter, from our first classroom instructor to the highest level coaches and players, we are enjoined to be consistent. Consistency is king, writes my colleague PK in this very blog. (See <a href="http://kicking-back.blogspot.com/2015/08/what-soccer-referees-should-learn-from_25.html" target="_blank">Kicking Back</a>, August 25, 2015.)<br />
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Again in a more recent post, he comments about the encroaching influences to referees from outside forces: <i>"</i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px;">There</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px;"><i> is a larger issue at play here and it has to deal with the consistency regarding the officiating. </i></span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px;">There</i><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px;"> may be times that a 3rd party dispassionate view of things may be warranted. Goals are a good example. Either it crossed the line and was between the posts and under the crossbar - or it wasn't. There is no gray here - only black and white. </i></span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beyond that, sorry folks, is gray..."</span></i><br />
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Without meaning to disagree with my colleague, whose opinion I respect greatly, I do want to ask one question: Why? Why allow some outside influences and not others? Specifically with regard to his example, what makes the decision about the goal being scored any more important than the one to give the penalty kick, or to send off the central defender for DOGSO? <br />
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Do pro referees consider cumulative points before issuing a caution to a star player? Of course they do. Is this not an outside influence, even if the message is delivered before the game starts in the form of a stat sheet? <br />
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Do referees consider the time of the game, or location of the field, or even the score of the match when determining whether to give a simple foul, or escalate to misconduct? Haven't we all kept a card in the pocket because we knew we had other ways to manage the moment? What does that say about our consistency?<br />
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So what does it mean to be consistent? What is the elusive target here? If a foul is a foul is a foul, then why do the players and spectators get so upset with us for calling them as we see them? I can understand that we may miss one here or there, due to poor positioning or just the nature of dynamic play, but surely we are getting the vast majority of the calls correct. Yet if you ask most observers, they will rail about the referees' inconsistencies. It seems like being inconsistent is about the only thing we can do consistently.<br />
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For insight, look no further than the rest of my esteemed colleague's comment when he goes on to say that, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"<span style="font-size: small;">[Referees] </span></i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">are the only ones who can truly feel what is going on at any time and need the freedom to manage that emotion how they see fit." </span> </i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.48px;">Now we are getting someplace!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.48px;">So, if a referee calls a foul at one end of the field, or in the first half, that he does not also call in the second, does that mean he is being inconsistent? Maybe. But it could also mean that he is serving the higher purpose of managing the game, and ultimately that in itself is being consistent - consistent to the mission of the game! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Something to think about. And as PK says in closing,</span> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"F</span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">or any referee who thinks it's all about "the rules" ... think again."</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.48px;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span>
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<br />JAFOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14534697587616131769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-34553561620846816222017-01-17T21:44:00.000-05:002017-01-17T21:51:13.422-05:00The sad passing of Wally Russell<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaSvlKGWX2eFTsih8Wz6GU5HG7D-FExs29xHT9WykqrQFT8TVCqVjS5B9UMU0WLK8CXbptsGY1Xk1RcZOrf5taazi3fEqYVnvPcUzuMYq0nXB4_Y2RBLxtcNiF1di2dJI9jH5vKMMtG7m/s1600/11224224_1488003764848046_3320349965065879616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaSvlKGWX2eFTsih8Wz6GU5HG7D-FExs29xHT9WykqrQFT8TVCqVjS5B9UMU0WLK8CXbptsGY1Xk1RcZOrf5taazi3fEqYVnvPcUzuMYq0nXB4_Y2RBLxtcNiF1di2dJI9jH5vKMMtG7m/s320/11224224_1488003764848046_3320349965065879616_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wally Russell via Facebook</td></tr>
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Soccer friends,<br />
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I am both shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of one of the soccer communities most existential members, Wally Russell.<br />
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I was first introduced to Wally very early in my refereeing career and had the immediate thought that the man was a bit too "free spirited" for me with all his swagger, outspoken opinions, and waist length hair that was neatly braided to the small of his back.</div>
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We had the pleasure of working several youth matches together and his passion for The Game and infectious love for life quickly won me over and had me seriously rethinking his approach to things ... including The Game.</div>
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Shortly thereafter Wally took me under his wing at the <a href="http://www.southshoresportscenter.com/">South Shore Sports Center</a>, one of the very first, and very few facilities of the type at the time to serve as a referee. It was here, Wally had the foresight to pair me with <a href="http://kicking-back.blogspot.com/2010/12/celebrating-outstanding-career-and.html">Tom Supple, FIFA AR extraordinaire</a>, and put me on a path that I would follow for the rest of my life.</div>
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While Wally single handedly has watched me referee more matches that anyone ever will in my entire life, his musings generally avoided the technical aspects of The Game (this while intentional was not due to a lack of subject matter expertise as Wally was particularly well versed in The Game). Rather, he would opine about the human side of The Game and how management of players was the key - not a demand of "respect" or "control" I so often strived for in my 20's inside the field.</div>
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Lessons were delivered slowly to allow me time to catch up, as each lesson was the result of an emotional bruising inside the field. A match gone bad, a situation not handled well. Slow and deliberate learning, week, after week, after week. Hundreds of matches he watched and after so many, a lesson learned and reinforced. Some of the most poignant lessons were treated with helpings of chicken fingers with copious amount of duck sauce and hot mustard, in equal portions. This was generally followed by a Pepsi chaser and a heated game of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-28720-Risk-Game-Domination/dp/B004MRZGC4">Risk</a> with Wally, Max, Fred, and myself. More than once Tommy was there and we dumped the Risk and just talked until 2 or 3AM. It was a fabulous time in my life.</div>
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Lessons included things like:</div>
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<i>"Leave your ego on the bench.",</i></div>
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<i>"<a href="http://kicking-back.blogspot.com/2012/06/why-i-hate-zero-tolerance-of-any-kind.html">Paint yourself with invisible paint before a match</a>.", and</i></div>
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<i>"You're not really that good, they just don't have anyone else right now."</i></div>
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While on the surface these may seem harsh (especially that last one), the underlying message was clear. A referee can not put themselves above The Game. </div>
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Later in life when we would talk, I grew to realize this was true as a life lesson as well. There is a larger thing that binds us all and one person should not put themselves above others in that quest.</div>
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Wally would find me throughout my professional career and touch base, always making sure my head was on my shoulders and not someplace it did not belong.</div>
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Even after my active days he would spend time supporting me in my endeavors with various town soccer organizations by providing equipment, such as whistles, through his business <a href="http://kicking-back.blogspot.com/2011/03/tip-of-my-cap-to-classics.html">Mere Cie</a>. Even there, he was always quick to teach:</div>
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<i>"If we budgeted more time to reading and correcting body language and listening to and perfecting nuanced whistles tones for effect and match control, our performance as referees would evolve limitlessly."</i><br />
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Our community will miss you Wally. You served it in your own way for so long. While you walked your own path, our intersections could not have been more meaningful and filled with a life you loved so much.</div>
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I for one will miss you and always remember what you taught.</div>
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With love and respect,</div>
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Peter</div>
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<i>WAYLAND: Wally John Russell, 67, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 15, 2017 after being stricken at his Wayland residence. </i><br />
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<i>He was born in Paris, France on April 9, 1949 the son of the late John C. Russell and Juliette J. (Rodiere) Russell of France. </i></div>
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<i>Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife of 46 years, Grace M. (Giuffrida) Russell of Wayland. He was the father of Aimee K. Russell of Wayland and Nathan Wally Russell of Alameda, CA. He was the brother of John Russell of Tampa, FL; Fred Russell of Fontainebleau, France and the late Pierre Russell. </i></div>
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<i>Wally has been a resident of Wayland for over 38 years and previously resided in Fontainebleau, France. He served with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany. </i></div>
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<i>He was a youth soccer coach in Weston for many years and also a soccer referee throughout the metrowest area. For many years, he was associated with the South Shore Sports Center in Hingham. </i></div>
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<i>He was an avid coin collector and enjoyed the English Premier Soccer League. He was devoted to his family and will be fondly remembered by all the lives that he touched. </i></div>
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<i>His family will receive friends and family on Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (Off Rte 30), Wayland. </i></div>
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<i>A Celebration Remembrance Service will begin at 4:00 pm at the funeral home. </i></div>
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<i>In lieu of flowers, his family kindly suggests that memorial gifts in Wally’s memory may be sent to a charity to benefit youth soccer. </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-66980286521521767532017-01-10T13:00:00.000-05:002017-01-13T10:42:13.188-05:00FIFA Going to 48 Teams ... Winners and LosersOn 10-JAN-17, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/10/sports/fifa-world-cup.html?_r=0">FIFA unanimously approved</a> a plan to increase the number of participating teams in the World Cup from 32 teams (established in 1998) to 48 teams. It is my opinion there are some clear winners and some clear losers based on this move by FIFA. Based on <a href="https://twitter.com/fifamedia/status/818753191449948160">FIFA's twitter feed</a>, fans of The Game are not reacting well ... but it may not be all bad.<br />
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<b>Losers:</b><br />
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<li><i>European Clubs: </i></li>
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<li>Between friendlies, tuners, qualifying, and tournament play, I believe European Clubs, and maybe more specifically, the individual players, are going to get stretched beyond all belief with this move. Even with 32 teams, Clubs have had to sacrifice significant portions of their schedule to accommodate (ultimately) FIFA to meet their requirements. A move to 48 teams I believe will compound this existing issue. </li>
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<li><i>Developing Countries:</i></li>
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<li>While FIFA has erred substantially in awarding host privileges to countries that may not have the necessary infrastructure to host such an event (ahem Qatar), their move to 48 teams I believe is a death knell to any developing country with aspirations to host a World Cup. Such an increase in teams will now create a market uptick in necessary infrastructure to accommodate these teams, staff, media, fans ... At this point, only true "1st tier countries" (as FIFA puts it) can realistically be considered. On the flip side, I believe the US just got vaulted into a top spot for hosting 2026.</li>
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<li><i>The World Cup:</i></li>
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<li>I am hard pressed to believe that quality of play is going to increase with 16 more teams involved. To get the heart of this point is the question of how does this move increase the quality fo play worldwide? This is after all one of FIFA's goals, yes? How does 18 more teams in the World Cup help this?</li>
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<li><i>FIFA's integrity:</i></li>
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<li>This move serves to once again hit at FIFA's integrity. This is so not because there is anything inherently unethical about increasing the team pool, but because it would seem at first blush this move is not to better The Game, but to increase revenue. Consider this, FIFA's first move after coming off a historic ethics catastrophe is to increase the scope of the World Cup. I may have thought a far more benevolent first move from a scandal ridden FIFA may have been more appropriate.</li>
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<b>Winners:</b></div>
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<li><i>Sponsors:</i></li>
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<li>To me they are one of the largest winners. In a brilliant move, FIFA's new president found a way to provide more exposure to existing (and in some cases wavering) sponsor support for the World Cup. As the footprint for sponsors increases in at least 18 new countries, so goes their revenue opportunity. </li>
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<li><i>FIFA's bank account:</i></li>
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<li>It is estimated that FIFA will net on the order of $500 million in revenue for the broadcast and marketing rights for the addition of these 16 new teams. This to add to the $1.4 Billion (yes with a B) reserve they have. Let's not fool ourselves kids, this is the highlighting reason why FIFA (in my opinion) is taking this move.</li>
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<li><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Football_Confederation">AFC</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederation_of_African_Football">CAF</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania_Football_Confederation">OFC</a>:</i></li>
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<li>It is estimated that these football confederations will receive some or all of the 18 teams that will be joining the tournament. This is a huge win for these regions of the world and frankly FIFA's best arguement as to why they added these teams. 16 Additional berths to the World Cup is substantial for these regions of the world who are working to develop top quality teams. My contrary question is, will they be ready by 2026?</li>
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<li><i>Referees:</i></li>
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<li>Another big winner are the referees of the world and specifically UEFA referees who dominate the tournament. There will be a HUGE (relatively speaking) number of matches that will be played. Each will need a qualified FIFA referee team to manage the match. This in turn may also require particular national programs (such as within the new 18 countries) to develop a more robust FIFA referee program to assist in accommodating the sheer number of matches. FIFA may have backed themselves into an area of referee development as well.</li>
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In summary there are some clear winners and losers with this move. On balance I think this is not great for The Game, even with some good results for referees. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-83174581110972991102017-01-02T11:11:00.000-05:002017-01-02T11:38:36.729-05:00The ego of "Legacy"Well loyal readers of Kicking Back it is a New Year and with it comes some renewed effort around this blog. It's funny as since I have been writing so much in my "day job", I have found less and less time for this site. I am looking to reverse this trend forthwith.<br />
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Over the last several months I have run into cases, and have spoken publicly in a few venues about what I have sometimes termed "extreme ego." I started to find myself compelled to write about it as I am beginning to believe it is one of the major causes for people to not be as successful as they really could. One of the most common ways I have heard this ego being thrown around is in the form of defining ones "Legacy."<br />
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As the necessary underpinning regarding ones "Legacy" we as a species have to grapple with the simple fact that we are mortal in a corporeal sense and only get so many turns on this mud ball we call Earth. Not an easy prospect I grant you and an understandable reason why, in some cases, people want to create a "Legacy" for themselves. In this way one can "live" on beyond their time on this planet. People want to be remembered and this would seem one way to accomplish this goal. For many, imparting life lessons to children, be it their own or others, is one way to accomplish this idea of "Legacy."<br />
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In other cases however, this creation of "Legacy" is a way for some to say "look at me and how awesome I am." This at times can include when one is at the end of their own life and is looking to "live on" or when one is transitioning to another thing in their current life and want to be remembered for how "awesome I am" and want to show everyone.<br />
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These later prospects are very dangerous, particularly in a refereeing context as actively working on ones "Legacy" of refereeing can lead to the exercise of that extreme ego I referred to above.<br />
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As I reflect on a number of things for 2017, personal, professional, and soccer related, I have (re)discovered a number of "life's little truisms" related to this use of ego.<br />
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<li>Don't ever believe your own press;</li>
<li>You're not as good as you think you are;</li>
<li>Even if you are pretty good, you can get better;</li>
<li>Even if you are really good, there is always someone better.</li>
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I can say from experience I have fallen into this trap of "I'm good enough" and paid dearly for it at times in my personal, professional, and refereeing lives. In my current role as referee coach I can also say I am seeing this inappropriate use of ego played out again and again in fields across the United States. Not just from referees, but from players, coaches, parents, and administrators as well. (Not being paid to serve in a role is not an excuse for being a total f*k up at it.) </div>
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As we collectively enter 2017, ask yourself what you can do to get better. Become a student of the thing you want to achieve and quietly put in the work.</div>
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It is one of the great paradoxes of refereeing IMHO, to really get THAT good, to be one of the best on the world stage, you have to completely tear yourself down and do the bitter work on the field and off. Take your lumps and learn from each and every one. </div>
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At the end of this ride you may be surprised that one day, folks may recognize you as really good, maybe even one of the very best. One to be remembered for all time. To get there though ... and here is the paradox ... you have to leave your ego on the touchline and work to be forgotten every match you do. </div>
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It is in this work to be forgotten, you may be forever remembered as one of the very best.<br />
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Happy 2017 and thanks to all for your steadfast support of Kicking Back.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-30967697492551830562016-06-01T01:00:00.000-04:002016-12-27T13:58:40.146-05:00#Foudyforpresident<b><span style="font-size: large;">On equal pay, U.S. Soccer has a chance to right FIFA's wrongs</span></b><br />
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When five players -- Carli Lloyd, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo, on behalf of the World Cup-winning U.S. women's national soccer team -- recently <a href="http://espn.go.com/espnw/sports/article/15102506/women-national-team-files-wage-discrimination-action-vs-us-soccer-federation">filed a federal complaint charging U.S. Soccer with wage discrimination</a>, it quickly became apparent, for the 10,849th time in my life, that I should have chosen law school after college (or at least paid better attention in accounting classes).<br />
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I won't attempt to dissect the legal nuances of the players' Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filing, but instead I will get to the heart of the issue, because this is clear: The women deserve more. The question is how much.<br />
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I spoke recently with both sides -- U.S. Soccer's chief financial officer Eric Gleason and spokesman Neil Buethe, and the players' legal counsel Jeffrey Kessler and Rich Nichols -- to get their perspectives. If one thing is certain in all of this, the issue is complex. ...<br />
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See the whole story <a href="http://espn.go.com/espnw/voices/article/15386251/on-equal-pay-us-soccer-chance-right-fifa-wrongs">here</a>, courtesy of ESPNW.</div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments: This is a great article from Foudy who anchored many of the reasons why the WNT is what it is today. I truly appreciated she agreed with the facts (MNT and WNT salaries have been about equal for the past 8 years or so), did not let US Soccer off the hook (why does the WNT have to win every game to make the same), and places some blame in FIFA where it in part lies. Sounds familiar huh?</i></div>
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<i>While I do start getting off the bus is when she speaks about "systemic discrimination." I take her point and believe there is an argument to be made in there somewhere, but not in that way. Where she comes closest is raising the turf issue ... which I have commented on here, was a disgrace for FIFA ... as any World Cup and any national side should play on a natural surface. See my article "<a href="http://kicking-back.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-case-of-dr-turf-and-cowardly-judge.html">The case of Dr. Turf and the Cowardly Judge</a>" for a recap.</i></div>
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<i>Another area that I start to get a bit skeptical on is how the women's game is treated around the world. Not because I disagree with the premise as it is treated in an inferior way, but that it is the responsibility of US Soccer to fix that ... or while their charter, for FIFA to fix that.</i></div>
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<i>Foudy agrees with the latter and less the former is seems and cites the billion dollar reserve (yes that is a B) FIFA has and may be able to do something about. I am less certain frankly.</i></div>
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<i>I believe as she seems to intimate that the WNT will get more this time around and believe that US Soccer should follow suit and provide a bump ... for the time being. While I don't go so far as to say the current WNT is an anomaly, both teams should have pay based on a revenue and a results component. So for years that the WNT does great as it is now, they get rewarded for the performance, and additionally as a function of their revenue. Same for the men.</i><br />
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<i>So for my money Foudy presents the most rational arguments I have seen in a while. In this season of crazy politics, she gets my vote for 2016.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-32085719243566770452016-04-24T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-24T07:30:04.062-04:00Great Article from @dutchrefereeSee the whole article, "7 tips to stay focused for 90 minutes" <a href="https://www.dutchreferee.com/7-tips-to-stay-focused-for-90-minutes/">here</a>, at <a href="https://www.dutchreferee.com/">Dutch Referee Blog</a>.<div>
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I'll add a #8 alongside the very worthy (7) points he makes.</div>
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<b>#8 - Visualize.</b></div>
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In preparation for a match visualize the match and decisions you may have to make. Picture entering the field. Air is warm, sun is out, and you can smell the fresh cut grass. Visualize inspecting the teams before the match and having a nice pre-match conversation with a coach or player. Feel the thrill of that first whistle to start the match. Imagine that hand ball that a player tries to get away with on your blind side. Picture in your mind that goal by the #10 and before pointing upfield, looking to your assistant to verify it was a good goal. Go through cautioning a player for that hard challenge that has no place on this day. Finish by visualizing the final whistles and shaking hands with your teammates ... all of them ... players and referees alike who worked for 90 minutes together for a good match.</div>
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Imagine the good and the bad and how you are going to deal with it that day. Play it in your head before you walk into the field. If you find yourself waining during a match, replay that part to bolster your focus and confidence.</div>
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Then do it. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-60428810281832476032016-04-23T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-23T07:55:13.319-04:00"I could have done more ..."<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">US Soccer Star Abby Wambach: 'I Could Have Done More' to Fight Pay Inequity</span></b></div>
<i><br />“Maybe I was a little too scared.”</i><br /><br />On the soccer pitch, Abby Wambach was a leader. Now, five-and-a-half months after she retired from the game after a 30-year career, she says she’s ready to keep leading – this time in the fight for gender pay equality.<br /><br />In a painfully honest speech Thursday before some 6,500 at the<a href="https://www.watermarkconferenceforwomen.org/2016-conference/"> Watermark Conference for Women</a> in Silicon Valley, she, in effect, apologize for not having done more to help the cause when she played on the women’s US Soccer Team. “I turned this chapter and was like, ‘Gosh, I could have done more. I should have done more,'” she said, adding, “There’s so much frustration in my bones, because I could have done more.” ...<div>
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See the whole story <a href="http://fortune.com/2016/04/22/us-soccer-abby-wambach-pay/">here</a>, from Fortune.</div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments: While Abby continues on her apology tour (and I mean no disrespect there, this is a good thing for everyone) she took time to comment on the EEOC issue. Her comments seemed to be a bit scripted and had less vitriol than her former teammates. As one of the highest paid on the WNT her thoughts did ring a bit hollow, but was much more on point than her teammates. Her comments about feeling shamed about such issues I do think are powerful and throughout this matter shame, nor respect should be used as a weapon again the other party.</i></div>
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<i>This is not about respect ... it's about money. Those two things do not lead to the other. I personally know a millionaire who is a truly unethical wanker and have met nearly penniless people who are people I would trust.</i></div>
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<i>Beyond that, this article is crap as while it points out some facts regarding pay, it clearly continues to be a cheerleader for the WNT, regardless of what the reality is. </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-2814213424031698342016-04-22T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-22T07:30:00.183-04:00Equal pay my ...As I have bloviated about here a few times now, the whole WNT equal pay issue is a bit of a red herring (a logical fallacy) that is IMO nothing more than a way to put pressure on US Soccer regarding the upcoming case regarding the CBA for the WNT.<br />
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There was a spectacular piece in the NYT regarding an objective, and I mean truly objective, look at the comparison between the MNT and WNT pay.<br />
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You can see the whole article, <b><i>Pay Disparity in U.S. Soccer? It’s Complicated</i></b>, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/sports/soccer/usmnt-uswnt-soccer-equal-pay.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0">here</a>, courtesy of the NYT.<br />
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Here are some of the highlights:</div>
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<li>MNT for their history is more revenue generating than the WNT. Note this does not include sponsorships and broadcast rights. Since 2012 however the MNT has brought in a factor of 2 more revenue if we include this point. Factor of 2 folks.</li>
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<li>Top (12) paid players in US Soccer are, (6) men and (6) women, all over $1M.</li>
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<li>Best paid women made about $1.2M since 2008 and in some cases made MORE than the men in similar positions on the MNT.</li>
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<li>It is only until you get to about the 25th position on the roster do this tip away from the women and it does dip big time.</li>
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<li>Equal work? Nope. WNT qualifies in 2 weeks time when the MNT takes 2 years and many more matches.</li>
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<li>What about those bonuses for the men (in general) v. the women? Well, go talk to FIFA, and guess what, they base it on revenue too.</li>
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<li>Per diem and sponsorship appearance work? No question, as I have stated earlier should be equal, and in fact I think the appearance fees should be bigger for the WNT right now as they are coming off a HUGE win and have a chance at same in the Olympics. This is the one point that is correct in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/11/sports/soccer/carli-lloyd-why-im-fighting-for-equal-pay.html?action=click&contentCollection=Soccer&module=RelatedCoverage&region=EndOfArticle&pgtype=article">Carli Lloyd's horribly misinformed article</a> in the NYT. Whoever advised her to write that should be ashamed of themselves as she is now left looking really silly.</li>
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Bottom line? I am for equal pay when there is equal business worth. [Don't get me going about human value. A cardio-thoracic surgeon makes less than Hope Solo. Equality?] Certainly equal pay when it comes to things like per diems, no question about that. But please stop the crap reporting about the <a href="http://interactive.nydailynews.com/2016/03/how-us-soccer-mistreats-world-cup-winning-womens-national-team/">"mistreatment" the WNT suffers</a>. It is utter bull$h!t.</div>
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The media is whipped up into a lather and makes it seem like the WNT are this rag tag bunch of kids who can't feed themselves and are playing with used shoes. Enough. It is starting to be seen for what it is ... a tactic for more in the CBA.</div>
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You want equality? How about NWSL salaries? Equal work as these players are shoulder to shoulder with their WNT counterparts. Their pay you ask? <a href="http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/nwsl-players-chasing-the-dream/">A maximum of about $39K and a minimum of about $7K</a> ... per year ... which is below the poverty line if this is all they do.</div>
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Should these women get paid the same as a WNT player? Why not? Equal work, equal pay, right?</div>
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More equality? Let's talk criminality? Imagine, just imagine if Tim Howard were accused of the things Hope Solo actually did per the court papers in her domestic violence trial, or <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2015/01/22/hope-solo-husband-driving-us-soccer-vehicle/22182977/">her suspension after her husband was arrested for driving a team van while drunk</a>. Do we think he would be on the MNT?</div>
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Not a chance.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-10979389673352964692016-04-20T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-20T08:53:53.048-04:00MLS updates security<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">MLS updates security measures at all 20 stadiums</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzqpct5rGr5nVmt2q5rnh0rbROlwchc9DWG6p4GvMFTEKVM471LXgYJu51ZI6A4yyAOCFP2lKJwBY34IuGYAzjF40Wx19GuPeA0PlPhnyyjWBtjgDyXkArrRqypOMXn_ceHZxS40ARBZf/s1600/maxresdefault-1-590x332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzqpct5rGr5nVmt2q5rnh0rbROlwchc9DWG6p4GvMFTEKVM471LXgYJu51ZI6A4yyAOCFP2lKJwBY34IuGYAzjF40Wx19GuPeA0PlPhnyyjWBtjgDyXkArrRqypOMXn_ceHZxS40ARBZf/s1600/maxresdefault-1-590x332.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of <a href="http://thefirsteleven.com/the-montreal-ultras-and-the-mls-are-going-up-in-smoke/">Thefirsteleven.com</a></td></tr>
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Major League Soccer announced on Tuesday that it will bring security measures at MLS events in line with those of other North American professional sports leagues, with new individual screening methods upon stadium entry beginning Saturday, April 23 at all Major League Soccer matches, Soccer United Marketing games, or United Soccer League matches played at MLS venues.<br />
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Under the new policy, all guests will be fully screened, either by use of a magnetic search wand or by a pat down. Each venue will make its own decisions regarding what protocols will be used at events to reach this baseline level of security. ...<br />
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See the whole announcement <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/04/19/mls-updates-security-measures-all-20-stadiums">here</a>, courtesy of MLS.</div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments: While this should have been policy from BANG! there are a couple of recent incidents that may have brought this forward. One significant one may be <a href="http://dcist.com/2016/04/dc_united_facing_fan_mutiny_as_supp.php">from DC United</a>.</i></div>
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<i>In this case as the story goes, a smoke bomb was set off in a tunnel outside the stadium. Ultimately as a result, at least one fan(atic) was suspended for a year by MLS. Now, this apparently was a fan who would drive (3) hours to see a DCU match and has substantial fan spirit to lead and take part in organized activities for DCU.</i></div>
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<i>MLS has been roundly called out on this, using such images such as smoke bombs, flares, and confetti streamers thrown into the pitch to advertise how "global" the US game is. The above article and those linked do an excellent job of spelling out how hypocritical MLS is with respect to its advertising. There is even an <a href="http://independentsupporterscouncil.com/acb-sanctions/">open letter</a> to MLS citing how capricious and arbitrary (my words) such bans are.</i></div>
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<i>I can see this one both ways. You can't reasonably do something that can endanger another (e.g. ignite a smoke bomb in a tunnel) but at the same time MLS can't stand on the backs of these folks they are suspending to forward their marketing campaign to make MLS look more like the global game.</i></div>
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<i>This is the US ... The Game may never have that type of flair in my lifetime .. sadly.</i><br />
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<i><a href="http://www.dcunited.com/post/2016/04/19/mls-introduces-enhanced-security-standards-across-all-venues">Here</a> is the DCU updated security notice.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-43498086907837263282016-04-18T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-18T07:30:01.316-04:00From Humble Beginnings<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;">Good News for SA Soccer: Major League Soccer Commissioner Officially Confirms Expansion to 28 Teams</b></div>
<br />As San Antonio's new pro soccer team starts to grind through its inaugural United Soccer League season (San Antonio FC is <a href="http://www.sanantoniofc.com.prod.sportngin.com/schedule/team_instance/1788727?mirror_id=2440405&subseason=280291">undefeated through three games</a>, by the way), the looming potential of Major League Soccer coming to town is the backdrop. <br /><br />Those big-league dreams got a little boost yesterday, when MLS Commissioner Don Garber officially confirmed that the league will expand to 28 teams at some point in the future. ...<div>
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See the whole article <a href="http://www.sacurrent.com/Blogs/archives/2016/04/15/good-news-for-sa-soccer-major-league-soccer-commissioner-officially-confirms-expansion-to-28-teams">here</a>, from the SA Current.</div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments: Hard to believe we started with 12 teams in 1995 and we're still going now. I for one did not think this league would last this long (shame on me) and kudos to the visionaries who have been keeping it going and growing (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Soccer_attendance">source</a>). When these new teams come on line in 2020, MLS will be 25 years old ... amazing.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-13937818853064885032016-04-17T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-17T07:30:25.409-04:00IFAB announce law changes<b><span style="font-size: large;">IFAB announce law changes ahead of new season as they soften punishment for fouls inside the box and trial video technology</span></b><ul>
<li>The International Football Association Board has unveiled some new laws </li>
<li>From next season the 'triple-punishment' penalty box rule will be banished </li>
<li>Trials of a VAR (Video Assistant Referees) system will take place in Italy</li>
<li>The ball will be able to move in any direction from kick-off, not just forward</li>
</ul>
A two-year video technology trial is one of a number of significant rule changes being introduced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for next season.<br /><br />The Zurich-based body, which determines the laws of the game, has approved a trial period of video technology to aid referees.<br /><br />The trial will take place in Italy and will be utilized in four cases: to determine if a goal has been scored, red cards, penalties and mistaken identity. ... <div>
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See the whole story <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3541963/IFAB-announce-law-changes-ahead-new-season-soften-punishment-fouls-inside-box-trial-video-technology.html">here</a>, courtesy of Mail Online.</div>
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There is a great synopsis of the changes <a href="http://www.theifab.com/files/4%20-%20Presentation%20Law%20Changes_v0.3.pdf">here</a>, from IFAB. You can also get the 2016/17 LOTG <a href="http://www.theifab.com/">here</a> from IFAB.</div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments: While here in the US we do not have to implement these changes now (anyone recall why?) we must continue to deal with the fallout from the new "recommendation" from US Soccer regarding 10 year olds heading the ball.</i></div>
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<i>Kudos to IFAB for trying to make this easier for referees. The LOTG went from about 22K words to 12K words and the format seems to be much cleaner from the version I have from IFAB.</i></div>
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<i>I personally am not crazy about the softening of the "triple punishment" rule as when players start meddling with the fabric of the game (i.e. goals being scored) I think the punishment was appropriate.</i></div>
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<i>Other "changes" are not really changes at all, but verbalization of practices that have existed for some time but have not been put into the text of the LOTG. Generally they make their way into publications like "advise to referees" or other "guidance" type documents.</i></div>
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<i>All and all, for me, a big step forward for HOW the LOTG are presented. Some of the particular law changes (like triple punishment changes and VAR's) ... meh.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-12508319498397053932016-04-16T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-16T08:58:03.663-04:00Hope Solo decides to play in Rio Olympics despite Zika virus<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Hope Solo decides to play in Rio Olympics despite Zika virus</b></div>
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<br />Hope Solo is among the most outspoken athletes against the Rio Olympics after the outbreak of the Zika virus. But after doing "a lot of research," the U.S. goalkeeper decided to travel and participate in the Games.<br /><br />"It's clear there are still so many unknowns and risks involved with going to the Games, but I will compete in Rio and take the necessary precautions to protect myself as best I can," <a href="https://twitter.com/grantwahl/status/720723602807615488">Solo said in a statement to Sports Illustrated</a>. ...</div>
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See the whole story <a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/soccer-news/4702101-olympics-2016-hope-solo-rio-zika-virus-united-states-women-gold-medal">here</a>, courtesy of Sporting News.</div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments: I am interested if she will get the opportunity to exercise this decision. Between a possible work action over wages and her yet to be determined court date regarding domestic abuse (how about some equality there folks!) we may not see Hope, or for that matter the whole team in the Olympics.</i></div>
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<i>She certainly has a developing image issue as well however as she recently joked on the WNT Instagram account about "have(ing) a good attorney on speed dial" and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/03/02/hope-solo-jokes-always-have-a-good-attorney-and-the-internet-doesnt-laugh/">was roundly roasted for it</a>.</i></div>
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Not sure if she really wants to be in the spotlight right now ...</div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Eak2TZkRurM8Aj4BuvrOewHvZuDaXMRyHjhI89-kFEGkqSc78x6BLm1XtRcXzqocI4DTdiIGPMbAGXZRPAD1skSIUfI2HlMj4V3m7spK3vv-9mpOmeIxwN9lBn9pXH9o-qq5SVnfl8ur/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-16+at+8.48.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Eak2TZkRurM8Aj4BuvrOewHvZuDaXMRyHjhI89-kFEGkqSc78x6BLm1XtRcXzqocI4DTdiIGPMbAGXZRPAD1skSIUfI2HlMj4V3m7spK3vv-9mpOmeIxwN9lBn9pXH9o-qq5SVnfl8ur/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-16+at+8.48.50+AM.png" width="444" /></a></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-48591467686736798062016-04-15T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-15T07:30:25.677-04:00At least they did not blame the referee<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">MLS chief Don Garber condemns De Jong tackle: 'There's no place for that'</span></b></div>
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- MLS Commissioner Don Garber made his first public comments about the tackle from LA Galaxy midfielder Nigel de Jong that injured Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe, and took aim at comments made by Galaxy manager Bruce Arena, calling them "absurd and irresponsible."<br />
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Nagbe was injured in the second half of Sunday's 1-1 tie between the two teams, with many fans and media taking the position that De Jong -- who only received a yellow card for the foul -- should incur supplemental discipline.<br />
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Garber, speaking to reporters following an event hosted by USL side and expansion hopeful the Sacramento Republic, agreed. ...<br />
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See the whole article <a href="http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/2850753/mls-to-ban-nigel-de-jong-for-darlington-nagbe-tackle--garber">here</a>, courtesy of ESPN.</div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments: I agree with the decision and appreciated that the referee was left out of the mix on this one. Not too much has been made about only a caution being served up in this case.</i></div>
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<i>That said, there was a comment that did catch my eye:</i></div>
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<i>Reminds me of the old NASL ... and why the league went bankrupt.</i><br />
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<i>I think MLS has a plan for that, but sorry to say I agree with the position of European geriatrics. Damn fine players, but certainly past their "sell by" date.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-84027856323899459282016-04-11T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-11T07:30:02.884-04:00OWN(ing) IT<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">'I've been embarrassed and ashamed': Former soccer star Abby Wambach speaks out after her DUI arrest</span></b></div>
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Retired World Cup soccer champion Abby Wambach addressed her arrest for driving under the influence on Saturday.<br />
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Wambach, 35, made the remarks to CBS's Norah O'Donnell while at Georgetown University's 2016 OWN IT Summit.<br />
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The former soccer player said: 'This last week obviously has been pretty tough for me.<br />
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'I've been embarrassed and ashamed. And you know, the thing about it, is life is tricky and it's not easy.' ...</div>
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See the whole story <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3532492/I-ve-embarrassed-ashamed-Former-soccer-star-Abby-Wambach-speaks-DUI-arrest.html">here</a>, courtesy of Daily Mail.</div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments:</i></div>
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<i>You can also see the full video of the interview <a href="http://www.ownitsummit.com/">here</a> at http://www.ownitsummit.com/. Abby gets on stage about 1:37. It is worth the time to watch.</i></div>
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<i>For my nickel, Abby is acting like the leader she is with her no nonsense, no excuses approach to her recent DUI arrest. Kudos to her for owning it and moving on. She is certainly on the path to turn this into a "teachable moment" for so many.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-76818183543357583792016-04-07T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-07T07:30:29.300-04:00The scene behind the scene<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The IFAB: How it works</span></b><br /><br />The IFAB is the universal decision-making body for the Laws of the Game (LoG) of association football. Its objectives are to safeguard, compile and amend the LoG as they apply within the scope of world football as organized by FIFA, which includes ensuring that the LoG are uniformly applied worldwide and monitored accordingly, and that organized football is practiced consistently.<br /><br />While the IFAB is made up of the four British football associations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and FIFA, any football association or confederation can suggest amendments to the LoG through one of The IFAB members. ...<br /><br />See the whole story <a href="http://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/ifab/about-ifab.html">here</a>, courtesy of FIFA.<div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments: All my prattling aside about FIFA and corruption this is compulsory reading for anyone truly interested in The Game. It details the underpinnings and shows the deep history The Game has. A worthy read and a significant tease to the new site they are launching net month <a href="http://www.theifab.com/">www.theifab.com</a>.</i></div>
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<i>Stay tuned for that!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-43193518843942419232016-04-05T21:49:00.000-04:002016-04-05T21:49:50.758-04:00While the hole gets deeper ... she is earning some respect<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Soccer: Abby Wambach admitted trying cocaine and marijuana in past, according to court documents</span></b></div>
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Retired soccer star Abby Wambach admitted to once trying cocaine and smoking marijuana some 10 years ago, according to court documents connected to her arrest on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of intoxicants.<br />
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Wambach, who won a World Cup with the U.S. national team last summer, was arraigned on Tuesday in Multnomah County Circuit Court. She was not present, but her attorney entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf.<br />
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The documents said Wambach has no prior arrest record. In the documents, officers wrote that she first used marijuana at age 24 and her last use was at 25. It also states: "The defendant tried cocaine at age 25." ...<br />
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See the whole story <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3743769-155/soccer-abby-wambach-admitted-trying-cocaine">here</a>, courtesy of The Salt Lake Tribune.</div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments: All credit to her, she is owning it completely, and says as much online.</i></div>
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<i>This is true probably against advise of council honestly as it lends evidence to her actually committing the acts she is charged for.</i></div>
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<i>For me, I like it and with it she is on a path earning back the respect she summarily lost with the DUI act and subsequent arrest.</i></div>
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<i>There is another active member of the USWNT that should take a page out of Abby's book.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-29305221749358526702016-04-05T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-05T07:30:23.599-04:00Interesting couple of weeks for the pair of US National Teams eh?Been a tough week for both the Men's and Women's National Teams in the US this week.<br />
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First we spoke about the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/01/sports/soccer/uswnt-us-women-carli-lloyd-alex-morgan-hope-solo-complain.html">EEOC complaint</a> the WNT filed about the discrepancy in salaries between the WNT and the MNT, which most certainly exists. Only problem is, the WNT makes far less in revenue than the MNT does and while the WNT are certainly do for a raise, their desire to get paid the same as the MNT is just not realistic.<br />
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We have former MNT star <a href="http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/03/31/uswnt-equal-pay-lawsuit-landon-donovan-comments">Landon Donovan coming out</a> in favor of "fair treatment" of the WNT players. Only problem is, some news reports are citing this as being "in favor" of the WNT ... well ... depends how you look at it. He states that the WNT should be paid the same based on their ability to derive revenue for US Soccer which is far, far less than what the MNT generates.<br />
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I happen to agree with LD and each National Team pay structure should be the same, or substantially similar based on that. Like I stated earlier, it is about the market, not the person. All people are fundamentally equal. Their business worth is not.<br />
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A bunch of stupid articles like <a href="http://playingfor90.com/2016/04/03/nike-endorses-sexism-womens-soccer/">this one</a> from SI about how Nike is sexist for only selling WNT jerseys to women, or <a href="http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/clearly-women-do-not-deserve-equal-pay-the-u-s-women-s-soccer-team-wage-discrimi.html">this one</a> from Forbes, that get the facts so wrong it is staggering have come up in between. Oh, and a comment from <a href="http://espn.go.com/espnw/culture/the-buzz/article/15106188/after-lawsuit-announcement-uswnt-gets-support-bernie-sanders-hillary-clinton">Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders</a> on the topic. Pretty sure Hill will get the same pay as Obama when she takes office so not really sure what she is on about ...<br />
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But wait ... there is so much more.<br />
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Enter (or exit) Abby Wambach, who was <a href="http://espn.go.com/espnw/sports/article/15124052/retired-soccer-star-abby-wambach-arrested-dui-charge-portland">arrested on a DUI charge</a> the other night in Portland. I do have to say though, I give her great props and while being colossally stupid for doing this in the first place, she owned it right away and vowed to do whatever she needed to make it up.<br />
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This hurts on a number of levels. Not only in the loss of her credibility to be a real voice for women's soccer ... they may need one with this whole wage thing ... but also for the kids. There may be a silver lining in here though as she could become a very powerful voice for drunk driving. Might not be for the reasons she wanted, but there it is.<br />
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It hurts also as apparently one of her sponsors, Mini, is pissed. From their statement I'm not 100% sure why. It may indeed be because she was arrested for DUI, but from <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2016/04/04/mini-advertising-abby-wambach-dui-report/">their comments</a> it may also be because she was arrested for DUI when driving a Range Rover. How screwed up is that? Sure get all liquored up ... but when you drive home, do it in a Mini??? Wow.<br />
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Finally and not to be outdone a couple of MNT players showing just how graceful they are, <a href="http://www.espnfc.us/united-states/story/2843711/bedoya-and-altidore-of-usmnt-criticize-abby-wambach-arrest">mocked Wambach about her situation on Twitter</a>. While one was clearly taking aim at a past controversial comment from Wambach about players points of origin, the other was a swat at <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2015/01/20/ex-nfl-star-jerramy-stevens-arrested-los-angeles-hope-solo/">Hope (don't you know who I am) Solo</a> when she was reportedly a passenger in a team van driven by her drunk husband.<br />
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While I chuckled at the second one from Altidore honestly, and can appreciate the first from Bedoya, now is not the time boys. Think it but keep it to yourself. You all wear the same crest on your jersey and represent the US when you play. What do we think would happen if a referee did something like this?<br />
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So yeah, a banner week for the National teams here in the US ... I can't wait until things really get going.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-53558094745635780702016-04-04T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-04T07:30:09.224-04:00Proof that the FA's Respect! Campaign is not workingFirst, a big hat tip to HK Referee for <a href="http://hkref.blogspot.com/2016/03/referees-live-in-fear-as-grass-roots.html">his post</a> pointing us to an article from The Telegraph, <br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/03/21/exclusive-referees-live-in-fear-as-grass-roots-game-spirals-out/">Exclusive: Referees live in fear as grass-roots game spirals out of control</a>.<br />
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For those who remember, the FA started their Respect campaign in 2011 with this video.<br />
It is shockingly accurate to what actually happens across the fields today.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0A-pTcP9CjE?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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You would think with such a dramatic effort and the backing of one of the legendary football associations in history it would be better after 5 years. Right?<br />
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Maybe not, from the article, a survey of over 2000 referees was performed, and below are the results.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dyHNN4rtaCqEm1QDdVZvo5Gawetu84bZ67L6xrzOatUdnPoujPqXOyCS6qnCc87p5cNLs8CDF9CDgxLLG5p6_1rlYk0hexjedbug4S6iB16fnrlYQgINUIxOVjsVmmiHerF1LDOFKzfw/s1600/RefereesUKabuseStatistics2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dyHNN4rtaCqEm1QDdVZvo5Gawetu84bZ67L6xrzOatUdnPoujPqXOyCS6qnCc87p5cNLs8CDF9CDgxLLG5p6_1rlYk0hexjedbug4S6iB16fnrlYQgINUIxOVjsVmmiHerF1LDOFKzfw/s400/RefereesUKabuseStatistics2016.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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First a note on the sample ... these are their grassroots referees or basically the future pool they need to draw from. About 1/3 think the National system is not doing enough for them, and about 1/4 think the local system is not doing enough for them by way of support.</div>
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That's pretty scary right there. I also have to say looking to measure this is a brave strep in the right direction as if the refereeing organization I am a part of were to do this, we may get similar results.</div>
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From there it gets really depressing though as about 1/4 take verbal abuse every match and about 1/5 have been physically abused. That is truly sad.</div>
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I would strongly encourage reading the full article as it paints a very bleak picture that I believe is mirrored in other parts of the world.</div>
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While there seems to be evidence the campaign is not working ... my operative question is why?</div>
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We'll explore that later this week, along with the US version of "Respect!" that I also think has failed horribly.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-22755129425113878182016-04-01T07:30:00.000-04:002016-04-01T10:48:50.848-04:00Before I wade in ...... please review my thoughts from <a href="http://kicking-back.blogspot.com/2015/08/support-us-or-get-left-behind.html">August 4th, 2015</a>.<br />
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Please, before you start shooting the messenger with regard to the l<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/01/sports/soccer/uswnt-us-women-carli-lloyd-alex-morgan-hope-solo-complain.html?_r=0">atest suit the WNT has brought </a>(funny timing huh - given the CBA suit going on) I in my heart of hearts believe all people are equal. Man, woman, child, red, blue, green, purple ... who cares.<br />
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Also, I believe that people doing the same job, for the same business, with the same effectivity, should be paid the same. Period.<br />
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I recognize this is not always the case and many times women are paid far less for the same job men are doing. That's not right and should stop.<br />
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For folks however who are in a business that does not make money and expect a salary like a business that does is just not realistic. You could be the best <<insert here="" job="">> and be recognized internationally for it, but if there is no market ... sorry. Even if this job is in a parallel market. [Editor note ... there is no analogy I can make here that ends well for me ... so I stopped]</insert><br />
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I'll comment fully in the days ahead as I think ultimately it will turn out well for the WNT. Not MNT pay, but better. Honestly it is deserved to a degree based on notoriety the WNTR has given the US alone.<br />
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Three peeves I will share now though ...<br />
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1. Alex Morgan being a spokesperson for this issues makes sense to a point. But, her reported US National Team salary was recently reported at about $275K in 2013 - look at the 2013 Form 990 (<a href="http://www.ussoccer.com/about/federation-services/resource-center/financial-information">source</a>). While her salary is currently report about $70K (<a href="http://www.sportyghost.com/top-10-highest-paid-female-soccer-players/">source</a>) there is a total compensation piece here that just can't be ignored as her endorsements are reported as over $1M per year (<a href="http://time.com/money/3936754/highest-paid-women-soccer-stars/">source</a>).<br />
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2. I don't see how Hope Solo is helping here. I don't mean from a salary perspective either. She is about to go back on trial for her domestic violence (<a href="http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/13793673/hope-solo-again-face-domestic-violence-charges">source</a>). Yes, she is in the effected class, but, is this a good PR strategy? Why is she still representing young girls from across the country?<br />
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3. Lets all recall that there is a CBA that has set these terms. There is always another choice if the desired terms are not met ... don't play. Yes it may end a dream for some ... yes it might curtail some of the very best players in the world from developing ... but we all make choices. If you want to be upset, blame the negotiator you hired.<br />
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One group of people who you do not hear are referees who would literally pay money to do these games. I get the passion from these players believe me ... but you want a class who has to train hard, be available, and gets almost nothing for it ... look no further.<br />
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More to come.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-26298754625270986942016-04-01T00:01:00.000-04:002016-04-01T00:01:02.084-04:00April Fool?<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xTJ8Mz6O_s?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-72198368814275730102016-03-31T07:30:00.000-04:002016-03-31T07:30:00.608-04:00Refereeing Legend Dr. Bob Evans Passes Away <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While there have been a number of touching tributes for the man who has contributed so much for so many, there are two in particular that bear special attention.<br />
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Please read, <a href="http://www.cnra.net/2016/03/bob-evans-former-fifa-referee-passes-away/">Bob Evans, Former FIFA Referee, Passes Away</a> from the California North Refereeing Association and also a <a href="http://nisoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/robert-evans-biography-final.pdf">beautiful biography</a> about the man, courtesy of NISOA.<br />
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I would also personally have a look at the archive of his blog at <a href="http://fortheintegrityofsoccer.blogs.com/artandscienceofrefereeing/">For the Integrity of Soccer</a>, which provides many wonderful insights from Bob, Ed Bellion, and a few others who are highly influential in their thoughts about The Game. May he rest in peace.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-83722794930171532982016-03-30T07:30:00.000-04:002016-03-30T07:30:10.805-04:00Final: U.S. Men's National Team 4, Guatemala 0<b>Final: U.S. Men's National Team 4, Guatemala 0 in World Cup qualifying -- Live updates recap</b><br /><br />The U.S. Men's National Team routed Guatemala 4-0 on Tuesday in World Cup qualifying play, playing with urgency and pace in a much-needed win to keep its tournament hopes alive.<br /><br />Brad Guzan earned the clean sheet for USA before 20,624 fans at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.<br /><br />Embattled US coach Jurgen Klinsmann couldn't have scripted a better start and finish, especially after Guatemala <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/fifa-world-cup/index.ssf/2016/03/usmnt_vs_guatemala_world_cup_q_1.html#incart_river_index">defeated the U.S. 2-0</a> in Guatemala last Friday. ...<div>
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See the whole story <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/fifa-world-cup/index.ssf/2016/03/us_mens_national_team_vs_guate.html">here</a>, courtesy of oregonlive.</div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments: A much needed win indeed ... I still can't believe we are behind T&T ...</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411680916657152897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056005406217946469.post-50238526374096649862016-03-29T07:30:00.000-04:002016-03-31T07:31:05.024-04:00Apocalypse NOW!<b><span style="font-size: large;">U.S. Soccer’s Day of Reckoning—Against Guatemala?</span></b><br />
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There is going to come a time when the U.S. men’s national soccer team gets bounced unceremoniously from a qualifying tournament for the World Cup.<br />
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Even great soccer nations experience these calamities. England wasn’t part of the 1994 World Cup or the 2008 European Championship. The Netherlands, which came within a penalty shootout of a second consecutive World Cup final in 2014, failed to qualify for this summer’s Euro. With the flick of a switch, total football went into a total funk.<br />
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It will happen to the U.S. men some time, too. It just wasn’t supposed to happen now. ...<br />
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See the whole story <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-soccers-day-of-reckoningagainst-guatemala-1459186740">here</a>, from the WSJ.</div>
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<i>Kicking Back Comments: Gone are the days that only people with "funny accents" know football.</i></div>
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<i>BTW, best comment from a fan below with regard to this article. Fabulous idea.</i></div>
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