AYSO National Referee Program

AYSO National Referee Program

Becoming a Better Tournament Official

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Workshop Objectives

• Understand AYSO tournament play• Learn why and how to be prepared• Reinforce new skills thru scenarios• Take away knowledge:– Specifics of tournament officiating– How to improve every day officiating

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Why Hold Youth Soccer Tournaments?

Reasons Include:– Provide higher level competition– New experiences– Provide Referees assessment /

mentoring opportunities– Raise money for Area/Section uses– College recruiting

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How do AYSO Tournaments Differ From Regular Season AYSO Matches?

• Officiating with unknown Referees• More emphasis on winning• More assertive and aggressive play• Often, more dissent • More game management needed• Tournament rules may differ

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How do AYSO Tournaments Differ?

• AYSO Philosophy: EBOPSP– Everyone plays - Positive coaching– Balanced teams - Sportsmanship, good– Open registration - Player development

• AYSO Vision Statement– Provide world-class programs– Enrich children’s lives

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What You Must Remember:

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What Should You Know About AYSO Tournament Rules?

Every tournament has unique rules that may include:–Match lengths– Adding time –Who handles pre-game inspections– Coin toss– Team size

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What Else Should You Know About AYSO Tournament Rules?

• Substitution protocol• Weather rules• Point systems (awards/deductions)• Tie-breaking procedures• Post-match reporting

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General Referee PreparationExamples of Preparation Include:

• Better understanding of the LOTG• Complete Referee kit – what is this

and what to include?• Check the pitch – goals – flags• Meet your Referee team• Pre-match Referee instructions

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General Referee Preparation: Meeting with the Referee

Team• Pre-Game Referee Conference:–Why critical to success– Prepare pre-match instructions in writing– If AR, ask clarifying questions of the

Referee

• Half-Time and Post-Game:– Importance–What and why to cover

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Game-Specific Preparation

Details for This Match:– Start time/end time– Size of ball– Tie break procedure, if any– Substitution policy– Players per team / Coaches per team

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Tournament Refereeing: Understand Team Motivations

• Understand the psychology of tournaments–Winners and losers–Winners play for the title

• Delay tactics / frustration• Game management approaches

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Tournament Refereeing: Intense Games Focused on Winning

• Shorter games often more intense– Potential for spiraling out of control–More frequent fouls and misconducts

• Team standings may impact your match– Intensity will increase during tournament– Different player tactics

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Tournament Refereeing: Know the Rules of Competition

• Familiarize yourself with rules for this tournament

• Pre-tournament group Referee meeting– Pick up helpful tips– Develop sense of camaraderie– Learn attitude of tournament officials

• Pack a complete Referee kit

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Tournament Refereeing Recommendations – Be Prepared!

• Show up especially early for your first game• Essential to start / end on time• Take care of your body– Dress appropriate for the weather forecast– Hydrate early and often– Sun tan lotion & band aids– Potassium, bananas & cramps– Use of a hat

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Tournament Refereeing Recommendations – No “I” in Team

• Your game’s Referee Team– Develop rapport– Assess experience and abilities– Pre-game instructions – Critical to

success– Be honest

• Frequent eye contact during match

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Tournament Refereeing: Learning and Helping Others Learn

• Learn from other Referees– Formally: assessments or observations– Informally: watch and discuss – Self

evaluation–Mentoring: a great way to learn and

grow

• Have other Referees learn from you–Mentoring: formally or informally

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Tournament Refereeing: Final (Humorous) Recommendations

• Use common sense• Just in case you have a bad game,

prepare for a quick exit:– Back your car into an isolated parking

space– Leave car unlocked– Leave keys in ignition

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Scenarios -- Group Work

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Pay special attention to your pre-game conference.

Make it meaningful – adjust for badge levels.

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Group 1 Scenario

• Antietam Cup Tournament in Maryland• Intermediate Referee / two Regional ARs• Round-robin B-10 match• Warm/humid conditions• Ten unique tournament rules• Referee to provide pre-match instructions

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Group 2 Scenario

• Cactus Classic Tournament in Arizona• Two Advanced Referees as ARs,

Intermediate Referee as Referee• Round-robin B-12 match• Warm/dry conditions• Seven unique tournament rules• Referee to provide pre-match

instructions

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Group 3 Scenario

• Section 8 Tournament in Michigan• Semi-final G-14 match ended in a tie• Referee team is tired, and one AR is ineffective• Warm/humid conditions• How to deal with tired team and one poor AR• Referee to provide pre-overtime instructions• Tie-breaking procedure – KFTM mechanics

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AYSO National Games

• July 2016 – Palm Beach, Florida• Thousands of players on hundreds of

teams on 30 pristine soccer fields• Need hundreds of Referees• U10 thru U19• aysonationalgames.org

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The AYSO Tournament of Tournaments

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Goal For Referees

• Support the delivery of a great AYSO experience for players and others

• How will this workshop help you support this goal?

Thank you!

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