This was my first year at ODP Camp at the University of Rhode Island. I really enjoyed my experience and learned a lot during the 5 days I spent at URI as one of 6 New Hampshire representatives. It was a healthy confidence booster for me and I was able to really work on my refereeing skills. The environment was laid-back, yet with an undercurrent of professionalism that kept us all in a focused mode. Our instructors, Barry Towbin and Sandra Serafini, a FIFA referee, were not only knowledgeable and easy-going, but also very accessible. This camp was not about refereeing the best soccer or showcasing our knowledge, but was a learning experience geared toward referees with ambitions to advance. We covered a few referee basics: staying with the second to last defender, positioning, foul recognition, and the Laws of the Game. Barry stressed reading the latest referee directives and news. Owning a copy of The Guideline to Procedures is an excellent idea. Knowing the Laws of the Game—really knowing them, enough to kick butt in referee jeopardy—is an even better one.  The days at ODP Camp were not packed with games and training, which was nice. Referees generally were scheduled for one or two games a day, with everyone refereeing a center at least once. I had two centers and they were the best games I have ever refereed. It wasn’t because I did an outstanding job or because the soccer was the best that I had ever seen (it was neither of these things). During my first center, Sandra Serafini coached me during the second half from the sidelines, telling me where to go and reminding me to anticipate the play and watch for certain fouls. It makes sense, doesn’t it, she pointed out that week. Players are coached during the game, so why can’t referees, in that type of environment, also receive coaching? The confidence I gained from her presence astounded me. Then my second center went just as well, even though Sandra wasn’t there. It was my ability to practice the lessons she taught me and I could hear her voice in my head during the game telling me to anticipate or move out more to the left. Sandra also taught me how to survive as a female in a male-dominated world by using my personality and field presence to erase stereotypes during the game. She said things as she saw them, without any sugar coating. She was an awesome role model for not only the female referees this past week, but the male ones as well.  

In the afternoons, we all met around 2 p.m. for training. It was nothing intense and not usually very long. We learned how to stay with the second to last defender and also worked on our awareness. We practice staying mentally keen though various fun activities. We also reviewed videos of each other refereeing, discussing posture and presence, how to make yourself appear big on the field. We also talked about personality and how we can use it to our advantage during the game. Then there was also the referee pick up soccer game which was a lot of fun! Who know how intense and competitive referees could be?
 
Another thing I really enjoyed about this camp was the social aspect. It was easy to go talk with referees from other states and we had the time to do it! It was nice to be able to talk about refereeing but also have the time to choose to talk about non-refereeing topics with others. I made a number of friends at camp and I can’t wait to see them again! It was such a good experience! If you ever have the occasion to go, I encourage you to take advantage of it.

Katie Foley

July 2009