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Skill Enhancement

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        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 (to move to grade 7 and higher). 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.
            Beyond the basic training and conditioning for games, grade 7 and 6 referees have to meet/exceed additional physical requirements. At the Michigan Referee Committee site (www.michiganreferee.org) the following USSF requirements are posted. These are minimum requirements- you are always encouraged to better yourself.

ENDURANCE            AGE            REFEREE         STATE REFEREE

12 minute* run          under 38      2200 meters       2400 meters
                              38-45          2000 meters       2200 meters
                              over 45        1800 meters       2000 meters

50 meter dash           all ages        9.0 seconds        9.0 seconds

200 meter dash          all ages       40.0 seconds       40.0 seconds

* The referee must run for 12 minutes even if the minimum distance is covered
in less than 12 minutes. The purpose of the test is to determine the distance
the referee can cover in 12 minutes.