Skill Enhancement

How To Be Come A Referee
USSF 
High School 
College 
Risk Management
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Game Assignment

Skill Enhancement

Recertification
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Rules Of Competition
Grand Valley Soccer Association
State Cup
Midwest Regional League
Super Y
Premier
National Premier League
        There are several ways to enhance your skills.

         The Michgian Referee Committe provides instruction at certification and re-certification classes. USSF also offers videos, position papers, interpretations, and an ask-the-ref section. Go to www.ussoccer.com, and go to the "referee" link on the left. Additionally, the Grand Valley Soccer Officals Association (GVSOA) will offer a pre-season "tune-up" or class. The goal is to review and reinforce knowledge and skills prior to the season, and to update the referees on any changes/modifications by USSF during the off-season.

         The GVSOA has many different levels of resources to assist referees in developing their game and management skills with the ultimate goal of assisting them move to higher referee grades.

  • ASSIGNORS - An assignor is trained to match the skill level of a referee to the demands of each game. If a referee is doing well and merits more challenging games, the assignor endeavors to give the referee more challenging assignments. If the referee needs assistance, the assignor is able to adjust the game assignments, and request a mentor be assigned to the referee for more immediate and personal feedback and support. Assignors also work with each other to make sure games have full referee crews, and to give referees more challenging games.
  • MENTORS - A mentor is a trained referee who has an interest and love for the game, and is willing to work with a referee to develop the referee's skills. A mentor can be assigned to a referee, or requested by the referee. The mentoring relationship can be short or long-term. The mentor provides feedback and direction in the referee's game to assist and support the referee. In the Grand Valley Soccer Association, a grade 9 referee may be assigned to the center provided a mentor is present at the game and the game is at the U8, U9, U10 level.
  • INSTRUCTORS - Referee instructors and Assignor instructor(s) are involved to assist referees and assignors in helping determine the degree of challenge appropriate for the referee, and finding that game to assign the referee to.
  • ASSESSORS - Assessors are assigned by the State Director of Assessments for all upgrade assessments.. Referees may also ask an assesor to observe their game & give feedback following the game. This is Development & Guidance(informal) observation. Assessors also visit fields unannounced and evaluate referees, and provide written/verbal feedback and support.