Now that we are into June, most of the spring season within NH has been completed.  I would like to thank everyone who submitted USSF Referee reports.  In a couple of situations without these reports, it would have been difficult to pursue further action that was required.  For the most part the reports have been written well, although there are still some issues about the verbiage to use in these reports.  Properly written reports will definitely be one of the topics for in-service training in the coming months. 

While the spring season is mostly behind us, there are other opportunities for referees in the summer so please get out there and support the game.  The opportunities in the summer are higher level play so it is also a chance to improve your skills as you will be exposed to higher level play and officials.  This is on the job training and you get paid a few dollars on top of it!   

Before you know it, registration for 2009 is going to be happening.  The National office will be sending out information on 2009 registration at the end of June so be looking for the informational packet.  The plan this year in NH is to go as much as possible to online registration via www.ussoccer.info.  This will help in badge distribution and help eliminate typographical errors.  Any time after July 1^st you should be able to access the database for registration.  Further detailed instructions will be forthcoming as we get closer to July 1^st.  In addition, in-service training sessions will be starting up in mid-July so keep an eye open for a session in your area.  Once you are registered, and KidsSafe if applicable, you will be able to get your badge at one of these sessions. 

The weekend of June 6-8^th, the following referees traveled to Rider College to represent NHSA at the Region 1 ODP tournament.  Please congratulate them when you see them next on a job well done: 

1. Kali Langevin
2. Katie Foley
3. Jimmy Cooper
4. Colin Gagnon
5. Adam Castle
6. Sean Patten
7. Steve Zoldak - Assessor
8. Frank Scarito - Head of Delegation 

From the initial reports received it was blistering hot in NJ yet all of our referees did an outstanding job for the games they worked.  The heat and humidity took a toll in general on all of the referees at the tournament.  With news of the heat, it also serves as a reminder for everyone working games in the summer to take precautions to hydrate well before, during and after games as well as taking in some food.   Please see the following link for further information on this important part of refereeing in hot weather. (http://gatorade.com/hydration/)  

Finally, one of our referees, Rob Webb, has been involved in the relief effort in Louisiana due to Hurricane Katrina.  While it does not seem possible to us, the efforts to rebuild are still continuing.  Rob is headed to Louisiana June 22-28^th with 15 other people from his church to help in this on-going effort.  If you would like to donate money to help with this effort, please send a check made payable to First Congregational Church- Katrina group and put Webb on the memo line.  Any help here I am sure will be greatly appreciated.

Mark J Sadler

State Referee Administrator