Upgrade Kudos

Congratulations to the following Massachusetts referees for their significant accomplishments to upgrade! May their success continue well into the future.

Jeff Alcoforado, Ayer, Grade 6

Risto Gjeorgiev, Dorchester, Grade 7

Eversley Teddy Linley, Roxbury, Grade 7

Casey Frankfort, Framingham, Grade 7

Upgrade Kudos

Congratulations to the following Massachusetts referees for their significant accomplishments to upgrade! May their success continue well into the future.

Nabil Benchekroun, Tyngsboro, Grade 6

Leonard David, Malden, Grade 7

Andrew Rogers, Somerville, Grade 7

Mark Stern, Somerville, Grade 7

Why Upgrade?

During a recent clinic I presented at, we asked for anonymous feedback from the group which included some open response questions, where the person giving the feedback could literally type anything they wanted relevant or not.

One thing that stood out in more than a few cases, was the request for information specific to "... lower levels of competition." Due to the fact that "... I don't want to upgrade at all ... ."

I was struck by this feedback as it had never really occurred to me that some people are content at the refereeing level that they are currently at, and don't want to progress any further.

In my (ever growing administrative) experience the "upgrade question" is a one that is either asked often by an individual, or not at all. Only in very few cases have I seen a middle ground where an individual chooses to upgrade through the referee ranks, then changes course and does not. I have also seen a converse path as well albeit less often where a referee does not want to upgrade, and later chooses to.

While I appreciate the desire to remain at a level an individual is comfortable with, I also grow very concerned that folks in these positions get "stale" and may be doing themselves, and others a disservice by deciding not to upgrade.

Then again, there is something to be said for servicing The Game at the level one feels best equipped to, and (this is a hard truth for some too), there are very limited resources and matches at the highest levels to go around ... so why try?

These are fair points ... and I am wading into these waters not from a refereeing perspective honestly as my day is here and gone for upgrading. I can go no further than I have. I am asking from another perspective ... as a cyclist.

So on 14-OCT-13 I will be racing in the Jamestown Classic, and event that captured my imagination back in 2011 when I raced it for the very 1st time ... in fact it was my very first bike race ever. It was a ton of fun and from that moment on as an amateur bike racer, I knew I wanted to climb the ranks. Not because I was any good (I anticipate I am going to get creamed on the 14th) but because I wanted to get better.

So I've ridden, and ridden, have a spectacular coach, mechanic, friends, and a very forgiving wife in Madame X, and ridden. Freezing cold, baking sun, drowning rain, race after race of DNF or DFL, and comments of "... you're too old to race ... ." I didn't care, I wanted to get better and was willing to put in the work to do so.

Recently when preparing for my upgrade in cycling, I flashed back when I am on the bike to when I upgraded from a Grade 8 to a Grade 7 referee. A night match at U-Mass Amherst at the State Cup. I can still feel the night air. A bit heavy with a little tingle in it from the aura of being a match played at night.

I remember my upgrade match from Grade 6 to Grade 5 as a state referee. A Portuguese league match in RI that was "on the fence" until I happened to be right on the goal line (as a referee) for a deciding call.

National referee was another series of matches I recall too. None the least of which was at amateur regionals in PA, where after 3 days of matches I was selected for the mens final ... and was exhausted. My legs were cement, and my brain mush after so many matches in a short time. Some how ... we got through.

What permeated all of these experiences is how much work had gone into my craft and just how uncomfortable I felt moving from one point to the next. I have never felt "ready" to be at that next level.

So once more unto the breach dear friends, once more as I prepare to take another leap forward with an upgrade in cycling. For any interested, you will be able to see it LIVE starting at around 11a on the @kicking_back Twitter account.

Lot of words that may or may not answer the question for some, why upgrade?

To allow access to higher levels of competition?

To have a commitment to get better with a tangible goal as a result?

To keep hold of that "uncomfortable" feeling?

I'm not entirely sure, but for me, it is the feeling of continuing to move forward. It's not about good or bad performance, wins or losses ... just getting that little bit further the next time I'm out.

Upgrade Kudos

Well this is a special day indeed for Anthony Brossi, who has earned an upgrade to Grade 5, State referee 1st class.

There are many milestones in a referee that are noteworthy. A first match, upgrade to Grade 7, or becoming a State referee ... there are so many.

An upgrade to Grade 5 however is a big one in my opinion as it marks a significant commitment to the craft, and a significant investment US Soccer has placed in the referee.

Such an individual will now likely be looked at for a future position as a National referee, and in some cases inclusion into the professional ranks.

So please join me today in congratulating Tony for reaching thins milestone, and his bright future ahead.

Upgrade Kudos

Congratulations to the following Massachusetts referees for their upgrade to Grade 7 (Referee 1st class):

Cara Pember, Watertown, Grade 7

Mohamed Fnine, Fitchburg, Grade 7

Upgrade Kudos

... and as if by sheer coincidence from my question of "does one want to remain a youth referee forever?" comes the following announcements from the Massachusetts Refereeing Committee.

Hearty congratulation to the following individuals for their significant accomplishments:

Erl Burns, Belmont, Grade 6

Damian Bell, Westminster, Grade 7

Cassio Ribeiro, East Bridgewater, Grade 7

Maynard Sangster, Duxbury, Grade 7

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, please join me in congratulating
John Eckart for the achievement of attaining Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Steve Dileo and Ken Koopmans, who have recently been upgraded to Grade 5 (State Referee 1st Class).

While all upgrades are worth mentioning, this particular move to a Grade 5 is particularly noteworthy. With this move it most clearly demonstrates the commitment these folks have to The Game. Now in full disclosure I have the pleasure of knowing these guys and can attest personally that is true. They are both excellent referees who put a lot into their craft.

Also noteworthy is that Grade 5 is a place where a referee has to make a real decision. National or not? Some may say this decision should have been made earlier, even before going to a Grade 5. I am mixed on the topic as I believe there is a place for "State Nationals" as it were ... the best a state has to offer within its own boarders. There is a place for these referees. These folks are the best within the state that want stay within the state, so to speak.

For others the decision is a mere formality as they already know they want to go on to do games that only a National Badge will let them do.

In all cases it is an event to be celebrated, as with it, these referees enter the top 1% of referees in US Soccer.

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Richard Williams and Moulay Ridaoui, who have recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Jason Shafferman, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Matt DeNapoli, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Jordan Cavaco and John O'Brien, who have recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Amanda Diver, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Aaron Lewinter, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Raul Carreno, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Tim Likosky, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).


Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Russell Legault, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Corey Samuelson, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

Like the first birth of the New Year, we have our first upgrade of 2011.

Please join me in congratulating Dusan Basta for the achievement of attaining Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like again to congratulate the following referee who has recently been upgraded.

Congratulations to Omar Tizi-ougdal!!