Four More Years For Bob??

Check out Grant Wahl's thoughts here on the topic, FIFA's here, and US Soccer's spin here.

Lets see what happens next ... I don't think we're quite done yet.

We're not going to take it ... (Sung to Twisted Sister)

First of all, go here to listen to the song if you are so inclined.

Does anyone remember the name Jim Leyland? Well he is the manager that showed the grace to publicly forgive Jim Joyce for the call he blew back in June taking a perfect game away from Galarraga. See here for a recap.

Well, Jim's "pissed" (his words), and I honestly don't blame him. He was accused of spitting on an umpire, what sound like what actually happened, was some sunflower seeds accidental shot out of his mouth when he was arguing a call at second base. Gross, but innocent in nature.

While he was ejected from the game, and Leyland himself is fine with that, to be accused of spitting on an umpire is serious stuff, and he is not going to stand for it.

As he stated to the Detroit Free Press:

"I'm tired of protecting umpires. I'm tired of not being able to say anything. I'm defending myself. If you want to kick me out, that's fine. I don't care about that because it sprayed on his shirt, but when you start to accuse somebody of doing something you better be careful."

... and he's right. As referees we not only have to report the correct misconduct - but have to get the underlying misconduct correct. Men of good conscious can disagree if it was or was not a handball or yellow card (for example), but to accuse someone of doing something serious, you must be sure. A referee loses all credibility and integrity instantly otherwise.

Full story here, courtesy of USA Today.

Developemnt Night at the Revolution - Total Success!

The MSRC hit the ball out of the park on the 28th at the Development Night at the Revolution!

In a tremendously creative approach, the SDI (Nigel Bright - a contributor here on Kicking Back) designed a recertification program to include not only observing and reporting on video clips, as is very often done, but extended this to the same on an actual professional match.

Classroom work was very well done with interactive portions along with the video clips. Also there was a surprise visit from the match officials who were gracious enough to take questions and hung around for about 15 minutes. The venue was tremendous. It was a first class event in a private section of the Fidelity Clubhouse at Gillette with a packed house of more than 200 people in attendance.

From there each referee had the assignment to observe the match, and report back via an online form, the incidents they observed and why they believe the referee took that action. These results will be gathered and compared to the comments of the assessors in attendance and published to that community to see how similar the observations were.

While unfortunately not a great night for the Revolution, it was for the 200+ referees in attendance.

I have been sworn to secrecy regarding my observations about the match, but it suffices to say I respectfully disagree with Mr. Nicol's opinion about the referee performance as he alluded to in the article today from Frank Dell'Apa.

90 Foot Launch

Kicking Back Comments:

This is an interesting incident from the perspective that we have to remember as referees that players have relationships too. Very often we are asked to step in when that relationship is not going so well, but there is one there none the less. Over time it is important to form relationships with these players too. For those who see teams on a regular basis (in town leagues for example) there is nothing wrong with taking to understand the dynamics of the relationships between players, coaches, administrators, other referees, et al. These relationships are what will make or break you the further you go.

Early in my career I was instructed to call people "sir" or "ma'am" (except Barbara Boxer, who I would call "Senator"), and this seemed to work for a while for no other reason that it was polite. As I progressed and saw teams more and more regularly I found it more helpful to use a persons name in a respectful way (e.g. Mr. Bright, Ms. Murphy) as it started to form a connection between us. Later still, I took the time to know these folks and could strike up a conversation whenever we saw each other. I recall seeing Steve Nichol so frequently as manager of the local "A League" team that he would comment on my haircut when he did not like it. It was truly comical. But more importantly he felt comfortable to let me know when something was at issue. From there I would filter the comment and ask "what is he getting at?" It was usually something pretty vital to the match at hand.

It is critical for a referee to be aware of what is going on and the interactions between people to get the full picture. I recognize this umpire was a "vacation substitute" and may not have that time to be able to understand the dynamic. In which case, he should have just let it go.

I'm not advocating being willfully blind to an issue, what I am saying is take the time to understand it, and then, and only then, take the appropriate action.

Beltre taken by surprise
He says umpire was way off base

Adrian Beltre was called out on strikes in the second inning last night on a pitch he thought was low. He told umpire Dan Bellino his opinion and returned to the dugout.

“I didn’t curse or anything,’’ Beltre said. “I said I thought it was low. He said it was a good pitch and I walked away.’’

Once the inning was over, Beltre trotted out to third base and playfully boasted to Seattle pitcher Felix Hernandez that he would get him the next time. ...

Full article here courtesy of the Boston Globe.

Ready ... Steady ...

An old axiom often cited is that "Piss Poor Preparation Produces Piss Poor Performance". So in my preparing for the development night at the Revolution, (to avoid poor performance) following is a general template about how I would prepare for matches.

Please note, do what works for you. Some people would do more, some people would do less, and get the same result. Take this with a grain of salt and make it your own. Your mileage may vary.

Now the focus on this particular discussion is at the professional level, but many of the general points apply in local matches as well. Keep in mind too that some of these resources will not be available for the matches you are doing. Again, make this form work for you.

I generally begin by taking a self inventory and making sure that I am prepared for the match. I would wind down my training for the week and make sure to get some rest around match day minus 3. Lots of fluids, lots of rest. I would push this back if I had to travel to the match as travel itself can be tiring.

Have you made contact with your team? Have a ride? Need a ride? Local hotel? Flying in? Where are the teams staying?

I generally would look at the history of each team separately. Simple things like win/loss any roster changes of late, general news about the team, place in the standings, etc.. All to get a general idea what is going on and if there is anything at issue that this particular match turns on. An example would be playoff implications, a new (and famous) player joining the team, etc..

From there I generally look into the injuries on the team. Who is hurt, how they got hurt, and their status. A player nursing an injury can be a difficult management situation and to know this up front will help.

Still looking at the individual teams, I would then look at statistics. Some referees that I know don't like to do this as there is a concern that it taints the opinion. I respectfully disagree, but also am careful to not let the bias creep in. For example, lets take the Revolution (stats here). What is this page telling me?

• Schilawski and Perovic are the goal scorers and Dube is right there in assists. These are players that might be marked hard and should be protected.
• Niouky stands out as committing the most fouls, yet does not produce (no goals, 1 assists, and a handful of fouls suffered).
• Cautions ... Niouky tops the list.
• Send offs ... there were 3 ... and Niouky has one. (Ed note ... he is a midfielder too, not a pure defender).

So from this I am starting to paint a picture of who may be at issue, and what is at stake in the match. Who are the coaches? Trainers? Know their names? Are they a problem? How would you deal with it even before stepping into the field?

From there I move on to the opposing team, and take great note of who is playing where and what the venue is.

How big is the field? Altitude? Local traditions? (Have you ever heard the cannons fire in Raymond James stadium in Florida after a goal? - Scared the crap out of me the first time ... and every time after that). Weather? Field Surface!! (I got bit by that one in NY once ... cost me $100 for a new pair of Copa's 3 hours before the match) By the way, traveling teams expect a "better" that fair shake.

Same approach for the opposing team. General to the specific.

Now, I move to head to head. Have these teams played before? What was the result? Were there problems in the match? Is payback coming?

I may actually try to get my hands on the match if possible and review it once to get a flavor. Also I would check the Week In Review for that week and see what happened.

How about calling that referee? Why not!

I believe there are two main points to consider when doing such research:

1. Get all the information you can about the teams themselves, head to head, and the venue. Synthesize the match from this. Who are the goal scorers, bullies, what's at stake?
2. Don't be a slave to the information! You are just looking at a two dimensional picture. Adapt the knowledge to the reality of the match, which is played in 4 dimensions.

With all this info, and thinking about how to apply it, you will be ready for many things that get thrown at you, and can say you are well prepared for a match ... assuming the knowledge of the game and fitness pieces are there too, as without those pieces peril awaits at that level.

More Upgrade Kudos

Here is another pair of referees that that performed exceptionally and have received upgrades for their efforts.
I want to take just a second a recognize these individuals that have distinguished themselves in this regard.

Keep it up guys!

James Moriarty & Frank Bagnardi

A time to celebrate

August has been a bit of a whirlwind for me personally for a variety of reasons. None the least of which is the work many have done surrounding my father's name that has occurred. Here is a very brief synopsis.

Stephen A. Kokolski Assessor of the Year.
This was a truly humbling experience. When first told about this honor of the renaming the MSRC Assessor of the Year Award to the Stephen A. Kokolski Assessor of the Year Award, I was shocked speechless (a rare occurrence unto itself). Even more humbling was the privilege to say a few words and present the award in the honor of the individual who received it. Mr. Pete Robinson truly embodies the values of this award for everything he does both for the program, and the referees and assessors it services. An honor well earned, and one I truly enjoyed delivering.

Photo courtesy MSRC

Stephen A. Kokolski Scholarship Awards.

August was also the month that the recipients of the 2010 Stephen A. Kokolski scholarships were awarded. A hearty congratulations to Mr. Christopher Fitzgibbon and Mr. Peter Reis, each a 2010 SAK scholarship award recipient.

Mr. Fitzgibbon came to us with not only solid refereeing credentials as he begins his career, but also a clear affinity for the sciences. Well rounded is probably the best way to describe Chris, as he seems to be equally comfortable in his role at MIT, as well as his ever expanding exposure to the finer details of music.

Mr. Reis also comes with some serious credentials as well. An honors student of chemical engineering at Northeastern University, in his off time is working at P&G and a recognized ability in the refereeing world as he attended at Region I President's Cup, and was an alternate for the National President's Cup in Nashville, TN.

Congratulations to both Chris and Peter!

We are in the process now of creating a web site for this ongoing foundation. It can be viewed here. Work is progressing and changes are coming.

A busy month so far indeed ... and one that will be topped off on the 28th by working with the instructional staff at the Development Night at the Revolution, where your humble author has been transformed from reporter, to quasi-instructor. Don't miss it ... it promises to be outstanding.

Open and Shut Case

Kicking Back Comments:
While at times I get the sense that FIFA wants to be a bona fide governing body (i.e. a recognized government), and takes steps in that direction with some of their tremendous charity work and influence they exert on nations. However, it is vapid responses like this which demonstrate a willingness not to engage in what may be a far more serious issue which (for me) very clearly militate away from any such assertion of true governance.


FIFA Statement on Korea DPR
Following a request for information sent by FIFA to the Korea DPR Football Association on 11 August, FIFA can now confirm that it has received a letter from the Korea DPR Football Association as a reply to that request for information. ...

See the full statement here on the casual inquiry investigation, courtesy of FIFA.

Week In Review - Week 20: A MUST READ

Kicking Back Comments:

For those who are not familiar with the "Week In Review" from US Soccer you should make it a regular read on a weekly basis. This week was particularly insightful as it talks about the "puzzle" that needs to be put together regarding Persistent Infringement (PI). Take the ten minutes and read it ... an excellent read.

Week In Review 2010 
Week 20 – Ending August 15, 2010 The ability of a referee to feel the game and piece together the various scenarios in a game (much like building a puzzle) has been reviewed in multiple “Week In Reviews” during the past two and a half seasons. This feel and the ability to piece together the big picture is one of the vital aspects of being a top-class referee. This version of the “Week In Review” will examine four clips requiring both feel and an understanding of the big picture to successfully navigate each scenario and make the optimum decision (guided by the Laws of the Game).


Full post here, courtesy of US Soccer.

New Poll ... Offside or Not?

As many of you have seen, there is a question if the video clip posted here is offside or not.

There is now a poll dedicated to the question. So the question is ..

Offside or not?

Offside or Not Offside ???

Simple enough - watch the 1 minute clip and decide.

http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/sport/fussball/Wenn-der-Schiedsrichter-die-OffsideRegel-nicht-kennt/story/12711270

Bradely Watch Continues ... Now Looking At Aston Villa

Bradley confirms interest in Aston Villa job

United States coach Bob Bradley says he is keen to hold talks with Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner about being their next boss following Martin O'Neill's exit earlier this month.

Bradley, who led the USA to the last 16 of the World Cup, has had no formal talks with Villa's American owner but his representatives have made contact with the club.

"I think Aston Villa is a massive club with great history and a great following and those type of opportunities would of course be of interest," Bradley told BBC Radio Five Live. "I would certainly be honoured to have that conversation but I'm impressed with the way things have been handled so far and we'll see what the future holds." ...

Full story here, courtesy of ESPN.

JAFO Weighs In

As a follow up to "You Wanna Go?" earlier in the month, JAFO had a really a really good comment, agreeing in part with my comments, but adding a critical wrinkle to the mix. I wanted to share with you all. Straight from JAFO:

Yes but.........contained in the MLB rules is this gem: "9.02(a) Comment: Players leaving their position in the field or on base, or managers or coaches leaving the bench or coaches box, to argue on BALLS AND STRIKES will not be permitted. They should be warned if they start for the plate to protest the call. If they continue, they will be ejected from the game."

So, to take the umpire's position for a moment, this is an automatic, and his hands are essentially tied.  I am sure that Kulpa was not taunting Hunter, but expressing surprise and disbelief that Hunter would even begin to argue a ball/strike call knowing the penalty for doing so.  And this in the 8th inning of a game in which Hunter's team was in firm command.  Why argue something un-winnable at that point?  

This does not negate your comments and conclusion that Kulpa could have shown more respect, but does it at least raise the question about what responsibility the player had in all of this.  By backing the umpire into a corner, was Hunter showing respect?

A most excellent comment from one far more educated than I am about baseball.

My answer to the last question posited is a resounding "no" and JAFO is right that respect is a two sided coin. By Hunter arguing after the fact, and knowing better, he did put Kulpa in a corner that he had to do something. Ignore, argue back, eject ... None are great alternatives for Kulpa, or the game. Point well taken JAFO.

It lead me to a follow on thought, to be covered tomorrow soon, about "automatic" v. "discretionary" sanctioning and when you must use one versus considering using the other. Something about having enough rope to choke yourself ...

Upgrade Kudos

It is always a special occasion when a referee attains a new grade. It is a very clear signal of accomplishment and commitment to the craft many of us have dedicated our lives to.

I want to take just a second a recognize a few individuals that have distinguished themselves in this regard.

I wish them well on this next phase of their journey.
James Cormican

John Fontes

Randy Ellis

Ben Stillwell

Parents gone wild ...

Kicking Back Comments:
My answer to the byline question is ... NO! Book the guy and throw away the key for assault and battery of an 11 year old. Read on to see just how people lose their minds when it comes to youth sports. Granted I can empathize as I have seen my son tackled pretty hard in a match, but not to the point where I ran out into the field and do what this guy did. Take a look at the video too ... and the offending players coach who was flirting with blaming the referee, but never quite got there ... it was close though.

After Kids' Soccer Game - Arrest Over the Top?

Brighton, N.Y.- After a nearly month-long investigation, Brighton Police have arrested a Victor man for an incident at a Rochester District Youth Soccer League game.

It happened on July 16th at French Road Elementary School in a game between the Brighton Stormers and Victor-Farmington teams.

Police said that during the game, contact between 11-year-old players began escalating--and that's when Kevin Merriman, 41, of Victor, parent of a Victor-Farmington player, went onto the field, picked up one of the Brighton players and held him in a "bear hug" that resulted in the child being lifted off the ground. ...

Read the full article here, courtesy of WHAM.COM out of Rochester NY.

Poor Henry ... (Viewer warning ... off color language)

The following video courtesy of joketunes. 

See all their videos (also off color) here on YouTube.

Hector has plenty to say

Kicking Back Comments:
Earlier in July Kicking Back wrote about on of the most decorated FIFA referee/ARs, Hector Vergara.After his return to Canada he did what many of us do ... and that is to keep going at what he loves. Following is a nice interview with Mr. Vergara, sharing some of his thoughts about his last World Cup, its referees, their controversy, and life in general. A good read.

Back from World Cup, decorated official has plenty to say

What does the busiest official in World Cup history do when he returns home from a 44-day stay in South Africa? He puts on his cleats and gets back on the pitch, of course.

Héctor Vergara has officiated more World Cup games than anyone in history. At the recently completed 2010 edition of the world’s biggest sporting spectacle, he was patrolling the sidelines as an assistant referee for the Italy-Paraguay and Brazil-Portugal first-round matches, and the third-place match between Germany and Uruguay. ...

See the full article here, courtesy of the Winnipeg Free Press.

MSRC Awards Night

On 15-AUG-2010 the Massachusetts State Referee Committee (MSRC) held its 8th annual awards night. While there is much to report on in the week ahead both about the theme of the banquet, and the individuals recognized, I wanted to take just a brief moment to recognize each for their accomplishments here.

Congratulations to all. Each honor is well deserved.

Administrator of the Year:                 Levon Akoghlanian
Assignor of the Year:                         Al Cosentino
Assessor of the Year:                         Peter Robinson
Instructor of the Year:                        Rob Akie
Young Male Referee of the Year:     Alex Wallach‐Hanson
Young Female Referee of the Year:  Kristen Sundberg
Adult Referee of the Year:                 Rusmir Bilalic
Spirit of Game:                                    Frank Hasek
Flannery Award Winner:                     Rich Filippetti
Life Member:                                      Dennis Hogan

Gregg who ??

Kicking Back Comments:
In a poor attempt to be edgy or sarcastic Greg Doyel I believe misses the biggest picture of all in his below article. If the US MNT wants to do well on the international stage, they are going to have to seek a coach likely not from this country to get it done. Xenophobia aside, the bottom line is to get the best person for the job, not the best American for the job. 


I'd hire Marvin the Martian if it would help our cause.


After all the bottom line is winning ... right Gregg? What counts is that the players are US born, not the coach. Besides, if we follow Greggo's logic, the US could not use glue, because it was patented in Britain in the 1750's. How about beer ... nope, not here either. How about THE GAME itself? Nope ... Japan 1004 B.C. Why are we sullying ourselves with such things Gregg?


Read on friends, and just see how myopic an opinion can get ... that is to say in my own myopic opinion.


Ugly truth: U.S. soccer team needs American coach

This is not a soccer story. This is an American story, and as it happens, I'm an American. Jurgen Klinsmann is not. And for me, that's where the story starts, and ends:

Klinsmann is not an American, so I don't want him coaching the U.S. soccer team.

Let him coach Germany if he wants to coach a national team. Maybe Germany won't have him back. Maybe I don't care. That's their issue, not mine. Germany has a national team. America has a national team. Let theirs coach theirs, and ours coach ours. ...

Full rant article is here, courtesy of CBS Sports.

Yeah, but it's just a friendly ...

So this evening I was watching the New England Patriots play the New Orleans Saints in a pre-season gridiron football game. While not a gridiron football junkie, I do enjoy watching sometimes ... and certainly the home team whenever I can.

It got me thinking about fall and all it has to offer, including some tune up matches for some colleges or other amateur teams in the late summer, maybe even a high school match or two. It was then I remembered some advice I received a long time ago regarding such matches:

There is no such thing as a friendly match.

During these matches a referee can be at their most vulnerable. It is here that everyone involved can have the best of intentions in getting the teams together to "get the cobwebs out" or to prepare for an upcoming season. It is here however that players can lose their perspective and while not aiming to, really forget they are under the auspices of a referee.

If you accept a pre-season, scrimmage, or exhibition match, understand before hand what the expectations are. If it is a formal friendly or exhibition that is under the control of some state organization or league, chances are there is some understanding about what the expectations are and how they should be enforced. If not, you may want to find out before accepting the assignment.

That said, just because the match is not a league match does not give license to abandon the Laws Of The Game. For example, I was asked once to referee an O-30 scrimmage in my youth and "... not give any cautions". Well, you can guess what happened. I tried to oblige ... right up to the point there was a (2) footed, over the ball tackle that wound up in a fight.

Not so friendly after all.

Don't misunderstand me, there is a place for tuners. Not every match has to be a league game of some sort. Players need real game situations for practice too, and having a referee there helps. Friendlies are an essential part of what needs to happen for a team to prepare for a season or tournament.

My only point is to go into that match prepared like any other, and exercise the Laws as we have all been trained to do. Otherwise unwanted results may occur, for everyone.