Now that the snow is gone for most of the state, the spring season has started rolling right along for most of the leagues playing in NH.  With that comes a few reminders that need to be passed along to everyone: 

• A USSF Referee report must be sent to the SRA and the league for any of the following:
• Caution
• Send-Off
• Coach (or other bench personnel) dismissal
• Serious Injury
• Other substantial occurrence (e.g. weather delay/termination)
• Let’s be professional out there…
• Give respect to players & coaches (even parents!)
• Dress in the proper uniform
• Be on time which is being early…at least 30 minutes for most games
• Wear a 2008 badge – if you need one, contact your Area Rep or the SRA

There has been some changes in some State Referee Committee policies over the winter with the most important one being Development & Guidance assessments.  The SDA proposed, and the SRC accepted, for assessors to get out there and watch some of you in the referee community to give you feedback and guidance to help you improve your skills.  With that in mind, do not be surprised if an assessor is at your game and gives you some advice.  This is for your benefit and it will ultimately help the game improve as well.  The cost for this type of assessment is coming out of your registration fees so there is no additional out of pocket cost.  You have paid for it and the SRC is delivering it to you.  The information from these assessments will also be used to beef up our instructional program as well as help the SYRA identify up and coming referees for NHSA and Region 1 events.    

The second major change will be the method of registration for incumbent referees for the 2009 season.  The preferred method will be “online” via the US Soccer system to cut down on paperwork and speed up the overall process.  The old fashioned method of paper will still be accepted however using the online method will make it easier for badge distribution.  More details on this will be forthcoming in the next couple of months, so keep checking for updates.     

Speaking of the instructional program, the intermediate training with Jim Allen of the USSF National Instructional Staff was exceptional.  Over 100 referees attended the all day event at Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack and everyone seemed quite engaged with Jim’s easygoing style and interactive method of instruction.  On behalf of the SRC, I would also like to take this moment to thank Roland Vance and the management staff of Anheuser-Busch for their support in allowing the SRC to hold this event in their training room at no cost.    

Before you know it, the next round of in-service training will be starting up so keep checking for sessions scheduled in your area.  It is anticipated the sessions will start up in the middle of July and run through Labor Day timeframe.  It is anticipated 2009 badges will be available for distribution at these events as well assuming all goes well with the online registration initiative.

Mark J Sadler

State Referee Administrator