For those of you that participated or attended the Association Cup
on March 12th and
13th at Cherry Island, Mike Kampmeinert, Colin
Arblaster and CCSRA Staff would like to express our pride and
congratulations as we feel we are observing continued improvement from all the
referees and assistants that we are regularly observing and providing
feedback to at the surrounding Tournaments.
Most
importantly for Mike and Colin is that we are beginning to recognize
that there are referee TEAMS taking care of business like
professionals. Instead of individuals working with other referees there
is accountability, pride for others achievements, genuine criticism and
sincere support. Awesome! This shows that we care and trust each other
enough to "get it right" and improve upon what we are currently doing.
There was some incredible actions taken this weekend that would not have occured during the District Cup or Younger Association Cup Tournaments. Please take the time to reflect upon how much you and your peers have improved since last December.
Not
everything was done correctly this weekend and some serious errors are
still being made that are not acceptable at any level of soccer. These
events and situations will be addressed later on this site in a separate
article providing information and instruction. Check in regulary and
look for it.
I
think we are each just like a player with in a club system. Some are
improving quicker than others due to natural talent and/or effort and
are earning opportunities to play up in an older age group to challenge
and test those abilities in a tougher environment. Freddy Adu may be the
equivalent to our Jaime Padilla, a 14-year-old, doing outstanding work
as an assistant referee in an U-19 game or Jake Schmitz mastering the
subtleties of an advanced referee and learning to become a professional
because he is being coached by other referees that ARE professionals.
Jake is still developing at the CYSA Tournaments while being challenged
to referee Development Academy matches, matches challenging enough to
be used to qualify one to become a National Referee.
All
a "player" needs to do is to pay the fee and show up on game day. The
"average player" attends practice once a week and on game day. The "good
player" practices two or three times a week and plays in the game on
the weekend. The above "average player" practises on his/her own when
they are not with their team and watches other games live or on tv. The
excellent player practices and trains when he can, and critically
analysizes other matches and his performances with others.
When
as a referee do you practice, how often do you train, do you study the
game and do you analyize your performances and seek feedback from your
peers and coaches?
The
reality... not as much as we might like. So ask yourself, can you
commit one Friday night each month to training with the team you are
working with for the next three to four weekends? Come train your mind
with your team at the CCSRA Instructional Meetings every second Friday
of each month.
The
opportunities to obtain realistic goals are available to you. CCSRA and
it's staff is there to support you in your efforts. CCSRA hope to have
your support and your attendance at the next scheduled meeting on
Friday, April 9th 7:00 pm at the SMUD building Auditorium.
Play On!
Colin Arblaster
First Vice-President, CCSRA
USSF National Referee
