Looks like refereeing is not the only "boys club" in soccer

Early in February I ran a short series of posts commenting on the state of refereeing in the US as it related to women ... or the lack thereof. One such notable post can be found at: Neil Buethe Speaks on women referees at the professional level.

It would seem this is not a problem that only refereeing has in the US. Take a look at the Soccer America piece, 'Coaching still a boys club,' says Vardar's Miriam Hickey. In it Hickey briefly details why in her opinion that is true. I wonder if those same reasons translate to refereeing?

She makes another interesting observation as well. From the article:

SA: Why is American youth soccer so much more expensive than in other countries, such as the Netherlands?

MIRIAM HICKEY: Only the professional clubs and top amateur clubs have professional staff. Everybody else can do with volunteers, but the sport has been there for a 150 years. In my family everybody played. My uncles, my father, my grandfather. That’s how it is in every family. So you have knowledgeable people directing the sport and so you don’t spend a whole lot.

The fields are city fields, and you don’t have to pay for them. There’s only one association that leads all the different leagues. So you have a really good pyramid going from 4-year-olds to 60-year-olds. And, of course, it’s a smaller country.

This comment was telling for me and led me to a question. How rich is our soccer heritage here in the US? Most folks who want to get involved (bless them) generally have never played the game before. Makes me a little scared as I get ready to open another youth season this Saturday.

I channel those newer referees who have played their whole life, getting yelled at by parents who have never kicked a ball before. What's wrong with that picture?

A walk in the Garden(er)

The other day I ran across Paul Gardner's articles in Soccer America regarding refereeing in MLS and the points of emphasis for the 2011 season. Both are worth a read and are noted here:

Will refs respond to Garber's sensible request?

MLS: No change, despite Garber's Plea

While I would disagree about Mr. Gardner's characterization of referees in several points he makes (e.g. referees are slow to change ... quite an analysis after one whole week in the 2011 season) there is an excellent point that shines through, albeit not directly.

That point is how symbiotic the relationship is between the referees and the success of THE game in the US. Now one relationship that was not explored, and in fact dismissed outright is the relationship between the referee and the players. From the article:

If there's one thing that MLS referees could be told not to do, it is to administer these little disciplinary chats, complete with the exaggerated arm gestures intended to make a feeble referee look tough. If it’s a foul, call it. If it’s a yellow card, give it. The same with a red. There is no need for explanations or any words at all. The players know the rules ... or they are supposed to. If they don’t, that is their problem.

There are a couple of assumptions in here that are just wrong headed IMHO. First, is that players understand the LOTG. They don't. They do not spend the time understanding them to the level we as referees do, if at all. They are players, not referees, and to actually think that most players understand, even at the MLS level, understand the nuances of THE game is just silly. I can tell you from direct experience, many, if not most, do not.

Second, to just "steamroll" over players and stop talking or just issue cautions and send offs is also wrong headed. Matches need to be managed, especially at this level, not just fouls whistled and misconduct issued. Can you imagine the frustration level of the players if that occurred? It is a very basic desire to understand why something has occurred.

Now, for where Mr. Gardner goes wrong, he also goes right. There is recognition that the onus is on the players, and also on Mr. Garber. He also correctly recognized that the players and referees and outside the reach of the Commish as well. This presents the fundamental challenge for MLS and it is the same as it has always been in the US ...

How do you make THE game more attractive for the US audience. This is complicated as Mr. Garber has no direct "levers to pull" to accomplish this. Any change is through influence only. Case in point is the MLS memo to referees about points of emphasis for 2011.

Let's face it, that memo is stuff that FIFA has been working on for years. Yes, the referees are a large part of that and need to enforce these points. It is not only their burden however, it is the players as well.

On that point Mr. Gardner and I strongly agree.

Every Referee Needs This

Every once is a while I still "get out there" and play THE game.

A few nights ago I found all my equipment and participated in a 2 hour, indoor, marathon game, in a league affectionately known as O.A.F., which stands for Old And Fat, both of which I qualify for. It is a fun series of pick up games for folks in the surrounding towns that like to get out and kick a ball around every now and then. Generally comprised of 30, 40, and 50 somethings, the play is fairly skilled and very well behaved. So it is truly a "friendly" game.

I'll be honest, it has been going on (4) years since I touched the ball in a match situation, basically since I started law school. Let's just say my first few shifts were not pretty, and the later ones while better, were not exactly stellar either.

Waking up the next morning and lying in bed, as I was not able to move at all because I was so sore, I reflected on something.

I recalled how very critical it is to have empathy as a referee. There are times when players are going to appeal to you for no reason at all and try to pull the wool over your eyes. There are times however, the majority of times, that players are going to get legitimately fouled, and you know what, it can f+($#ing hurt, a lot, as I again rediscovered the other night!

While a referee needs to stay impartial to objectively determine if, or if not, some event has occurred that requires intervention, a referee will garner more respect from the players if he can show empathy for a situation. Just remember objective does not mean aloof.

Asking questions like, "Are you okay?", or "Do you need the trainer?", are not out of bounds. They show compassion for what is going on. How many times have we been faced with a skilled player who gets fouled again, and again, and again, and after getting so frustrated at being fouled so many times they lash out at the referee for failing to call fouls? What did you do as a referee? Did you caution the skilled player for dissent? Did you speak with them to seek to understand? Or did you have the empathy to "feel" what was happening (and the refereeing vision) and caution the player making sure the star was not able to show their skills?

I would opine being empathetic to both players situations is key. Understanding the star is getting beat up and frustrated by not being able to show his skill, and the defender is there to stop the star at almost any cost will add clarity to what a referee has to do. When you then deal with the situation, you demonstrate your understanding of what is going on to all. While disagreements will occur about the action you take, you will garner the respect of ALL the players involved because you have made the effort to understand why they are there.

You may be surprised too, empathy is a two way street. It is not unheard of for a player to approach a referee during or after a match and offer words of support when the players know they are not making it easy on you that day.

A referee is not just a neutral observer, they are an active participant in THE game. Don't forget to be there.

MLS: Year 16

MLS heads into 2011 season bullish over its future

Just nine years ago, MLS commissioner Don Garber made the difficult decision of eliminating two of the league’s 12 teams. Major League Soccer was on shaky ground, with the future of the six-year-old league looking very much in doubt.

Fast forward to today. MLS is set to begin its 16th season with 18 teams, two of which will be making their debuts in the Pacific Northwest. Where there was once just one soccer-specific stadium in MLS, now there are stadiums across the country and another will open in the Kansas City market this summer. ...

See the full story here, courtesy of Fox Sports.

Kicking Back Comments: An interesting article to be sure. I'll be honest with you, the first year the league came to be when I was working in it, I though, and actually said out loud to some, that I expected MLS to last 10 years tops and then collapse under its own financial weight. I am glad I was wrong.

While I believe THE professional and international game is still stagnating in the US, it is not without significant effort on the part of MLS and its owners to keep a professional league going for this amount of time. Previous to this was the NASL of 'ole which survived 17 years (source), a far cry from the other professional leagues of the modern day, such as the A-League, or WUSA.

Without these business leaders and owners, I would opine, we as referees would be ill equipped and likely not even considered for participating on the world's stage. I'll be one of the first to say that there are some facets of the business side of sport that are unseemly to me, but the bottom line is we could not be successful without these business aspects. We as referees need at the very least, to acknowledge that fact ... and to be successful at the professional level, embrace it.

A tip of my cap to the classics

Image courtesy of Mere Cie

For those who read the comments here at Kicking Back, you are often times treated to some cunning insight from folks, and at times very personal exchanges.

I can assure you the folks who put up comments and those in return from me are straight from the heart.

In a recent exchange with refereeing guru, Wally Russell, I learned that he is one of the very few US importers of Balilla, B&D, and Acme whistles.

He recently shared one of the great truths about referees and their art:

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....

Just think about that for a second and ask yourself, is how you are refereeing causing ripples in the water? This is a topic we have, and will continue to tackle in the future.

Guru Russell spent many late night hours over chicken fingers and Risk, slowly smoothing out my rocky shores, talking about these and many other issues. For that help and perspective I am forever grateful.

It has been said that a "Balilla is the Maserati of whistles." I would agree as that is what I have used throughout my career, and continue to use to this day. I find there is nothing like it.

As spring approaches and your are in need of a new whistle and appropriate lanyard or chain, stop by Mere Cie. You will not be disappointed with the tremendous selection of classic whistles.

34th Annual Needham Invitational

It's that time of year again folks ... youth soccer tournaments!

One of my first and best experiences with youth soccer was at a Memorial Day Tournament. It was an incredible experience for me. Mild spring days, freshly cut grass, groups of referees, and good youth competition. You just could not go wrong.

It hearkens me back to my patch collection ... that I still have yet to do something with. Amazing memories.

The other day, I received the below email from the Needham Invitational Tournament. One that I have attended many times, and one that rivals the best youth tournaments in the US.

The folks who put on this tourney are top shelf, as is the tourney itself. If you have the time, I can make no stronger recommendation than to participate as a referee, assessor, volunteer, or spectator. It is an experience you will never forget.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The largest and the most prestigious tournament in New England the Needham Invitational Soccer Tournament which is held Memorial Day weekend May 27,28, 29, and 30. It is on its way of becoming the one of largest tournament in US.

1. Over 600 teams
2. Over 40 fields
3. Over 400 referees

The player participation includes teams from throughout the United States and Canada. Referees are drawn throughout United States including Virginia, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and this year we will have referees from Switzerland, England, Canada.

Aside from the fields and the players, the success of any tournament is measured by quality and commitment of referees. Last year over 70% of Massachusetts grades seven and under referees were at this tournament. Including assessors from all over New England, Baltimore and Washington DC.

The Needham tournament committee is also announcing we will Continue the mentoring program throughout the tournament special referee and assistant referee clinics will be added to the program including Academy to be announced in near future.

Additionally the Needham referee committee this year has added several new features to its program.

A- Centralized assigning. All Referees will be assigned out of two locations Waltham, Medfield.
B- Each site will have assigned referee Marshall to help support every referee
C- Food and water will be provided on every main site
D- We will implement a bonus program not only for high school students but also college students.
E- We will provide tournament T-shirts and other memorabilia.
F- One of the most competitive payment structure for referees and ARs in Massachusetts

Our objective is not only to appropriately covered the games but most importantly to use the tournament to develop referees to their highest level possible, by appropriately assigning them with other experience referees that could mentor and develop the individual. 

Reminder: you must be certified referee in order to referee in Needham tournament if you are out of state referee please send your reference’s lakoghlanian@fgxicom

Please go to the website below and sign in. Reminder if you have already signed up you do not need to do anything.

http://www.needhamtournamentreferees.org

Respectfully,
Needham referee committee

Embrace the chaos

There are times in my recent refereeing past, and times in my current assessing present, and instructional future where I sought (or seek) to understand the style of play the teams are going to employ for the day to calculate possible problem areas.

For example, and please note I am overgeneralizing here, if I had a South American styled team, I would expect more individual ball possession than a Western European team which would likely provide long ball from the back 1/3 to the front 1/3. This combination at times could be problematic at these competing styles clashed.

More homogeneous styled teams would lead to a more balanced approach in play style and consequently, refereeing style.

So what style do US players have, and how does a referee react to them when faced with a more classic style as that listed above?

This article is intended to comment on the first part of the question only as the second part will take up volumes of a book I am currently contemplating and would certainly leak parts here from.

For those who did not know Claudio Reyna has been named the Youth Technical Director for U.S. Soccer recently and has been charged with figuring out this very question. What style does the US play?

In this article from ESPN, Reyna is suggesting to publish a curriculum to begin to standardize some common elements that the US Youth can work on. On the surface this may make some sense, but it certainly has its flaws ... and critics. From the article (sic):

"A curriculum's not going to make us any better," Arena said. "If that was the case, we'd all publish curriculums. This country, I've always said, is too large, too different to have one style of play. If he [Reyna] can get that accomplished, more credit to him."

 And from Steve Nicol who is never at a loss for words ...

"It depends on what you mean by 'try to establish a style of play,'" said New England coach Steve Nicol, the Liverpool legend who has mastered the art of scouting and developing players from college campuses. "We all want to pass the ball, and we all want to play good, open attacking football. If we can develop players to have that ability, the style will evolve on its own. What we'll have is players who can play the game properly."

So it would seem that Claudio has his work cut out for him.

On the other side of the flipping coin there are (2) issues.

First, what does a US referee do in such a case where players do not have a defined style?

My brief answer is study the individual team, and coach, and frankly be ready for anything. At the end of the day all the preparation in the world can be destroyed by a random event or player that is having a real terrible day. After all, all of us are not only involved in THE game, but also in the greater game of life and stuff happens in life that can disrupt those "expected" patters of how a match should play out on paper.

Second is in the form of a question. As the citizens of the US are culturally diverse, and among them are not only players but referees, how does US Soccer remedy this issue among its referees, who like its players, may be seeing THE game through their cultural identity, in a search for consistency among its referees?

Players have Claudio fighting the fight ...

"Soccer: Your game for life"

Must time is spent from many of us discussing either the youth game, or the professional and international game. There are times it can be easy to forget the space in between where there are tens of thousands of players in the US, and no doubt millions across the globe.

This space is where the adult players reside.

It is my opinion that no referee is ready for "the big time" unless they have a healthy diet of "adult" matches under their belt. I place adult in quotes because I am referring to chronological age only and not behavior patters as frankly some of the most childish behavior I have seen has been during these matches. Which is exactly why it is critical for referees to get experience in them.

Much is said about US Youth Soccer and AYSO, the youth organizations in the US that support THE game, and rightly so as these are huge mechanisms that keep the youth engaged and excited about THE game. This is no small feat as soccer is the most played sport in the US for the youth.

In "the gap" as it were (which is really funny as this "gap" is the largest chronological span in a players life) is the adult game. Here, the USASA has purview as the keeper of the adult game, with the (very appropriate) tagline "Soccer - your game for life."

While I think we hear less about these folks, they play a vital role in preserving continuity in THE game. After all, where does one play after U-19? Here is where the USASA provides a venue for competition after ones "youth."

As you would expect, there is a critical need for referees to service THE game at this level. As you also would expect, there is a referee committee made up of some of the best and brightest administrators to assure referees are well represented and THE game is cared for. A listing of these folks is here.

You may note a familiar name.

Indeed, Massachusetts SRA, Andy Weiss has been named as the Region I referee administrator for the USASA. Please join me in congratulating him to his, additional, new post.

I am confident he will be the guardian of THE adult game for the USASA, as he has done throughout his career for Massachusetts.

What are the odds?

Fifa investigates possible match fixing after seven goals - all penalties - are scored in two friendly internationals

The credibility of friendly international matches and Fifa’s ability to adequately regulate them is facing a fresh challenge after serious suspicions of match fixing were raised over two games held on Wednesday last week in Turkey.

Fifa confirmed to Telegraph Sport on Tuesday that it was examining whether there were suspicious betting patterns surrounding Bolivia’s 2-1 defeat of Latvia and the 2-2 draw between Estonia and Bulgaria.

The games were played consecutively on neutral territory at the Mardan Stadium in Antalya. All seven goals were penalties, an outcome described by one bookmaking source as “freakishly unlikely”. One of the penalties was ordered to be retaken after the first kick was missed. ...

See the complete story here, courtesy of The Telegraph.

Kicking Back's Comments: While I rail against FIFA for its corruption, this incident, if proven true, will bear the same fruit. It is unconscionable that one who is charged with care for THE game could act in such a manner. While I am willing to wait for the inquiry to complete to cast that stone, it is difficult to believe that every single goal was scored by a legitimate penalty (in regular time mind you). While I do believe in the "black swan" or "outliers", experience tells me otherwise here.

If shown to be true, this referee, the assistants and 4th official should not be allowed to referee again, ever, for any association. Any promoter should face a similar fate via what ever legal mechanisms exist.

Interesting timing indeed

Jeff Kassouf the other day penned U.S. Soccer focuses on player development in the women's game, a good quick read.

In it he describes how US Soccer has a renewed focus on the womens game likely caused from some of the recent stumbles from the U-17 and U-20 teams.

Best line in the article for me was:

When USSF president Sunil Gulati officially appointed the two women to the newly created positions on Jan. 6 he said that the appointments are not reactionary, but have been in the works for some time. If that is the case -- as overly coincidental as the timing may be -- the changes could not come at a more necessary time.

I don't know how these could not be anything but reactionary given the recent progress of the women's game. Yet I concede the possibility exists.

Flip to the comments from Neil Beuthe, communications director for US Soccer on women referees. Is this reactionary, due to some pressure being heaped on US Soccer for not having women referees in men's professional games, or a Title 9 issue rearing its head?

While it would not seem to be the case, my hope is this is a tandem effort from US Soccer and there is concert between the players side and the referee side. One can not exist without the other, despite what both may think.

In my experience this is rarely the case and the two are on separate tracks regarding development, and at times necessarily so. There are a few shining stars however as at the higher levels there is a clear recognition that it is more than a peaceful coexistence that the two need, it is shared cooperation and vision of how THE game is played and managed.

We are all one big, happy, and at times, dysfunctional family. The more we can learn from each other, the better off we are.

No female referees in MLS: a referee assessor speaks

Kicking Back comments: For some time now I have been following LE's work at the Examiner and have enjoyed her articles. The other week the Examiner caught up with me and I shared a few candid thoughts about women referees in todays professional and international game as well as some thoughts about MLS refereeing and the use of technology.

As the interview is intended to demonstrate, I very clearly believe that women referees are just as capable as men. Success in any referee depends on their ability to manage a match both through the laws and through their personality. Anyone who is able to do so will succeed in such a role.

While there are very few women currently employed in (men's) professional league matches, and I can not think of any in recent (men's) international matches, I opine that doing so, and therefore challenging the thinking of everyone involved, may not be such a bad thing. I do recognize however that doing so may run against social constructs and in result, may decrease the entertainment value of THE game for some.

Just one persons opinion ... but please read on and comment away ...

All comments are welcome, and I will answer them all.

No female referees in MLS: a referee assessor speaks

As part of an interview with former MLS referee and current state assessor Peter Kokolski about officiating in MLS in 2011, we discussed the absence of women officials in the North American league. Kokolski refereed in MLS for eight years. Kokolski is not affiliated with U.S. Soccer and his opinions are his alone based on many years working with U.S. Soccer. He regularly shares information and thoughts about officiating in his blog Kicking Back. In a separate story, Kokolski explains MLS referee directives to manage with personality in 2011. ...

See the full story here from LE courtesy of the National Soccer Examiner.

It's tough enough ...

... to be a referee.

Does anyone think it is tougher to be a woman referee? I have an answer, but judge for yourself.

Kudos to Jenna Powell for finding this one.

Andy Gray and Richard Keys comments about assistant ref Sian Massey 'make my blood boil', says Karren Brady

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady admits off-air remarks by Sky Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray about both herself and Premier League official Sian Massey made her "blood boil".

The pair commented on Massey's appointment for the game between Wolves and Liverpool at Molineux on Saturday, when they believed their microphones were switched off.

They concurred that female officials "don't know the offside rule", with Keys adding: "I can guarantee you there'll be a big one today. (Liverpool manager) Kenny (Dalglish) will go potty." ...

See the full story here, courtesy of the Telegraph.

FA's White Horse ... again

The other day I wrote about the incident where the FA was acting as the Twitter Police by sanctioning Ryan Babel for his comments regarding Howard Webb after the fixture between Man-U and Liverpool. In this post I opined that the FA got it wrong as it really does not serve the FA or the referee well to take such action that really, looking at the long view is untenable.

Juxtapose this with the incident recently with Rafael da Silva from Man-U in their fixture against Tottenham after (frankly) da Silva lost it on FIFA referee Mike Dean after being sent off for a second caution. Here is an excellent example of the FA stepping in and doing the right thing to keep the game in check by sanctioning da Silva for "Improper Conduct." Here, da Silva was plain and simple out of line with his conduct being referred to as "toddler like." Take a look at the pictures below (and the 1000 words they speak) and the linked articles.

Photo and article courtesy of Goal.com

Photo and article courtesy of guardian.co.uk

Any questions?
It's personal (just look how close da Silva is).
It's provocative (look at the gestures da Silva is openly making).

Good for the FA, for my $.02 the FA got this one exactly right.

"Confirmation Bias" or "China Syndrome"?

Some may be familiar with the China Syndrome as the hypothetical idea of a nuclear reactor melting down and burning through the earth straight through to China. Fewer may be aware of the idea of Confirmation Bias where an individual uses and recalls information, accurate or not, in a selective manner, to confirm a belief they hold. I am seeing these two in a cause-effect relationship for referees, among others.

My impetus for this post was an email I received from refereeing legend Angelo Bratsis, citing a very good article, Referees and The Confirmation Bias, from epltalk.com. While I will not go into the article per se (but please read it), it reminds me of a real need in refereeing and in life about getting objective opinions.

As we are all aware there are several sources of opinions about a referees performance, all of which are subject to some form of bias or another, even the most objective ones. On one end of the spectrum I would put spectators who are generally both unaware of the nuances of THE game, and have a declared bias for a particular side. We all expect this as fan(atics) are there to cheer for a team. I continue on this spectrum of least objective to most, to include commentators, local media, players, and coaches (in order).

Note that while players and coaches clearly have a bias, I believe they have valuable information to share as well and should be carefully listened to to derive that message during a match.

On the more objective side are referee self evaluation, other referees and assessors in ones immediate sphere, and rounding out with assessors/instructors/inspectors and other trained 3rd party observers, regardless of discipline (again in order).

Let me say that while I believe there is a "spectrum of bias", I also believe there is no such thing as a lack of bias and to be honest this is a good thing at times in my opinion. An evaluator needs a hint of bias to be able to have context in the current situation. For example, does a referee go into a U-10 local match in the same way he goes into a MLS final? I hope not. The experience itself lends to a bias. Not of one team over another, but of context that the latter match will require different skills to be brought out. Assessing a match is much the same, one needs context to be able to understand how to react to a given situation and know what to look for.

So what does this have to do with the title?

By way of a recommendation I would suggest as a referee to expose yourself to as many different types of matches and situation as possible. Also, seek out as many diverse opinions as possible about not just your performance, but also how you "are" inside the field. An example to explain ...

As I have stated here, I was also an indoor referee for a very long time. It is where I picked up many of my skills that I carry today. One day I received an impromptu assessment from someone who I did not expect, yet was extraordinarily insightful ... the bartender. As I came to find out, he would watch me and like any good assessor would dissect my performance. His suggestions to me were simple, elegant, and spot on. His most insightful comment was about I used to tip my head back and lift my nose after calling a foul. He recognized that it was a reflex, but it looked disrespectful to some players. Since then I have corrected the mechanic with better results.

So what's the point?

My point is simple. Take all the feedback you can get, from all the sources you can get, and learn to parse the useful information from the non-useful. Keep in mind that your own nemesis may have the key to your survival, and your biggest friend your unhinging, neither with intent. Seek critical opinions and question them. The wider the net you cast, the less chance of any confirmation bias.

To listen only to the glowing comments and ignoring the rest, will certainly one day lead to an epic meltdown inside the field, on the scale of a China Syndrome.

To Tweet or not to Tweet ... that was the question

Photo courtesy of BBC

For anyone who has been keeping up with the FA Cup and Liverpool's loss to Mann-U on Sunday the 9th, you may have been treated both to some of the decisions Howard Webb made, but also the Twitter fallout by Liverpool winger Ryan Babel (@RyanBabel).

I am not here to debate Webb's decisions that allowed a penalty in the 1' to have Man-U go up 1 - 0, or the later send off. Both are in the video clip below. You can all judge for yourself.

Man United 1-0 Liverpool | The FA Cup 3rd Round - 09/01/11

Uploaded by fatv. - Discover the latest sports and extreme videos.

Instead, I am more interested Mr. Babel's actions on Twitter to edit a picture of Mr. Webb in a Man-U kit (see the picture here) and with the comments shown above. These are detailed in an excellent article from the BBC, Twitter ye not? Also, I am interested in the FA's response in sanctioning Mr. Babel with "improper conduct."

Now, Twitter is an incredible medium to communicate info quickly, 140 characters at a time. If you are reading this you likely already know that, and I hope you follow Kicking Back on Twitter (@kicking_back). My question is should players really be sanctioned for being openly critical in such media?

Please note my use of words, specifically the word critical. My stance is much different when public comments get personal, provocative, or threatening. There is no place for these types of comments at all, regardless of who they are cast at, and equally so when cast at an official. I also have no love for parents slinging criticism to younger referees. They are not ready to understand how to process that rubbish at such a young age. This leads to legions of referees resigning their badge after a year or two and must be stopped.

I have a very different opinion regarding critical comments, parody, and the like, which I believe are absolutely essential speech, even if done in a mean spirited way in the detailed situation. Without this speech, a critical component of discourse is unavailable. Honestly, can you image a match without any critical comments? What fun is that! I mean really ... has anyone logged into Big Soccer lately and looked around? There is an incredible about of information exchange there. While not always "glowing" for some, the opinions shared are largely tremendously insightful and can certainly lead to a good takeaway from those willing to read and understand.

I will got out on a limb here too and support Mr. Babel in his comments. Not because I believe he was correct, but rather because I support his right to do so as necessary discourse in a society. Keep in mind that I am an advocate for the 1st Amendment, and this speech would fall under this amendment, but also understand that this does not extend outside the US. For free speech principles on the internet in the US see Reno v. ACLU (51 U.S. 844) where SCOTUS struck down the CDA.

That said, I believe the FA is asking for trouble in this regard. To begin to sanction players for their comments in any media is a slippery slope. Again, personal, provocative, or threatening is another matter and should be dealt with fully by the FA. These comments however were clearly not that. An opinion was expressed, accompanied by a very clever picture showing the same displeasure. I somehow think that Mr. Webb's first reaction was hardly fear or anger. I'd be willing to bet that his first reaction was a snicker and a smile. Why does the FA need to turn into the "Twitter Police" over this?

While I appreciate the FA riding in on its white horse to save Mr. Webb from the wounding words slung by Mr. Babel, somehow I believe the referee from the 2010 World Cup final is up to that particular challenge.

"Chucky B" Bustin' Some Phat Beats

FIFA holds RAP meeting in New York

NEW YORK -- Fernando Tresaco, FIFA's Head of Refereeing, met Tuesday with CONCACAF officials to review referee development activities for 2010 and examine plans for the new year. The annual meeting, which focuses on the Referee Assistance Program (RAP), took place at the Confederation's headquarters in New York City. ...

See the full article here from CONCACAF.

Kicking Back comments:
So if you still don't believe that refereeing (or football in general) is big business, just take a look at the picture from the article. Sure are a lot of suits in a awfully nice setting ...

A Call to Arms

Earlier in the week I caught this NYT article: Roberts Urges Obama and Senate to Fill Judicial Posts. An interesting read to be sure.

It made me think about the plight we are in as referees and the vacancies the referee program has available. I echo Chief Justice Roberts thoughts that a full strength refereeing core will operate more efficiently.

Fortunately in our case referees do not require Senate conformation, but they do need to get trained.

To that end, I challenge you all in 2011 to bring a new referee into the fold. Make it a New Years resolution.

For those of us in Massachusetts, take a look here at the available course for youth referees, for those outside these state boarders, go to your local association and see what they have.

As we all know, we need all the help we can get, and if every registered referee works to bring just one along with them, we can fill the spots we need to match the growing game, and fill those thousands of spots left by referees who have left THE game after only a year or two.

So please, in this year of change, bring a friend, we could use the help.

What we were there NOT to see

So the other day I was at Jr.'s indoor match intently watching his, and his teams' performance. Halftime came and the young referee was standing at midfield, juggling the ball, passing the five or so minutes mandated by the facility for halftime rest.

Then it happened.

He missed a juggle, slipped over top the ball, and came crashing down on the pitch.

Ouch.

As he had drawn quite a crowd of spectators and players watching him, he was rewarded with a round of applause and took a bow for good measure ... no harm done.

Or was there?

Later in the match, you guess it, there was a contraversal call. There was some grumbling among parents, and one wise guy said:

Maybe you should stick to playing

I don't believe the young referee heard it, but the point was made ... albeit rudely.

This point was that we were there not to watch a referee show us how good a player he is. A referee is there just to referee the match. No more, no less.

Don't get me wrong, there are a fair number of referees out there, even at the international and professional level that have a "look at me" attitude, sometimes for the wrong reasons.

There is a time to be seen certainly, but most if the time you job is to be hidden and let the players show their skills.

It was once described to me a "getting out your invisible paint and painting yourself before a match." It was an interesting analogy, but also a very accurate one. You just don't want to be seen unless you have to.

Not juggling at midfield during halftime is a good place to start.

Fourteen Get FIFA Badges

Kicking Back Comments: I can only imagine there is no greater thrill than to be a pioneer in a new land. Congratulations to these referees who will now serve as Tanzania's finest.

FIVE local referees and nine assistant referees have been awarded FIFA badges for the 2011 year by the world soccer governing body.

The list comprises four men referees and seven assistants, while there is also one women referee and two assistant referees.

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Acting General Secretary Sunday Kayuni named those who have been awarded the full referee badges as Ibada Ramadhan Kibo, Mbaga Oden Charles, Israel Nkongo, and Waziri Sheha.

Bulali Josephati Deu, Hamis Chang'walu, Kanyenye Rongional John, Clemence Erasmo Jesse, Kombo Ally, Maswa Hamisi, Mpenzu Samuel Hudson are the assistant referees considered.

Gamba Judith Andrew is the only full woman referee considered, whereas Makame Mwanahija Foum and Tibabimale Saada Hussein have secured women assistant referee badges.

Source: allAfrica.com.

No news yet on who's managing US Referees, but ...

... the contact page at US Soccer has changed a bit.

Take a look here.

Any guesses anyone?