U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program Update

This update will be sent via email on a monthly basis to provide the referee community with information about the U.S. Soccer Referee Program. In particular, U.S. Soccer's commitment to providing quality education resources for officials of all levels will be featured in these updates so be sure to take full advantage of the information and content being posted in the Referee Section of ussoccer.com.   If you would like to receive additional mailings from U.S. Soccer or opt out of this newsletter, please click on the "Manage Subscriptions" link located in the footer of this email. In addition to the work of the U.S. Soccer Referee Department, there are 55 State Referee Associations whose efforts are an important part of the overall success of the U.S. Soccer Referee Program. These associations are responsible for administering the objectives of U.S. Soccer at the local level. Officials, instructors, assignors and assessors should contact the appropriate administrator within their State Referee Association for assistance with questions and issues related to administration, registration and certification. REFEREE NEWS Two Referees Among Prospects for 2014 FIFA World CupAs countries spend the next year solidifying their place through qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, referees from around the world also are continuing to stamp their presence for consideration at the global spectacle. Among the group of prospects are Jair Marrufo and Mark Geiger, who were among 52 referees to take part in a seminar in late September in Zurich as part of a provisional "open list" of referee prospects for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. [Read More] REFEREE EDUCATION RESOURCES Proper signaling is important for officials at all levels of the game. The specific signals used by assistant referees are more informational or advisory in nature so it's vital that these signals be performed clearly and accurately. Watch the video, Assistant Referee Signals, to learn more about U.S. Soccer's recommendations and guidelines on proper referee signaling. [Watch Video] Proper signaling is important for officials at all levels of the game.  The specific signals used by the referee are intended to communicate decisions and instructions so it's vital that these signals be performed clearly and accurately. Watch the video,Referee Signals, to learn more about U.S. Soccer's recommendations and guidelines on proper referee signaling. [Watch Video] Injuries can occur at all levels of the game so it's important for referees to handle injuries in accordance with the Laws of the Game while making player safety a priority. Watch the video,Managing Injuries, to learn more about U.S. Soccer's recommendations on how to effectively deal with minor and serious injuries. [Watch Video] Each year, the Laws of the Game are updated by FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB). These changes officially went into effect on July 1, 2012. Watch the video, 2012-13 Amendments to the Laws of the Game, to learn more about how officials of all levels should interpret and apply these changes. [Watch Video] Advantage is a powerful and flexible tool that referees can use to manage competitive matches and should be applied in relation to the experience, skill level and strategic awareness of the players involved. Watch the video, Advantage Update, to learn more about the expanded interpretation and application of this critical concept from Law 5. [Watch Video] It's important for officials of all levels to know how to effectively deal with coaches and other team officials who behave poorly during a game. Watch the video segment, Ask, Tell, Dismiss, to learn more about U.S. Soccer's recommended approach for taking action towards team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner. [Watch Video] REFEREE IDENTIFICATION AND TRAINING Throughout the U.S. Soccer Development Academy season, referees are selected on a weekly basis for their outstanding performance officiating U-15/16 and U-17/18 matches. Please click here to read moreabout the most recent officials being recognized as a Development Academy Referee of the Week.   MEDIA CENTER UPDATE U.S. Soccer has updated its Media Center to enhance the accessibility of referee video resources. Content is now organized into subsections that make finding and watching videos easier than before. This updated framework is also reflected in the Downloads section of the Resource Center to make the videos you see in the Media Center easy to locate and download.