The last day of the seminar was today. We had a full day of class, which was focused on making sure we are all on the same page with the things we had covered and a few other subjects were covered too. Then we had another session of practical out on the field. This was more focused and more intense to help us make those decision that we need to work together to get right. While we were waiting our turn to go, we had to do different things moving through cones—some times forward, sometimes backward as well as side to side. We never stopped moving and then for a lot of these decisions we were making 60 yard sprints to simulate us getting caught in transition. Then like the day before we had players doing different things and we had to work with our AR to get the call right. Then we came back to hear closing remarks and got to eat a nice meal and enjoy each other's company. Some participants had to leave the next day, some to go home while others went to locations for Gold Cup games. Lucky for us, we get to stay in L.A. to start. Check back later for more to come!
-TV
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Day 3 at the Gold Cup
Today we started off with a pool workout as a way to recover from the fitness test we took yesterday. This is a great way to help the body repair and get back to being ready for intense workouts to come. We did resistance work, dynamic stretching, and static stretching. Then we had sessions on serious foul play, violent conduct, mass confrontation, advantage, and simulation. We took two video tests as well as a test on the laws of the game and wrapped up with a session on fitness.
Then we went to the fields for some practical training. We did a short warm up and then we got to practice on the field in working with assistant referees to make calls in the AR's area and then also in and around the penalty area. We had two teams of players cause fouls to create situations for us and force us to make a decision like in a real match. Then we got on the bus to come back to the hotel for dinner. Just another day at the Gold Cup, more to come tomorrow!
-TV
Then we went to the fields for some practical training. We did a short warm up and then we got to practice on the field in working with assistant referees to make calls in the AR's area and then also in and around the penalty area. We had two teams of players cause fouls to create situations for us and force us to make a decision like in a real match. Then we got on the bus to come back to the hotel for dinner. Just another day at the Gold Cup, more to come tomorrow!
-TV
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Off and Running for Day 1
Today we had a full day. We started the day by doing fitness at the Home Depot Center. The work out was low intensity, but got the blood moving and stretched the legs out from the travel to L.A. We started out slow and then did lots of motions that we would do in a game such as change of speed along with lots of dynamic stretching and doing things to make sure we were concentrating. We then watched the U.S. play in the final of the Confederations Cup as a group. After that, we started the classroom sessions by talking about guidelines for referees and then the guidelines to the assistant referees.
The next session then covered fouls and misconduct in depth. The last thing we did was take a video test as a team of one referee and one AR worked together to make the call as they would in the game. For example, if the situation happens by the assistant referee they are more involved with each other. Now it’s off to dinner, knowing that our fitness test is first thing tomorrow morning. We’ve got to get hydrated and get some rest in us!
-TV
The next session then covered fouls and misconduct in depth. The last thing we did was take a video test as a team of one referee and one AR worked together to make the call as they would in the game. For example, if the situation happens by the assistant referee they are more involved with each other. Now it’s off to dinner, knowing that our fitness test is first thing tomorrow morning. We’ve got to get hydrated and get some rest in us!
-TV
Saturday, June 27, 2009
1,000,000 Miles and Counting
I got off a plane in Miami coming back to the U.S. from Trinidad & Tobago. As I turned on my phone I had several voice mails and texts. This is common when returning to the country after being gone for a few days. When I was checking my messages, I was greeted by a person from the airline saying “Congratulations!" Usually when they call it is because my flights have been cancelled or delayed, but this was a different kind of message. They were letting me know that I had achieved their 1, 000,000 mile club. They were going to be sending me new luggage tags, a new member card and—my favorite—eight free upgrades.
Most people think referees just go and run around the soccer field and blow a whistle. They don’t see all the other stuff that goes into it. The fitness work, the eating right and getting enough sleep. One of the biggest obstacles that wear on us is all the travel. This is my ninth year in MLS and fifth year on the international panel. We spend lots of time on airplanes and in airports. It is important to be fit and stay hydrated. One of the first things I do when I get into a city when working a game is pick up water and some kind of a sports drink (usually Gatorade). I limit the Gatorade and/or mix it with water due to the calories. I try to only drink sports drinks when working out or prepping for a game. During a highly competitive match a referee can burn upwards of 1,500 to 2,000 calories and cover six to nine miles. Hydration is important!
But now back to the travel. When I was at U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy Spring Showcase, I had a fellow referee ask how I travel. I told him my most common airlines, but what he was really asking is what is acceptable to wear when traveling. I thought that was a good question, so I gave him a good answer. When I travel for MLS games I am usually in an Official Sports polo shirt. It is important that when traveling for U.S. Soccer that we are dressed clean and smart. This doesn’t mean you have to be in a suit and tie; a nice pair of pants and OSI polo shirt or OSI warm up is very acceptable. Sometimes, I will wear jeans and leather shoes with an OSI shirt of some kind. This should be the practice of all referees that represent U.S. Soccer.
I hope you are enjoying your games. As the summer months are upon us, make sure you are not only drinking plenty of fluids but also eating right.
Ricardo Salazar
U.S. Soccer Referee
Most people think referees just go and run around the soccer field and blow a whistle. They don’t see all the other stuff that goes into it. The fitness work, the eating right and getting enough sleep. One of the biggest obstacles that wear on us is all the travel. This is my ninth year in MLS and fifth year on the international panel. We spend lots of time on airplanes and in airports. It is important to be fit and stay hydrated. One of the first things I do when I get into a city when working a game is pick up water and some kind of a sports drink (usually Gatorade). I limit the Gatorade and/or mix it with water due to the calories. I try to only drink sports drinks when working out or prepping for a game. During a highly competitive match a referee can burn upwards of 1,500 to 2,000 calories and cover six to nine miles. Hydration is important!
But now back to the travel. When I was at U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy Spring Showcase, I had a fellow referee ask how I travel. I told him my most common airlines, but what he was really asking is what is acceptable to wear when traveling. I thought that was a good question, so I gave him a good answer. When I travel for MLS games I am usually in an Official Sports polo shirt. It is important that when traveling for U.S. Soccer that we are dressed clean and smart. This doesn’t mean you have to be in a suit and tie; a nice pair of pants and OSI polo shirt or OSI warm up is very acceptable. Sometimes, I will wear jeans and leather shoes with an OSI shirt of some kind. This should be the practice of all referees that represent U.S. Soccer.
I hope you are enjoying your games. As the summer months are upon us, make sure you are not only drinking plenty of fluids but also eating right.
Ricardo Salazar
U.S. Soccer Referee
Thursday, June 25, 2009
CONCACF Training at the Gold Cup
I would like everyone to join us for our Gold Cup experience. This is my first Gold Cup, but for Terry this will be his second. We will be informing you on a daily basis of what we are doing to get ready this tournament. We arrived last night into Long Beach, California. CONCACAF has invited 56 referees from our region to have an elite referee seminar before the kick off of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Some referees will be staying for the tournament and the others will depart back to their countries after training on July 2nd. Terry and I are very excited to represent U.S Soccer's referee program, and we are very happy to share our experience with all of our friends and family.
-JM
-JM
Friday, June 5, 2009
Working With Professionals
In another segment written by a referee, get a look inside the game day experience of a referee in the WPS:
This past Memorial Day Weekend, I got to referee my first WPS and first ever top level professional division match. The whole experience was awesome and amazing! I had a great crew of referees to work with and a great assessor who were able to help me along the way. These are not the only people however that made this day possible. There are so many people that have helped me over the years and I am so grateful, lucky, and fortunate to and for those that have made an opportunity like this possible. Thank you!
Game day began with our pregame meeting at the hotel. The goal here was to leave no stone unturned and cover every possible thing that could happen. When we finished lunch and our discussion it was off to the stadium. We had two and half hours before kickoff which seems like a lot of time but there was still much to do. As a crew we walked the field, checked the uniform colors, and secured all the rosters and paperwork. We spoke to the game day operations staff and television crew, pumped up two bags full of soccer balls, and we hadn't even put on our uniforms yet. One of many firsts for me and most of my crew on this day was the use of the RefTalk communication devices. The technology that we use now to referee soccer games is great but I found out firsthand just how much time you need to get it all ready. Between the beeper flags, the heart rate monitors, and the communication devices, it was a bit comical watching all of us try and figure out where all the wires go and how to strap all this technology to us.
After a good half an hour to forty five minutes of getting dressed, we were finally ready to go and warm up. Walking out onto the field to loud music and seeing the beginnings of what was going to be a sold out crowd was an exciting moment. The adrenaline was starting kick in. We had broken a good sweat as we walked back to the locker room to put on our jerseys and at that point the butterflies that had been flying around in my stomach all day and all week really began to flutter. After one final check of everything in the locker room, my crew and I made our way to the tunnel where we met the teams. With a smile on my face, I wished the players good luck and we began to walk out on the field. The entire pregame ceremony and introductions seemed to take forever as I had been waiting for this kick off since I began refereeing many years ago. The national anthem was sung and the coin toss performed; the moment had arrived!
The first whistle blows and it's off to the races. The first foul occurs in the very first minute and there is no turning back. The first half sees a penalty kick for the visiting L.A. Sol putting them up 1-0 over the home team FC Gold Pride. A yellow card to each team is also issued before the first forty-five minutes are complete. Half time arrives and finally I get a chance to catch my breath. The crew feels pretty good about what happened in the first half but we know there is still more soccer to be played. What has happened so far is over and done with and we need to focus on to the second half.
Tactical changes in the second half by the home team are made in an attempt to rally from behind. The game's pace and speed pick up and the challenges are coming in harder and more often. Just when the Gold Pride seems to have the Sol on their heels, L.A. scores a second goal and the result now is almost inevitable. "Don't get comfortable!" and "Finish strong!" are the thoughts racing through my head. Unfortunately, the game comes to somewhat of an anti-climactic conclusion with an odd but apparently serious injury to one of the Gold Pride's best defenders in the 90th minute after she takes an awkward step over the touchline. After three minutes of stoppage time, I blow the final whistle and bring the affair to a close. We walk back to the locker rooms with our heads held high and for the first time in what has seemed like an eternity, the weight is lifted off my shoulders.
The feedback from the assessor is positive. There is definitely room for improvement, adjustments to be made, and things to work on, but overall, a job well done! Fellow referee colleagues who have come to the game to watch come to the locker room with congratulations for me and the crew. I turn on my cell phone to find numerous phone calls, voicemails, and text messages of well wishes and more congratulations. We finish the paperwork, shower, and head to the parking lot where I meet my excited best friends and family who were also in attendance. What a great feeling!
This past Memorial Day Weekend, I got to referee my first WPS and first ever top level professional division match. The whole experience was awesome and amazing! I had a great crew of referees to work with and a great assessor who were able to help me along the way. These are not the only people however that made this day possible. There are so many people that have helped me over the years and I am so grateful, lucky, and fortunate to and for those that have made an opportunity like this possible. Thank you!
Game day began with our pregame meeting at the hotel. The goal here was to leave no stone unturned and cover every possible thing that could happen. When we finished lunch and our discussion it was off to the stadium. We had two and half hours before kickoff which seems like a lot of time but there was still much to do. As a crew we walked the field, checked the uniform colors, and secured all the rosters and paperwork. We spoke to the game day operations staff and television crew, pumped up two bags full of soccer balls, and we hadn't even put on our uniforms yet. One of many firsts for me and most of my crew on this day was the use of the RefTalk communication devices. The technology that we use now to referee soccer games is great but I found out firsthand just how much time you need to get it all ready. Between the beeper flags, the heart rate monitors, and the communication devices, it was a bit comical watching all of us try and figure out where all the wires go and how to strap all this technology to us.
After a good half an hour to forty five minutes of getting dressed, we were finally ready to go and warm up. Walking out onto the field to loud music and seeing the beginnings of what was going to be a sold out crowd was an exciting moment. The adrenaline was starting kick in. We had broken a good sweat as we walked back to the locker room to put on our jerseys and at that point the butterflies that had been flying around in my stomach all day and all week really began to flutter. After one final check of everything in the locker room, my crew and I made our way to the tunnel where we met the teams. With a smile on my face, I wished the players good luck and we began to walk out on the field. The entire pregame ceremony and introductions seemed to take forever as I had been waiting for this kick off since I began refereeing many years ago. The national anthem was sung and the coin toss performed; the moment had arrived!
The first whistle blows and it's off to the races. The first foul occurs in the very first minute and there is no turning back. The first half sees a penalty kick for the visiting L.A. Sol putting them up 1-0 over the home team FC Gold Pride. A yellow card to each team is also issued before the first forty-five minutes are complete. Half time arrives and finally I get a chance to catch my breath. The crew feels pretty good about what happened in the first half but we know there is still more soccer to be played. What has happened so far is over and done with and we need to focus on to the second half.
Tactical changes in the second half by the home team are made in an attempt to rally from behind. The game's pace and speed pick up and the challenges are coming in harder and more often. Just when the Gold Pride seems to have the Sol on their heels, L.A. scores a second goal and the result now is almost inevitable. "Don't get comfortable!" and "Finish strong!" are the thoughts racing through my head. Unfortunately, the game comes to somewhat of an anti-climactic conclusion with an odd but apparently serious injury to one of the Gold Pride's best defenders in the 90th minute after she takes an awkward step over the touchline. After three minutes of stoppage time, I blow the final whistle and bring the affair to a close. We walk back to the locker rooms with our heads held high and for the first time in what has seemed like an eternity, the weight is lifted off my shoulders.
The feedback from the assessor is positive. There is definitely room for improvement, adjustments to be made, and things to work on, but overall, a job well done! Fellow referee colleagues who have come to the game to watch come to the locker room with congratulations for me and the crew. I turn on my cell phone to find numerous phone calls, voicemails, and text messages of well wishes and more congratulations. We finish the paperwork, shower, and head to the parking lot where I meet my excited best friends and family who were also in attendance. What a great feeling!
Lessons Learned Through Experience
More thoughts and comments from the referees of the 2009 Development Academy Spring Showcase
Hello from the airport in Sarasota. As the tournament is playing its last games I am at the airport awaiting my flight home. U.S. Soccer calls this the spring showcase but at times it felt like the middle of summer here in Florida. We had a large group of referees working this showcase. It was good to watch the referees work and show their stuff. It was a joy sitting with them after their games and discussing situations that took place in their games. They wanted to know if they handled the situations correctly or what they could have done differently next time. I give them credit for wanting to learn and get better.
I can remember coming through the ranks and some of the most memorable moments were the times spent hanging out. It is good to be in the lobby of the hotel or out watching a game and having referees wanting to spend time talking about refereeing. Don’t get me wrong, the games are great and that is why we are there but so much more can be learned from talking about the game.
I can remember at the winter showcase in Lancaster, not many of the referees took advantage of having experienced referees around. That was not the case during this spring showcase. All of us full timers tried to spend as much time as possible in the lobby of the hotel so we could be available to all the refs.
I would like to make a suggestion to those coming to the summer showcase in North Carolina: it is important to eat properly and hydrate often. If I was going there to referee (and this might likely happen) I would start hydrating a week in advance. What does that mean? I would double my fluid intake of water and Gatorade. I would shoot for 2 gallons of fluids a day and would be sure to keep hydrating on the plane.
Hello from the airport in Sarasota. As the tournament is playing its last games I am at the airport awaiting my flight home. U.S. Soccer calls this the spring showcase but at times it felt like the middle of summer here in Florida. We had a large group of referees working this showcase. It was good to watch the referees work and show their stuff. It was a joy sitting with them after their games and discussing situations that took place in their games. They wanted to know if they handled the situations correctly or what they could have done differently next time. I give them credit for wanting to learn and get better.
I can remember coming through the ranks and some of the most memorable moments were the times spent hanging out. It is good to be in the lobby of the hotel or out watching a game and having referees wanting to spend time talking about refereeing. Don’t get me wrong, the games are great and that is why we are there but so much more can be learned from talking about the game.
I can remember at the winter showcase in Lancaster, not many of the referees took advantage of having experienced referees around. That was not the case during this spring showcase. All of us full timers tried to spend as much time as possible in the lobby of the hotel so we could be available to all the refs.
I would like to make a suggestion to those coming to the summer showcase in North Carolina: it is important to eat properly and hydrate often. If I was going there to referee (and this might likely happen) I would start hydrating a week in advance. What does that mean? I would double my fluid intake of water and Gatorade. I would shoot for 2 gallons of fluids a day and would be sure to keep hydrating on the plane.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Spring Showcase Video Production
Another point of view from the D.A. Spring Showcase provided by full-time U.S. referee Baldomero Toledo illustrates the necessity and challenges of creating instructional videos for developing referees...
As a full-time FIFA referee, I think it is always important to be present during the development of young referees. On this occasion, U.S. Soccer assigned us to be part of the Development Academy Spring Showcase in Sarasota,Florida from May 21-26. All the participating teams from the academy arrived on Thursday prior to the U.S. Soccer staff, directed by Paul Tamberino. Brian Hall was also present, in charge to assign advisors at different fields to observe all the referees directing every game. At the end of the day we had the opportunity to discuss every game with every crew. The main idea was to identify areas that needed improvement, giving the proper advice so that those training this weekend will become better referees. Full-timers had the opportunity to share our good and bad experiences, so that others may learn and be better prepared for the future.
In my case, I traveled on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, with a special assignment coordinated by U.S. Soccer staff directed by Paul Tamberino, Alfred Kleinaitis and Dick Triche. They planned to produce a video detailing game situations, specifically how to conduct proper restarts off fouls. Wednesday around noon we headed to the fields to begin, but had to postpone because of weather conditions. Saturday morning around noon we tried again with much better weather. We prepared the field and had the opportunity to work with players from the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team, they were our “players” in the game situations we were filming. We began to record and demonstrated all types of fouls and misconducts, along with the appropriate re-start that should happen during the game. That way, we as referees can prevent these type of situations from occurring in real games. I would like to thank the U.S. Soccer Federation staff for giving me the opportunity to be part of such an important project, and I hope I have helped future referees.
As a full-time FIFA referee, I think it is always important to be present during the development of young referees. On this occasion, U.S. Soccer assigned us to be part of the Development Academy Spring Showcase in Sarasota,Florida from May 21-26. All the participating teams from the academy arrived on Thursday prior to the U.S. Soccer staff, directed by Paul Tamberino. Brian Hall was also present, in charge to assign advisors at different fields to observe all the referees directing every game. At the end of the day we had the opportunity to discuss every game with every crew. The main idea was to identify areas that needed improvement, giving the proper advice so that those training this weekend will become better referees. Full-timers had the opportunity to share our good and bad experiences, so that others may learn and be better prepared for the future.
In my case, I traveled on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, with a special assignment coordinated by U.S. Soccer staff directed by Paul Tamberino, Alfred Kleinaitis and Dick Triche. They planned to produce a video detailing game situations, specifically how to conduct proper restarts off fouls. Wednesday around noon we headed to the fields to begin, but had to postpone because of weather conditions. Saturday morning around noon we tried again with much better weather. We prepared the field and had the opportunity to work with players from the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team, they were our “players” in the game situations we were filming. We began to record and demonstrated all types of fouls and misconducts, along with the appropriate re-start that should happen during the game. That way, we as referees can prevent these type of situations from occurring in real games. I would like to thank the U.S. Soccer Federation staff for giving me the opportunity to be part of such an important project, and I hope I have helped future referees.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A Look Inside the Lines Part II
Since the 2009 Spring Showcase began this week, some of the referees have been keeping some notes on what it's like to be an official during this hectic but exciting weekend. Over the next few days, we'll share their thoughts and experiences to give you a better idea of the challenge all referees face in keeping matches clean, fair and safe.
I am now traveling home from another great event put on by U.S. Soccer, the 2009 Development Academy Spring Showcase held in Sarasota, Fla. They are doing these events to help develop the players, coaches and referees. This showcase was run very well through all levels like administration and the environment, and being out on the field with the best players and coaches means we had to make sure the referees were also top-notch. It was great to help coach and mentor them to help prepare them for future matches.
There were clinic sessions, assessments, and mentoring that went on to help them understand what it will take to go to the next level. As one of the four full time referees with U.S. Soccer, we were able to watch referees do the games and then give them guidance on what they were doing well and what they may think about changing so they could get the best results in every match they officiate. We also had referees sit with us at a game and talk through situations, and point out things that work as well as some alternatives. We would go back to the referee tent and share these things with the other referees. The best feeling was talking to the referees about improvements they could make and then going out the next day and seeing that they were trying it.
If you want to have a shot at getting on the U.S. Soccer referee staff, this is an event you want to attend. The whole staff was there along with new U.S. Soccer inspectors to do assessments and help mentor. But if you hope to impress them, you must come ready. You have to be up to date with what is coming out from U.S. Soccer Directives, the Week in Review, and you must show up very fit, not just the minimum because there is nowhere to hide on the field if you’re out of shape. If you want to get the most up-to-date training this is the place you need to be. Again, this was a great event and it was an honor to be part of preparing the future.
-TV
I am now traveling home from another great event put on by U.S. Soccer, the 2009 Development Academy Spring Showcase held in Sarasota, Fla. They are doing these events to help develop the players, coaches and referees. This showcase was run very well through all levels like administration and the environment, and being out on the field with the best players and coaches means we had to make sure the referees were also top-notch. It was great to help coach and mentor them to help prepare them for future matches.
There were clinic sessions, assessments, and mentoring that went on to help them understand what it will take to go to the next level. As one of the four full time referees with U.S. Soccer, we were able to watch referees do the games and then give them guidance on what they were doing well and what they may think about changing so they could get the best results in every match they officiate. We also had referees sit with us at a game and talk through situations, and point out things that work as well as some alternatives. We would go back to the referee tent and share these things with the other referees. The best feeling was talking to the referees about improvements they could make and then going out the next day and seeing that they were trying it.
If you want to have a shot at getting on the U.S. Soccer referee staff, this is an event you want to attend. The whole staff was there along with new U.S. Soccer inspectors to do assessments and help mentor. But if you hope to impress them, you must come ready. You have to be up to date with what is coming out from U.S. Soccer Directives, the Week in Review, and you must show up very fit, not just the minimum because there is nowhere to hide on the field if you’re out of shape. If you want to get the most up-to-date training this is the place you need to be. Again, this was a great event and it was an honor to be part of preparing the future.
-TV
Monday, May 25, 2009
Paul Tamberino Wants You!
...to watch Referee Week in Review.
The weekly combination of video clips and written explanations of close calls has provided an invaluable tool in continually teaching not just U.S. Soccer Federation referees, but officials of all levels. Don't believe us? Take a look at this clip detailing one such success story.
Here's the clip in question with the accompanying explanation. Think you could have made the right call?
The weekly combination of video clips and written explanations of close calls has provided an invaluable tool in continually teaching not just U.S. Soccer Federation referees, but officials of all levels. Don't believe us? Take a look at this clip detailing one such success story.
Here's the clip in question with the accompanying explanation. Think you could have made the right call?
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