Three more weeks to go and for the most part, things are going very well. As all of us progress through the season there are a things we need to get better with and points of emphasis to work on.
This week was the first where any red cards were given. Just as a reminder, details must be written on the score sheet. If that is not possible, an email needs to be sent to John Branca so he knows of the situation. I would ask that I get copied on any reports that get sent to John so I can remain in the loop.
Out of the nearly 500 games that have been played, there have only been only 3 instances of scores recorded incorrectly. That is the good news. The bad news is there have been 3 instances of scores being recorded incorrectly. I haven't checked my records to see which referees made this mistake but I ask everyone to make sure this administrative task is completed correctly.
Due to a "shady" situation with the validity of a few players, players passes NEED to be retained for the entire match. Ask coaches if they expect any additional players to arrive who are properly rostered but are not there during the initial team check in. Do the same with coaches as well.
If you cover a game you were not originally scheduled to, I must be made aware by the end of that day...unless you feel like not getting paid for it. Digging through emails and files to find information to ensure that everyone gets paid what he or she has earned is not my idea of fun.
All the above is easy stuff to deal with. However there are two big issues that popped up this week that should never be an issue.
First, everyone must be in full, proper uniform. That means a clean and presentable shirt, black shorts with the optional USSF logo, the appropriate USSF referee socks, and black shoes (sneakers). It may seem like a minor thing but it is a matter of professionalism and it is a very big deal since we are paid to be professional. We are got our checks for the games we officiated for weeks 1-4. If you need to replace an item in your bag, do it now. Go to the local soccer shop or buy you items online. Official Sports (officialsports.com) carries just about everything a referee could possibly need. If your not sure what you need, click on this Referee Equipment link to see what everything should look like. I prefer to assign those who will do all the things they are expected to do, no matter how inconsequential it may seem. From now until the end of the season, if you are seen not wearing all the items that are part of a proper USSF referee uniform, you should not be surprised when you do not receive any further assignments.
Take your professionalism seriously.
Another matter of professionalism that should not be an issue is that the rules should be applied correctly. Each week I am receiving reports and emails from informing me of how rules are not being applied correctly. I have four emails from fellow referees detailing situations where they have been asked by coaches and parents to clarify decisions by other referees because they are not in accordance with the L.I. Futsal rules. It bothers me greatly that other referees are getting complaints from coaches and parents for noT being consistent, EVEN THOUGHT THEY ARE PROPERLY APPLYING ALL THE RULES! Those referees who are not doing what they need to are making the job of the rest us more difficulty. If you do not know the rules, you can't apply them correctly. Please read the rules on a regular basis and refresh your memory. There are many intricacies to the game that if you don't study, can easily get you into unwanted situations. Spend a little bit of time each week just to review the rules. We owe at least that much to the players and the game.