Hope you had a wonderful Easter last Sunday, washed your uniform, stretched and ready to go for the last four weekends of Spring Soccer. 

At this week’s meeting we focused on positioning. This weekend, let’s pay attention where we are on the field. Are you too close to play? Are you about 10 to 12 yards away from the ball?  Are you constantly moving? Parents and Coaches appreciate a referee that is involved, communicating and focused. 

Just a few reminders for this weekend:
1) Sunday will be hot. Ask the Coaches if they want water breaks. Stay hydrated. 
2) 0911 is the code for locks on the porta potties. 
3) U10 Rec Select age groups have free substitutions. No quarters.
4) Talk with your whistle! Short bursts for simple fouls. Loud long bursts for serious fouls. 
5) Have fun! Have fun! Have fun! 
I will release the next two weekends about 5 pm Saturday. Next in person Meeting is May 16

1) It’s going to be hot. Take water breaks. Ask the coaches in the pregame if they want one. Remind coaches it is not a coaching moment, it’s a 30 second hydration break and the clock is running. Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated! 

2) Be Safe. Keep your phone near you at the end of the game. Unfortunately, coaches and parents have approached refs at the end of games and unpleasant conversations have ensued. Tell them you are recording the conversation. Tell me about any encounters with coaches and parents. 

3) Be Calm, Stay Calm: the heat this weekend might make everyone a little edgy so if the sideline gets agitated, find your inner ref place and ask nicely: 1)  please coach, control your sideline. 2) Please coach I am asking you 3) please coach I am telling you. Caution and then red card.  Ask, Tell, Dismiss. 

4) Run with the play! Don’t be a “center circle” ref and make sure if you are the center, run the field. Kids, coaches and parents will appreciate your energy and your close up viewpoint. You want to be neither too close nor too far from the action: 10-12 yards is a good rule of thumb. If you are the AR, run along the touchline, between the halfway line and the goal line, keeping level with the 2nd-to-last-defender or the ball, whichever is closer to the goal line. Keep up! 

5) Call the Games Tight! Coaches and parents are complaining we are missing fouls. Don’t be afraid to blow your whistle.