The document summarizes a presentation given to the top 100 referees in Rhode Island. It discusses: 1) The purpose of the "Top 100" list which is used to identify the best referees and determine assignments for higher level games. 2) The different levels of youth soccer competition from recreational to regional/national tournaments and how referees can progress to higher levels. 3) Important regional tournaments that top referees may be selected for including Olympic Development Program events and regional championships. 4) Requirements and benefits for becoming a grade 7 referee such as being able to officiate adult games.

1. Top 100 Referees Forum
February 23rd, 2017

2. Brian Sperlongano
Youth Referee Administrator
Rhode Island Referee Program 2
Opening Remarks

3. Why are you here?
Rhode Island Referee Program 3
• Make more money
– Avoid flipping burgers!
• Take your referee career to the next level
– Best practices to get better games
– What are the different levels of competition?
– What is “Regionals”?
• Let your parents know what you’ve gotten
yourself into (this time)
• Meet assignors, mentors & travel team

4. Why a “Top 100” List?
• We want you to compete for the best
games
• Used to identify “the next regional referee”
• Used to determine Referee of the Year
• Helps assignors find referees to fill games
– Opportunities for YOU
– A way to advance to games “out of your town”
Rhode Island Referee Program 4

5. • This presentation
• List of assignors / coordinators
• Recertification / upgrade info
• League rules & directions to fields
• Forfeit payment request
• …and more
Referee Web Site
www.risrc.net
Rhode Island Referee Program 5

6. Social Media
• Latest RI Referee news is on Facebook!
– Photos from tournaments
– Top 100 list updates
– Award winners & accomplishments
– National / International referee news
– Helpful tips (usually based on referee mistakes!)
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@RIReferees

7. Rhode Island Referee Program 7
Regional
Premier
Competitive
Recreational
Levels of Youth Competition
•NPL, NEP, NSL (formerly MAPLE)
•Tournaments: Bayside, GPS, Seaside
•Super Liga
•Rhode Island Cup
•Summer Cup
•Tournaments: Westerly, NK, Barrington, Coventry
•In-town Leagues
•TARGET United Cup
•Presidents Cup / ODP / Regionals
•Eastern Regional League

8. US Youth Soccer Regions
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9. Annual Assignment Tallies
Level Referee
Assistant
Referee
Regional Leagues 20 18
Premier 311 672
Competitive 2,552 3,759
Recreational 10,000+ 20,000+
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10. Competition Pay Tables
Level Referee
Assistant
Referee
Recreational $0 - $25 $0 - $15
Competitive $20 - $46 $16 - $27
Premier $45 - $80 $25 - $40
Adult Amateur $80 - $90 $40 - $45
• Higher level of competition = Higher pay!
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11. In-State Appointments
• 2 State Cups
– Best teams in the state
compete
– Winners go to
Regionals
– Mostly State Panel
• Rhode Island Cup
– State championship for
competitive town teams
– Top 100 refs invited
– Identification event
Rhode Island Cup
Smithfield, RI
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12. Identification Event?
• Mentors will watch your game!
– Feedback during/after your game
• State Referee Committee watching games
– Possible promotion to academy panel
– Male/female RI Cup outstanding refs selected
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13. State Panel aka “Travel Team”
• 18 Referees Selected
• Invitations in August
• Advanced instruction
• Travel & meet referees
from 13 states on the
east coast
• Work with national
instructors and
assessors At the airport, on the way to Regionals!
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14. Academy Panel
• 18 Referees Selected
• Invitations in August
• Advanced instruction
• State Panel Alternates
• Work with state-level
instructors and mentors
• Promotion path to State
Panel Referee Identification at ODP Camp!
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15. Referee Regional Travel
• Lodging, meals, and
transportation provided
• Small stipend paid
• Referees roomed same-
gender
– Hotels or college dorms
– Odd numbers may be
roomed with a referee
from another state
• Early departure is typical
– May conflict with school
days for May/June dates
Region 1 ODP Tournament
Princeton, NJ
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16. Selection Criteria
• Past participation
• Attitude & Appearance
• Fitness test required
• Responsiveness
• We get to know you by:
– Raising your hand
– Attend monthly events
– Identification events
– Mentor recommendation
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17. 2017 Appointment Calendar
Date Event Location # Referees
Late Feb ERL Starts Varies Varies
May 12-14 ERL Finals Kirkwood, DE 1-3 Referees
May 20-21 UYS RI State Cup Warwick, RI 18 Referees
June 3-4 USCS RI State Cup Bristol, RI 18 Referees
June 9-11 Region 1 ODP Tournament Kirkwood, DE 7 Referees
June 10-11 USCS RI State Cup Providence, RI 18 Referees
June 10-11 Rhode Island Cup Smithfield, RI 50 Referees
June 16-19 Region 1 Presidents Cup Barboursville, WV 1 Referee
June 28-
July 4
Region 1 Championships Fredericksburg, VA 9 Referees
July TBD Region 1 ODP Camp Horsham, PA 5 Referees
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18. What is “ODP”?
ODP Tournament
Princeton, NJ
• Olympic Development
Program
• Individual player showcase
• Top referees are selected
to go to Finals in Delaware!
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19. What is “Presidents Cup”?
Region 1 Presidents Cup
Manchester, NH
• Winners of 15 State
Presidents Cups on
the East Coast vie for
Regional Title
• Regional winners
advance to National
Championships
• Top referees from
Regionals are
selected to go to
Nationals!
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20. What is “Regionals”?
• Winners of 15 State
Cups on the East
Coast vie for Regional
Title
• Regional winners
advance to National
Championships
• Top referees from
Regionals are selected
to go to Nationals!
Region 1 Championships
Kingston, RI
Rhode Island Referee Program 20

21. What is “ODP Camp”?
ODP Camp
Kingston, RI
• Instructional camp for
players (U15-U19
Girls)
• Simultaneous camp
for male & female
referees
• Referees housed on-
site.
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22. Typical Regional Day
• 6:30 AM – Leave Hotels
• 7:00 AM – Arrive at fields
• 8:00 AM – First whistle
• Noon – Box lunch at the field
• 5:00 PM – Leave fields
• 6:00 PM – Dinner
• 8:00 PM – “The Meeting”
– Day in review
– Assignments for tomorrow!
• 11:00 PM – Bed time
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Saturday night dinner at Joe’s Crab
Shack – an ODP Tradition!

23. Getting There (1)
Recreational
Leagues
U8 – U12
Super Liga
Step 1: Impress your local recreational
assignors and get assigned to Super
Liga competitive games
TOP 100 Ranked!
Rhode Island Referee Program 23

24. Referee Mentor Program
• State-wide – A Mentor in each association
• Experienced referees assigned to local
communities
• Access to knowledge and experience
• Helps creates path to higher level games
• Might just show up at your game!
• List of town mentors:
www.risrc.net/assignments/mentors/
Rhode Island Referee Program 24

25. Mentoring at Kohl’s cup
Rhode Island Referee Program

26. Referee Advancement (2)
5 Games
60’ matches
as Referee
(or age 16)
Can take
Grade 8 Class
(2x / year)
Step 2: Upgrade to Grade 8 to work
U14! Move to Top 100 Grade 8 list.
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27. Referee Advancement (3)
U8 – U12
Super Liga
U14+
Super Liga
& Premier
Step 3: Work lots of games, move up
in the rankings and regional assignors
notice and put you in U14+ games!
TOP 100 Ranked!
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28. Referee Advancement (4)
Top 100
Rankings
RI Cup
ID Event
State Cup
Summer Cup
State Panel
Adult Games
etc…
Step 4: Get invited to RI
Cup! Mentors watch
your game and
recommend you for
better assignments…
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29. Grade 7: Adult Games
• Requirements
– 5 Games as Referee, U16+ Competitive
– Grade 7 class (offered annually)
– Pass a field assessment
– Pass the FIFA Sprint and Interval Test
• Benefits
– Assignment priority over grade 8s!
– Can work adult games
Rhode Island Referee Program 29

30. Rhode Island Referee Program 30
The Top 100 List

31. How we create the list
Regional
Assignments
Adult
Assignments
Premier
Assignments
Competitive
Assignments
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32. Examples
Assistant Referee U10 Super Liga
5 1 1x x 5 points=
Referee U18 State Cup Final
10 8.5 3.9x x 663 points=2x
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33. Leagues (Top to Bottom)
• Eastern Regional League
• State Cup
• Adult Leagues – Men & Women
• NPL / NEP
• NSL & Premier Tournaments
• RI Cup, Summer Cup
• Super Liga & Competitive Tournaments
• TARGET United Cup Tournament
MorePoints
Rhode Island Referee Program 33

34. Kelly Mauricio
Premier League Assignor
Rhode Island Referee Program 34
Getting Games

35. • This is a job
• Do not interfere - Watch, Observe, & Encourage
• Both at the local and state level, there are people
to help assist and mentor your child
• Referees need their own email address
IF THEY WORKED AT DUNKIN’ YOU WOULD
NOT MAKE THEIR COFFEE FOR THEM!
Note for Parents
Rhode Island Referee Program 35

36. In-State
• Call for referees usually via email
• Each has its own assignor and assigning
system
• Some tournaments require registration
• May have different rules (subs, length of
half, etc)
• There is generally a designated referee area
Working Local Tournaments
Rhode Island Referee Program 36

37. You can work for more than one assignor!
• Super Liga Local (U12 and below)
• Super Liga Regional (U14 and up)
• Premier Leagues
• RI Cup / State Cup
• Tournaments
Multiple Assignors
Rhode Island Referee Program 37

38. Finding Assignors
Log on to:
WWW.RISRC.NET
SELECT GAME TIME
(FROM BLACK TAB BAR)
CLICK ON “ASSIGNORS”
MAKE CONTACT
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39. Assignment Web Sites
Competition Assignment Site
Super Liga
Super Liga Ref Assigning
www.thesuperliga.com
NSL
NEP
NPL
US Officials
www.usofficials.com
Eastern Regional League
Summer Cup
All Adult Leagues
Game Officials
RIReferees.GameOfficials.net
State Cup / RI Cup
TARGET United Cup
Some Tournaments
GotSoccer
www.gotsoccer.com
Rhode Island Referee Program 39

40. • USOfficials & GotSoccer
– Have to make yourself AVAILABLE
• Super Liga & Game Officials
– Have to make yourself UNAVAILABLE
• GameOfficials
– Referees Under 18 defaults to private
– Other members of your crew can’t contact you!
Rhode Island Referee Program 40
Special Site Requirements

41. • Keep all calendars up to date in ALL
assigning sites.
– Yes: this means up to 4 web sites!
• Re-assigning wastes time!
• If you accept a game:
– Block your availability in other sites
– Allow time for travel between games!
Managing Your Calendar
Rhode Island Referee Program 41

42. • Check your schedule
– MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO OVERLAPS
– Allow for travel time and late starts
– Must arrive ½ hour before kickoff
– Do not be late to a game!
• Assignors aren’t aware of your schedule
• If there is a problem, contact your assignor
immediately!
Scheduling
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43. Availability Calendar: Super Liga
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44. Availability Calendar: Game Officials
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45. Availability Calendar: USOfficials
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46. DO NOT officiate games of:
• Siblings
• Parents / Children
• Cousins
• Best friends
Conflicts of interest
Rhode Island Referee Program 46

47. How to get Fewer Games!
• Bad ideas:
–Turn back after accepting a game
–Frequent turn backs
–Being “Picky” about assignments
• Unreliable = fewer assignments
Rhode Island Referee Program 47

48. • DO decline quickly (if you have to)
• DO accept your game within 24 hours
• DO know who assigned your game!
• Game issues from other assignors
• DO call assignor FIRST if there’s a problem
Assignment DOs
Rhode Island Referee Program 48

49. Assignment DON’Ts
• DON’T LEAVE GAMES PENDING
• DON’T turn back games often
• DON’T turn back after accepting
• DON’T shop around after you accept!
• DON’T bother assignor with:
• Who am I working with? (it’s online!)
• Is my game cancelled? (it’s online!)
Rhode Island Referee Program 49

50. Assignment Ranking System
“Assignments tell the Truth”
-Steve Mauricio, SRA
The “Top 100” system is based on assignments
Assignors give the best games to:
– Referees that are the most responsive
– Referees that are the most capable
– Referees that are the most reliable
– Referees that are the most available
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51. Higher-Level Assignments
• What if you’re assigned to a higher-level
assignment that conflicts with a lower-level
assignment?
• Accepted last week:
– 10am U10R Super Liga game in Burrillville
• Assigned today:
– 12pm U14R Super Liga game in Westerly
• What do I do? Pick up the phone!
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52. • Uncovered games every week!
• Assignor doesn’t know who you are?
• You got assigned and didn’t check email?
• Not willing to travel outside your town?
• YOU need to contact assignors!
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“I don’t get Games!”

53. Open Game Emails
• Broadcast to many referees
• Assignors get many responses
• Raise your hand if available!
– A great way to move up
– You are doing a favor to your
assignor
– Respond quickly!
• An open game email is NOT an assignment!
Rhode Island Referee Program 53

54. • Top 100 referees need their own email.
• Check email at least daily!
• Notifications go directly to the referee!
• Game cancellations / changes!
• Receive all open game emails
• Parents can be secondary on contact
information to help monitor behind the
scenes all activity and scheduling
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Your OWN Email!

55. Premier Soccer Expectations
You just got your first premier assignment!
$55 to referee a U11 game…
what’s the catch?
Rhode Island Referee Program 55

56. • Referee emails / texts ARs!
– Arrange a meeting place
– Make sure you have cell phone numbers
• Are there special league rules?
– Do not allow teams to change the rules of
competition -- even if coaches insist!
• Do I collect money at the field?
– How much, and which team pays?
Day before match
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57. Unfamiliar Field?
Rhode Island Referee Program 57
Google Maps!
The Field
Walkway
Parking
Arrive extra early on
your first visit to a
field!

58. • Black shirt
• Black shorts
• Black socks
• Socks pulled up
• Black shoes
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Pre-Game Attire

59. • Different color jerseys
• Short sleeve/long sleeve
• Whistles (wrist/finger grip or hold in hand)
• Pens/pencils
• Cards
• Cold gear
• Heat gear
• Wristwatch (backup)
• Foul weather gear
• Water, sport drink, snacks
Game Day Gear
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60. YES
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Whistles and Watches
•Wrist watch
•No Stopwatches or
timers
•Whistle in your
hand
•NO neck lanyards!
NO

61. • Check for cancellations:
– Assignment System / League Web Sites
• Professional appearance
– Does not include sunglasses
– Complete and proper uniform
• Check-in players & coaches
– No need to make them stand in a line!
– Photos must match the individual
– Do not be overly friendly with coaches prior to or after games
– this gives impression of favoritism!
• Kick off on time!
Game Day!
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62. • Only take what you are owed!
• If you are missing an AR, divide money and
return to the teams.
• Return all money for
a forfeit
• Request reimbursement
at www.risrc.net
Rhode Island Referee Program 62
Money Collection

63. • Game Reports are online
for all youth leagues!
– New tax form requirements
– Won’t get paid unless forms
are filled out!
• Payment procedures vary by league
• Know the requirements!
• Complete within 24 hours
• Ask your assignor if you’re not sure
After The Game
Rhode Island Referee Program 63

64. Document:
1. Goal scorers / time
2. Red/yellow cards given
3. Injuries
Please review what is being asked on the
game report for the league you are officiating
in prior to match to ensure proper reporting
ALL REPORTS MUST BE
COMPLETED WITHIN 24 HOURS
Documentation
Rhode Island Referee Program 64

65. State Panel
Meet & Greet
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66. Assignor
Meet & Greet
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67. Closing Remarks
Steven Mauricio
State Referee Administrator
Rhode Island Referee Program 67

68. Referee Assault & Abuse
• Referee Assault:
– An intentional act of physical violence at or upon a
referee
• Referee Abuse:
– Threats through a physical act or verbal statement
– Verbal and nonverbal communication which contains
foul or abusive language and which implies or directly
threatens physical harm;
– Spewing a beverage on or spitting at a referee or the
referee’s personal property
Rhode Island Referee Program 68

69. • If you decide to continue the match, the adult must be
dismissed (red card).
– If the situation is unsafe, abandon the match and report
the dismissal in writing.
– The incident must be in game report - FACTS ONLY
• Identify witnesses
• DO NOT WAIT – Notify assignor / SRA immediately after
match
• FORMAL PUNISHMENT CAN ONLY OCCUR IF THE
ADULT IS DISMISSED FROM THE FIELD
• WE WILL SUPPORT YOU
Reporting Assault
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70. Reporting Abuse
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71. • As a courtesy, notify SRA when working out
of state.
• The referee must let the SRA (Steve
Mauricio) know of the intent to officiate in a
different state regardless of a regular
season game or tournament each time.
• Provide enough time to ensure a response
Working out of State
Rhode Island Referee Program

72. Going away to College?
• Commuting to RI for games
• Who to contact in another state
• Permanent transfers out of state
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73. Thank you!
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