Ref's Tip:

The new rules for the 2003 high school season have been released. Nothing really shocking or of major significance in the changes. The following is an overview:

• Padded goalpost are now permitted only if the padding is specifically designed for soccer goal posts. The padding is to be white in color but probably will be other colors since white is not a big seller. What does it matter what color the padding is?
• Field conditions are the responsibility of the home school administration, both coaches and the referee. All three are expected to work together to make the playing conditions safe. The specific area of concern here is lightning and thunder storms. The referee should note any other problems during the pregame walk around the field.
• The new style padded head ban is acceptable. This is a device more commonly used in the professional womens matches.
• Shin guards must be age appropriate. Very simply adults should wear adult shin pads and kids wear kids shin pads. The newest rule of thumb would have the shin pads bottom no higher than two inches from the anklebone. I have found coaches who do not check this nor do they care about this.
• Player's socks may have logos or manufacturer names on both sides of the sock. What is the big deal here? Socks will not become billboards for advertisement.
• Coaches are responsible for his/her players being properly equipped before the games start. This is a responsibility taken too lightly by some coaches.
• Referees are expected to be dressed alike for every game. Why must this be addressed here? Why would a referee want to be different?
• Players should be reminded about the need for sportsmanship before each game. This is high school - why must the referee be the messenger of this?
• The act of holding or grabbing a shirt could be viewed as a holding penalty. This can lead to more yellow cards.
• Both simulations of a fake injury or taking a dive on a play are can lead to a caution. A yellow card is warranted here.
• Zero tolerance for profanity should be enforced. Profanity should include the use of insulting words, offensive language and abusive language. Need anyone say any more about this?

Paul Mayovitch addressed the soccer officials on two areas. One was what a coach expects from an official and the other is what an official can expect for a coach. Paul is the JV Girls coach at Paul IV as he has been for the past eight years. He is also a soccer official with fourteen years experience. Paul knows what he is talking about from both sides of the fence. Thanks Paul.

What are the referee's expectations of a high school coach?

• Respect as an official.
• The field of play is ready at game time.
• Coach control of his/her players.
• Players properly equipped to play.
• Have vouchers ready for the officials.
• Coaches should not question every call.

What are some of the expectations a coach has of an official?

• The referee should always be on time for a game.
• Call ahead to confirm the game.
• Look and act professional.
• Have a good knowledge of the game - use common sense.
• Do not let coaches intimidate you.
• Be in position to make the proper call.
• Do NOT demand a voucher the minute you arrive at the field.
• Work with your partner - you are a team.
• Make the pregame speech quick and simple. This is not a place for rules review.
• Forget the nit picky stuff. So what if a shirt is out of the pants?
• Be pro active in the game. Will a casual conversation with a player prevent potential problems later in the game?
• Be consistent on your calls.
• Always be aware of game control and how it affects the player's safety.
• Have respect for the game - the kids are doing their best to play the game.
• Leave the "this is only a girls game attitude" at home. WE should not be selling the girls short.
• Remember a sub varsity game is no less a soccer than the varsity - give them your best.
• Leave the varsity attitude of "I am a varsity official" when refereeing sub varsity games. A great many teams of the sub varsity nature really enjoy having a varsity official doing their games. Freshman teams think it is really great having a ref show up with the varsity patch on the uniform shirt.

So how did high school soccer do with disqualification's last season? The ladies did very well with only 11 player ejections and 2 coach ejections. The men were not as good but not all that bad either. 152 men ejected along with 13 coach ejections. What happens to the offenders? More to come on that subject in my next article....

Good luck and have a good season....

Ref's Tip:

1. Clearly print the following information on a 8.5" X 11" sheet of paper:
   1. Full Name
   2. Current Age and Date of Birth
   3. Email Address
   4. Home USPS Address
   5. Home Phone #
   6. Cell Phone #
   7. Social Security #
2. Clearly indicate for which class you are registering.
3. Write your check for the proper amount ($35 for the USSF course) made payable to "NJREF".
4. Mail your completed 8.5" x 11" sheet and check to:
   NJREF
   54 Appletree Lane
   Sewell, NJ 08080
5. Registration Deadlines: You must mail your check & registration information with sufficient time so NJREF can receive your info by the noted deadline.
6. You will be notified by email of acceptance & exact classroom location.

Ref's Tip:

1. Clearly print the following information on a 8.5" X 11" sheet of paper:
   1. Full Name
   2. Current Age and Date of Birth
   3. Email Address
   4. Home USPS Address
   5. Home Phone #
   6. Cell Phone #  
   7. Social Security #
2. Clearly indicate for which class you are registering.
3. Write your check for the proper amount ($90) made payable to "SJSOA".
4. Mail your completed 8.5" x 11" sheet and check to:
   Registrar, SJSOA
   8208 Normandy Drive
   Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
5. Registration Deadlines: You must mail your check & registration information with sufficient time so the Registrar can receive your info by the noted deadline.

Ref's Tip:

Have you ever noticed how people react to the strangest things? Soccer people worldwide are very fanatical about their teams. Their reactions are equally fanatical.

Take this incident in Brazil: We all get frustrated when our team is not living up to our expectations (sounds like Philly sports fans). Some of us like to kick inanimate objects at inanimate players, while some take our frustrations out on small pieces of red plastic. One Brazilian soccer fan seems to have taken things a little too far, and is living in a tree in protest at his team's poor performance. A gentleman known as Roberto has tied himself to a tree outside the grounds of his team Corinthians, and insists that he will stay there until things improve. He did speak to journalists from the tree, while eating a banana and throwing the skin at the stadium. He is demanding changes to the teams line-up and tactics before he comes down.

Or how about this incident in England: Romark FC and Czech Club were taking part in a five-a-side game in North London when the referee decided that he needed some help exercising his authority on this game. "All hell broke loose. The referee was like Conan the Barbarian," said one of the spectators. He was getting abuse from the Romark players and he abandoned the game. One of the players then referred to the referee as a "fairy". The referee went completely berserk. He ran off the field and returned moments later stripped to the waist and waving a long axe around his head. I guess he was fed up with the constant cheating, diving, moaning and groaning of the players.

Leeds United and Manchester United have shown their distaste for each other over the years but now it is getting very serious. The world famous McDonalds food chain had to change the famous red and yellow arches at the store nears the Leeds United field. It seems the color scheme was too Manchester United in color - they were changed to a more Leeds United friendly color. It gets worse. A local fish and chip shop at Leeds had to remove the normal red plastic forks given to customers. Leeds fans would not buy the fish and chips that came with red forks - again, too Manchester United in color.

How about a recent incident at a local indoor soccer complex? The "keeper" was so frustrated after a goal he ran after the official and threw the ball at the official. Luckily there was no contact but the incident almost got out of control. What the "keeper" did not know was the local deck hockey team saw the whole thing and was going to the aid of the soccer official. One of the hockey players happened to be related to the soccer official. Oh, the "keeper" was awarded a life suspension buy the indoor soccer complex. It is great to see the support the complex gave this official.

And how is your season going?

Ref's Tip:

Just last week the South Jersey Soccer League presented its annual "Sportsmanship Awards" for coaches. The program is for coaches in the Under 8, Under 9 and Under 10 age brackets. The purpose of the program is to recognize and reward a coach in each conference for exhibiting sportsmanship on and off the field. The recipient of the award is to exhibit the following:

• Fairness
• Courtesy
• A positive attitude
• Being a role model
• Abiding by the rules

Under 8: Nour Obiessy - Highland, Art Cowan - Cape Express, and Steve Pirollo - Highland.

Under 9: Jim Donnelly - Mt. Laurel, Brian Beatty - Cherry Hill, David Lamb - Princeton, Jeff Lowinger - Maple Shade, Joe Oveliette - Highland, Jim Dugan - Haddonfield, Gregg Toci - Haddonfield, Victor Guerra - Deptford, Paul Cray - Maple Shade, Lynne Denny - Delran, and Rich Jennings - EPAA.

Under 10: Barry Gleissner - Cohansey, Mark Bryan - Medford, Reynolds Dowd - Mainland, Mike Horlacher - Washington Twp., Brian Law - Berlin Township, Scott Cooper - Westmont, Pat Connelly - Haddon Heights, Paul Wallowich - West Deptford, Maugerite Walker - Pemberton, Mike Hartey - Runnemede, and Mickey Powers - Millville.

REFEREE CLASSES

Members of the South Jersey Soccer Officials Association will be conducting both USSF and High School referee classes. The deadline for registering is 3-10-03 for USSF and 3-17-03 for High School. Please contact Walt Klein via E-mail at GKlein1423@aol.com. There is a nominal fee for each class. Good luck and welcome to our refereeing ranks.

ODDITIES

Chuck Fleischer, State Emeritus Referee, tells the story of his most interesting game experiences. An Under 6 coed game played on a ground in North Carolina in '77 is typical of beginning soccer careers. Some players picked flowers that grew near the pitch, others stood next to a fence and watched pigs, and still others stopped to watch the airplanes landing at the airport on the other side of the fence. Really a high-pressure match. Youth are still youth and should enjoy the simple pleasures of life even during a game situation.

Victor Matheson, USSF National Referee, tells of the time that he officiated a youth match. The ball struck and killed a low flying bird. What's the restart for this?

MISCELLANEOUS

Sam Carchidi, Philadelphia Inquirer reporter and columnist, recently did an article about the amount of yellow and red cards issued to players from New Jersey High Schools this past season. The NJSIAA is alarmed about the high number of players and coaches who were disqualified during the boys' soccer season. This article generated quite a few readers' responses. Here are a few followed by my personal comments:

"Some ideas to improve high school boys' soccer - of course they will never happen:"

1. Let the players play on real size fields. Most play on fields that are too small. This leads to physical play. Every field should be 70 yards wide.
   Comment: Not every school has the physical capacity to make their fields any bigger. Most all school, public schools have fields that are ample. There are a few exceptions. The game is to be played on what is available. Not much that can be done here.
2. Having only two ref's means players can be murdered in the middle of the field. Have a three-man system. That's what colleges, clubs and the rest of the world have.
   Comment: First we must ask why the two-man system is used-there are not enough referees available to man a three-man system. "Murder in the middle of the field?" A reputable two-man system will prevent this through good positioning and game Control.
3. There are too many high school coaches who lack the ability to teach the game.
   Comment: This is very true at the less talented school programs. It also might have to do with the lack of talented players at some schools. Teaching the game is more than strategy. Rules or as we prefer, the Laws of the Game, are not taught. Simple things such as the kind of kick that is awarded after a foul are still not known by the players and some coaches. Why are players asking the ref for the answer?

When are high school coaches going to focus their team on the game itself? I'd like to see the mouth piece/teeth guard made mandatory, less chance of excessive talking to officials.

Have you ever noticed the better performing high schools have the better coaches? This is not accidental. These people know the game, know how to work with their players and know how to coach.

QUESTION: Why do High Schools use a totally separate set of laws to govern their game. Are not FIFA's laws good enough? What do you think? Let me know.

Ref's Tip:

Another year has come to an end and we begin 2003 with plenty of soccer excitement. South Jersey All Star teams have been announced, Manchester United is coming to the US on a four game tour this summer, NJSIAA has published its report on the state of scholastic soccer in New Jersey, and my personal thanks to those who have helped me this past year.

First, the thanks:

• Two gentlemen from the Republic of Ireland contacted me. They will be working in the shore area this summer and want to play a bit of soccer. Through a few E-mails I was able to get in contact with the MacFarland family in the Ocean City area. Although there is no organized summer league at the shore, the MacFarlands do set up weekly games and tournament fixtures during the summer. By now the boys from Ireland should have been in contact with the MacFarlands for some summer soccer action.
• A young man from Ghana has contacted me about playing soccer in the US. He is interested in both the men's leagues and college play. His stumbling block is finding a place to live, what school to attend and how does one go about getting to the United States legally. Good luck.

South Jersey High School Special Honors:

• Offensive Players of the Year are Lauren Hartman (Delsea) and Jamie Franks (Shawnee).
• Defensive Players of the Year are Jill McKeever (Washington Twp.) and Andrew Milne (St. Augustine).
• Jamie Weist (Lenape) and Stephen King (Shawnee) are the Midfielders of the Year.
• GoalKeepers of the Year went to Melissa Stuhler (Williamstown) and Lubos Ancin (Burlington Twp.).
• The Jim Black, Sr. Sportsmanship Award honors the players of Maple Shade and Cinnaminson.
• Jamie McGroarty (Delsea) and Brian Gibney (Shawnee) earned Coaches of the Year Award.
• The Referee of the Year honor goes to Jim Harvey.

Manchester United, the world's most popular soccer club, will bring its stars and its style to the United States this summer for a four game tour. The tour opens in Seattle where Man U will face Scotland's Glasgow Celtic. Then it is off to Los Angeles to meet Club America of Mexico. The excitement will switch to the East with a game against Italy's Juventus before concluding its tour on August 3rd in Philadelphia versus Spain's Barcelona Soccer Club. (As a side note to this great exhibition I found it interesting that the game in Philadelphia will be the first function at the new Lincoln Financial Field.)

NJSIAA has recently released its fall sport report. Of course soccer took a beating again this year. Disqualifications were the main concern.

• Boy's soccer accounted for 150 disqualifications while girl's accounted for only 11. More concerning was the 13 coaches who were disqualified.
• The report offered many theories why soccer has this problem. Considering the amount of games played by the boy's teams this number does not alarm me at all.
• What alarms me is how coaches tolerate their players dictating to them how they are going to play.
• What alarms me is how coaches let their teams mouth off to referees during the game.
• What alarms me is the amount of coaches (boys) that were disqualified. Something needs to be done here. More than a few coaches need to discipline themselves.

U. S. Soccer's Best of 2002 Awards Announced:

• Best Soccer Bar -    Summers (Arlington, VA.)
• Best Soccer Store -    Soccer Unlimited (Indianapolis)
• Best Soccer Fans -    Fans who traveled to Korea
• Best Soccer Game Promotion -    "Buck-a-Brat-Night" (Columbus Crew)

Ref's Tip:

Rutgers-Camden Community Park

We are most fortunate to have this facility within South Jersey. The home of the Scarlet Raptors is becoming the number one site for soccer in our area. The NexsTurf Field has received accolades from the soccer community. Rutgers-Camden must be commended for opening their facility whenever asked.

Rutgers has hosted the Coaches Tournament as well as numerous other showcase games. Local area youth teams have had the opportunity to share in the fun at this facility. Thank you Rutgers.

Ref's Tip:

South Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame

The South Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame recently held its 14th annual induction ceremony. The class of 2002 includes Jim Black, Jr., Steve Cicall, Mike Edwards, Dennis Guida, Tony Procopio, Mike Timken, Wendy Young and Marc Narducci. Congratulations to each of you and this well deserved recognition.

Does anyone know where we can find out more about the South Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame? Do they have a web site?

Question:

I recently watched a semi final game of high school soccer where the ref called cards on one team and gave the other team open reins to do what they wanted. Why in a state play off game, is there not an offical to be a line judge so children don't get cheated? It's ok to lose to a better team, BUT WE WILL NEVER KNOW !!! And yes injuries occured to the team that got the cards (funny in a sick sort of way isn't it). P.S. The game was St. Rose vs. Wildwood Catholic.   (Dave from North Cape May, NJ)

Answer:

Dave, I have had your question for over a week just so I could think through it more thoroughly. I believe this is the game where St. Rose beat Wildwood Catholic by a 5-0 score. Obviously you were there to watch Wildwood. Your question is filled with emotion not objectivity.

The referees of this level game are NOT the normal run of the mill referees. Most, if not all, are college certified and/or a "State" level USSF designation. To be assigned these games these officials most likely had to be on the list of ten preferred referees submitted by each high school. You can be sure the officials were not on the "do not assign" list submitted by each school. Your game was officiated by very well qualified officials.

By no means are the men playing at this level children. They are men - big, strong and fast men.

Dave, what were the players comments after the game? What did the coaches say after the game? How can you say we will never know who the better team was? A five goal to zero goal score tells me who the better team was. That is a very big score in a semi-final game.

Memorial:

George M. McPaul

February 10, 1923
November 8, 2002

On November 8, 2002, the South Jersey soccer community lost one of its own: George M. McPaul. George was born in Port Glasgow, Scotland and emigrated to the United States in 1969 with his wife Sadie and two children, Ann and Russell.

Shortly after his arrival in South Jersey he founded the Interboro United Soccer Club. This is a club for the youth in the Magnolia area and a feeder program for Sterling High School. Following that he was one of the originators of the South Jersey Men's Amateur League.

George was a mainstay at the soccer field. His banter along the sidelines was always entertaining. Typical of George's comments was him shouting to the referee, "Come on Mr. Referee, they are only wee boys, let them have some fun."

Our prayers and condolences go out to the McPaul family. George will be sadly missed.

Ref's Tip:

The New Jersey high school season is almost over and what a season it was. I was fortunate to have been involved in 31 games to date. Of the 122 goals in my games, the home teams scored 77 and the remainder of 45 were by the visitors. That is a lot of goals. There is an abundance of talent in our high schools.

I would like to share some highlights of this past season in both USSF and high school games I have either been a referee or spectator:

• The four men routing for Cherry Hill East, all with their shirts off bearing the letters E-A-S-T. That was a frigid day and they toughed it out for the whole game.
• Same game with a different twist. The gentleman who chose to express his displeasure by shouting uncomplimentary comments at the referee. He was escorted away from the game.
• The Coaches Tournament final at Rutgers-Camden was a class affair again this year.
• Berlin Township's U-6 commitment to instructional soccer. The players learn and have fun during their games. The coaching staff has been great. Great job by Keith McCaulley, soccer coordinator for Berlin Township.
• Who can forget the referee in Medford? For a full sixty minutes she never ran a step, could call off sides from 40 yards away but chews a mean piece of gum the whole time. It was obvious she was only there to collect her pay. This is not one of the youth referees being used in SJSL.
• In the eight games refereed by the youth refs of the SJSL so far this season I could not be more pleased. They have a good grasp of the game and seem to enjoy what they are doing.

So you want to be a referee? Sure you do, but are hesitant about it. Why? Relief is here. If you want to know more about becoming a soccer referee why not ask our recruiter Will Merriken via email at willm@merriken.com. OK, so this is not good enough. How about trying our South Jersey Soccer Officials Association site: www.sjsoa.net. The Association site is extremely well constructed to answer almost any questions. Good Luck and join us soon.

Until the next letter...

Question:

I'm currently a freshman in high school and I have a question about a call made during a game my team played a few weeks ago. We were in a heated match against Gloucester Cath. and right at the end of the game their player came in and decked our goalie when he went out for a ball. They wound up scoring because our keeper was down and couldn't make the save. So we went into overtime and lost the game. I was just wondering if this should have been a foul.   (Andrew from Deptford, NJ)

Answer:

Andrew, your question is not a simple question. Without being there to see the events happening I cannot offer a valued opinion. There are things I would have to consider such as was the goalie really playing the ball with full intensity, was the offensive player playing the ball, what were the other players doing at this time, did the official have a clear view of the whole event and what were the field conditions at the time of the event?

Question:

I was wondering how to become certified to become a ref in Ocean County? and how much it will cost?   (Tony from Lacey Twp., NJ)

Answer:

Using the links associated with the www.SJSports.com site I was able to access New Jersey Youth Soccer. They have a complete listing of locations and contacts for the entry level referee school. Associated costs are also part of the information on their site. Another way to get this information is to access their site directly: www.njyouthsoccer.com/referees/refschool.htm. Another source of great information is to email officenjys@aol.com. Good luck and thanks for using our site.

Ref's Tip:

We have all heard the saying "it is not over until it is over". This summer I experienced a situation that fits this phrase very well. My young nephew was playing a championship soccer game in Scotland this summer. For the week before, all we were told how easy this game would be. In fact, it was so easy he was preparing himself for a victory celebration after scoring a goal. Would he do a flip? Would he run around with his shirt over his head? Would he just taunt the other team in a display of arrogance? As fate would have it, his team lost. Lost big time by a five-goal margin. My poor nephew was shattered by the experience. The game was not over until it was over. Hopefully he learned a lesson in humility.

"Sports rage" has been a hot topic for the past year here in America. We have all read about the ugly scenes at youth sporting events. Adults have attacked youth referees. Adults have attacked adults. Adults have attacked coaches. In New Jersey, the state has legislated additional protection for such incidents. Bill number S1198 on www.njleg.state.nj.us is very comprehensive and worth reviewing. It addresses these situations in very specific terms.

Ref's Tip:

Last month I wrote about the expenses a referee would incur with the purchasing of uniform shirts. There was some misinformation in that column. For USSF the black shirt is no longer in use. The primary shirt is yellow with black pin strips - not to be confused by the yellow with the swirls used in college. For back up purposes a red with black pin stripes, black with white pin stripes or the blue with black pin stripes are acceptable. The fuchsia shirts are no longer in use. The solid black shirt is now used only in high school games. Thanks to Barry Towbin and Marc Block for getting this information to me. No matter how you look at it there is need for a standard in uniforms between college, high school and USSF. There is no need for all these differences.

Congratulations to one of our fellow referees: Kenneth Andres. Ken has recently been inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, New York. He is believed to be the only person to participate in state high school and NCAA Championship Finals as both a player and a referee. Ken has been a national referee since 1984 and next year will become the president of the 4,500-member National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association. He has refereed more than 10 college tournament playoff matches and currently is an official for the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big East, Big Ten and Ivy League.

Have you seen the confusion at an 8 v 8 game when it came to placing the ball for a penalty shot? Where do you place the ball? The 8 v 8 field is much smaller that the regulation field thus the measurements for the penalty area are reduced. Well, they are supposed to be reduced for the 18-yard box but in reality this box measures whatever a club decides it should be. There is no written standard. What is standard is the 6-yard box. The actual placement of the ball should be half way between the 6-yard box and whatever they use as an 18. Hopefully the referees for SJSL will be informed of this. Last year it caused so much confusion for a referee he walked off the field and abandoned the game. He had no idea what to do. Of course, this led to many questions from coaches and players. No wonder he quit.

NEW HIGH SCHOOL RULES: Nothing significant to report. The use of referee hand signals has come back after a couple of years. Uniform shirts must have sleeves. That's all.

High school season begins its scrimmage schedule starting Tuesday. Just seems like last week we finished last season. USSF will start the weekend after Labor Day. Here we go again. Good luck to the players, coaches and parents. Remember, bring your parents and grand parents to a game. Let them all enjoy our great sport. Until next month....

Question:

I finished the ref course today and after taking the test hope to be certified to ref recreational games in the township. I have no desire to ref travel soccer games. Do I still need to spend $25 a year to register with NJYS or USSF?   (Mike from Millstone Twp., NJ)

Answer:

I would check with your local organization about their requirements for refereeing. Many places require USSF certification and membership. Also, do not be short sighted in referee aspirations. If you change your mind in a year or so you probably would have to re-take the course to be recertified. Welcome to the ref ranks and best of wishes for a good season.

Question:

I'm a new ref and would like to start some games in my area. Who should I contact?   (Richard from Delran, NJ)

Answer:

Another ref, welcome. Richard I tried to E-mail this answer to you but the address you gave is invalid. There are two main contacts. John Barna assigns high school and some tournaments, 856-848-0006. For USSF and some tournaments call Gary Nichols at 856-829-8362.

Question:

How many minutes is in a complete soccer game without overtime or extra innings?   (Sherry from Ripley)

Answer:

Sherry, I tried to get a better clarification from you by E-mail but the address you gave me is invalid. This is a question with many answers. A normal game is 90 minutes long. The high school game is 80 minutes long. For weekend USSF ball the time can go from 50 minutes to 80 minutes depending on ages playing.

Question:

My son is U10 on a team in Jackson. For the fall season...are they using the throw-in rule that says both teams can sub on a throw in unless the team that has the ball doesn't want to sub...then no one subs? Thanks.   (Shelly from Toms River, NJ)

Answer:

Most U-10 teams are using USSF Laws of the Game, which allows only the team in possession to sub on a throw-in. What you are asking is correct for high school ball in New Jersey. Maybe, this U-10 team is playing in a recreation league or an in-town league and the rules have been modified by the local organization. Best bet is to ask your sons coach for a clarification.

Ref's Tip:

Here it is August already. Only another six weeks before both the fall and Scholastic soccer seasons begin. Hope the heat dissipates for enjoyment of the coming games.

Last month I mentioned the use of electronic signaling between the Assistant Referee and the Head Referee during the World Cup Games. Did you know they premiered at the Olympics in Atlanta? They have been use in the MSL for several years.

Get ready... Gazza is coming to DC United. Paul Gascoigne, aka Gazza, was once one of the premier players in Scotland and England. He is now 35 years old, overweight and out of shape. Do we really need to have this to help our leagues? Reminds me of the old Cosmos teams.

So you want to be a referee? Be ready to spend some money on uniforms if you decide to do scholastic and USSF ball. The standard of the black shirt has been changed for some reason or another. A basic kit would include a short and long sleeve black shirt for normal games both USSF and Scholastic. For USSF you need an alternate shirt in case of a black conflict with either team playing that day. So, get yourself the long and short sleeve yellow with black stripes shirts. If it is a Scholastic game you need an alternate yellow with fish net look in both long and short sleeve. Yes, this is different than the USSF shirt. What happens if you have a Scholastic game out of the local region? The state requires you to wear the old black and white stripe shirts. Yes, both long and short sleeve versions. Why has it gotten to this point? Beats me, but eight shirts is a bit much.

Earlier this month Diya from Egypt asked about the six-second rule used in the World Cup as the first time it was used. He asked for a simple yes or no answer. No. The six-second rule is the time allowed to the goalkeeper for the release of the ball after gaining control. This rule was initiated a few years ago. Its purpose was to eliminate the four-step rule and speed up the game. Personally, I like this change and it works very well.

Boog from West Berlin, NJ is testing me with four questions. My reply is just my opinion.

1. Is #9 Ronaldo the best ever to play the game or is Pele still the best ever? How could you ask such a question? PELE-PELE-PELE! He is the best ever. Not only is he the best ever player, he is also a great person. Remember his retirement game in October 1977? What you did not see was all the pre-game activity. Youth teams who had their captains present Pele with a gift circled the field. One captain could not find the way up onto the stage. Pele left the stage to greet the captain of the Special Olympic Team and bring him on stage for the world to see. When this young man returned to his team it was as if they had won the World Cup, their excitement was unbelievable. And who was the coach of that team? Stan Startzell of the old Philadelphia Atoms.

2. Did Ronaldo commit a foul (from behind) on the first goal? Do you think it was a make-up for the foul against him right before at the top of the box? That is a tough one to answer. Watching replays make the judgments easier but that is not the way we do soccer. Hugh Dallas was the man in the middle for this game. Mr. Dallas, head international referee from Scotland, is one of the top five officials in the world. If he calls a foul or does not call a foul I have to believe in his opinion. He is there in the heat of the game and has a better grip on things than you or I.

3. Do you think the WUSA is good for soccer in the USA? I have given this question an awful lot of thought. How do I answer it? The WUSA is outstanding for the young ladies of the USA. They now have role models of success. The hopes of getting to this level will be enhanced by scholarships to college - this is exciting. More and more young ladies are involved in the game because of the WUSA - this is exciting. The WUSA is marketing their product extremely well. Autograph sessions before and after games - this is exciting. As for the game of soccer itself - no, I do not think it is all that good. The ladies just do not have what the men have in the skill area. It is coming but is way behind. All too often the games look like schoolyard games, kick and hope someone is there to do something.

4. Do you think FIFA will alter the rule, or should they, on the mandatory retirement of International Officials at age 45? Yes, FIFA will change its policy. Two of the best referees at the World Cup will be over the 45-year mark at the next World Cup. I believe referees over 45 will be subjected to a very rigid physical and endurance testing to qualify for World Cup 2006 in Germany.

Conner, I have not forgotten about the referee clinic with your soccer team. We will be getting together by the end of the month to set the date and other particulars. For those of you who do not know Conner, he is the young player who won this clinic at the Berlin Township Schools silent auction. He is a second year player in the Berlin Township Athletic Association.

Have a great August...see you in September.

Ref's Tip:

Brazil-2   Germany-0

Who would have guessed it - Brazil winning the World Cup? OK, so my France prediction was way-way off base. Not far behind that was the other prediction of the USA not making it to the second round. Good thing I do not make predictions for a living.

I have recently returned from an extended visit to Iceland, Scotland and England. What a most fortunate time of year to visit - World Cup time. During the preliminary stages we got three telecast games a day beginning at 7:30 AM. The British Broadcasting Company did a bang up job with its coverage, albeit slanted to the English Team. That got old fast, but the rest of the coverage was excellent.

The British press was most favorable to our Team USA. Much to their surprise we completed a task most thought was not possible. We can all be proud of the achievements this year's squad accomplished. Soccer in the USA is here to stay.

How does the referee know when the assistant referee raises his flag indicating a foul, off sides or out of bounds? Technology has hit it big in this year's World Cup. The assistant referee has a button on the handle of his flag. All he has to do is push the button and a signal is buzzed to the referee.

What is a World Cup without some sort of controversy? How many goals did the Italian team have nullified by being in an off side position when in fact they were not in that position? Sure is easy to see on slow motion replay. Is there a solution?

The Glasgow, Scotland newspapers had an idea on how to work through this problem. They state that Hugh Dallas, Scottish International Referee, always works with the same assistant referee crew in every big game. This brings consistency to the game. Why is it the biggest games of all do not have the same process? Might this be an item for review?

Have you had a good time watching the World Cup? Thank heavens for the Spanish network broadcasting the games in the Philadelphia area. They were much more impressive than the English network productions in the UK.

Also impressive were the camera angles, instant replays from reverse direction and overall game situation replays. Great job camera crews. Hope the US viewers will hold our networks up to these standards for our soccer.

Until next time...........

Ref's Tip:

WORLD CUP BEGINS

Here it is only a day before the start of the World Cup and the American media is still asleep. When will they wake up? This is the single most viewed sporting event in the whole world. We in North America are very naive to think we are the center of the universe. Thirty two nations have spent the past four years qualifying for this event. All 736 players are ready.

With Beckham hurt, how will England survive? Roy Keane has been sent home to Ireland in disgrace. Zindane, the most complete player in the world is hurt. What will France do without him? Can Claudio Reyna motivate the Americans to a level they have never performed to?

Who will they be talking about at the end of June? It was Michael Owen in 98, Gazza in 90, and a certain Edson Arantes do Nascimento in 58.

Here are the British odds of winning along with the team and the player to watch.

4-1	France	Zindane, the best all round player in the world.
6-1	Brazil	Denilson, reminds one of Pele.
6-1	Italy	Totti, at the top of his game.
7-2	Argentina	Veron, invaluable mid fielder.
9-1	England	Beckham, inspirational and creative.
9-1	Spain	Mendieta, if he rediscovers his touch he could be the tournament star.
12-1	Portugal	Figo, destined to shine.
14-1	Germany	Ballack, attacking mid fielder.
40-1	Cameroon	Eto'o, highly rated.
40-1	Russia	Izmailov, young attacking mid fielder with immence talent.
50-1	Croatia	Boksic, classy striker.
50-1	Paraguay	Paredes, fine all round player.
50-1	Rep. of Ireland	Holland, hard worker.
50-1	Uruguay	Recoba, back in action after the passport scandal.
66-1	Japan	Nakata, heart of Japanese creativity.
66-1	Nigeria	Jay Jay Okocha, very creative.
66-1	Sweden	Ljungberg, deceptively skilled mid fielder.
66-1	Turkey	Basturk, nippy mid fielder.
80-1	Belgium	Walem, excellant passer.
80-1	Denmark	Jensen, although injured his incisive passing would be key.
80-1	Poland	Olisadebe, excellant forward.
100-1	Mexico	Garcia Aspe, well experienced.
100-1	Senegal	Fadiga, classy mid fielder and free kick specalist.
100-1	Slovenia	Zahovic, great goal scorer.
125-1	Ecuador	Aguinaga, Ecuador's best ever player.
150-1	South Korea	Lee Yound Pyo-Pacy, penetrating mid fielder.
150-1	USA	Reyna, as near as it can get to be world class as a US player.
200-1	Costa Rica	Castro, fine dribbler and useful crosses.
200-1	Saudi Arabia	Sami Al Jaber, best Saudi ever.
200-1	South Africa	Nomvete, exciting left side attacker.
200-1	Tunisia	Baya, experienced mid fielder.
350-1	China	QiHong, creative mid fielder.

How about some world cup trivia?

1. Who were the youngest and oldest goal scorers?
2. Who was the top goal scorer?
3. Who were the oldest and youngest players?
4. Who made the most appearances?
5. Who received the fastest red card, 56 seconds?

In my last writing I predicted the US would not advance to the second round. I still stick with that. Who will be the winner? I predict France, the likes of Zindane are just too great for the opponents to overcome.

Ref's Tip:

How many of you have ever seen the New Jersey Youth Soccer Association's monthly publication of Soccer New Jersey? This quarterly newsletter comes out in February, May, August and November. The articles cover every facet of soccer here in New Jersey.

Of particular interest is the column by Marc Block, National Emeritus Referee, concerning the Laws of the Game. Marc is a big time official with many years experience at all levels of the game. He has a way to simplify the Laws so we can all understand them.

From time to time I am asked about tournaments in different parts of the state. This publication lists all the approved tournaments, age categories, dates and local contacts for the tournament.

For subscription information, the NJYSA can be contacted by calling 609-490-0725 or on the net at OFFICENJYS@AOL.COM.

The 2002 World Cup is coming at the end of the month. Beginning on May 31st the sixteen top qualifying nations begin their run for the World Cup. This year's World Cup will be co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. We, the United States, have qualified again. We are pitted against first round opponents Portugal, South Korea and Poland. Many sources think the United States will be able to move into the second round of the tournament. I would like to agree but something tells me it will not happen. The final game will be June 30th in Yokohama, Japan. Get those VCRs ready since most of the games will be televised in the 2:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. EST time slots.

Just recently I have been asked about where one goes to find a team to match their skills and/or age group. This is particular to adult leagues. Have you tried the indoor facilities in your area? They usually have a notice board for your use. In South Jersey there are at least eight indoor sites with a couple of new ones going up in the Atlantic City to Cape May area.

A week ago Friday the local Berlin Township PTA held a fund raising auction. One of our referees offered a one-hour clinic in September for the winner's team. Young Conner Travis was the lucky recipient. I heard this item was one of the hot tickets for the evening. It is great to see the youth wanting to learn the game from a referee's perspective. This is an area I have always wanted to see explored by the youth coaches.

Have a great month!

Ref's Tip:

Things have been very quiet lately. I did get a question about tournaments in the Cape May area on Memorial Day. Researching this type information is quite easy if you use the www.SJSports.com site to its fullest. We have an amazing list of information for you. Just access the Soccer site and you will see. You can find a list of approved tournaments, information about both the boys and girls leagues in South Jersey as well as a link to The Laws of the Game. Try it - you will find it most informative.

At time I have written a few articles with some criticism. Here is another. I attended a youth game (U10) last November at Indian Mills. Due to the lack of knowledge by the official the game was abandoned early in the second half. Up to that point the game was very nice. The official called a penalty shot that was a proper call. It was controversy when he placed the ball on the 18-yard line for the shot. The visiting coach voiced his displeasure with this decision and asked for an explanation. At this point the official declared this game over and he left the field to go home. There was no explanation as to why he was leaving or anything. Of course the official would write his report and send it to the league within 24 hours. It was almost four full months before the league contacted the coach for his explanation. Four months? Anyway, the league grievance committee did meet and make a decision. The visiting coach was suspended for two games and fined $75.00. The reason? The official wrote in his report the visiting coach had received both a yellow and red card as well as using foul language. I was there! At no time was either a yellow or red card issued to anyone and there was definitely no foul language used. It is my opinion the official made up these allegations in his report. This is just not right. Why did it take four months to investigate this incident? Who did the grievance committee talk to in this matter? How can this injustice be supported? I would suspend this official for false reporting. How does The South Jersey Soccer League get these officials? They give the training and set them free to do games. These youth referees are NOT part of the South Jersey Soccer Officials Association. Their lack of proper training is all too evident. What do you think?

Three weeks ago I attended another game at Tar Kill. Again it was a youth game (U11). The official was Vincent Seppanen. He did such an outstanding job I over heard a parent talking with the coach saying, "wouldn't it be nice to have an official like that every game?" Would you believe he had already completed officiating four indoor games before that game? Great job Vince!

Two weeks ago I attended another game, this time at Pine Lands. I did not get the official's name but he was right up there with Vince. It was a treat to watch these two professionals.

Ref's Tip:

Do you know someone who wants to become a USSF official? If so, the next class will be held at Gloucester County College. The contact is David Scales (856-728-3172). If you cannot make this session please contact either Will Merriken (856-235-2461) or Jay Appleton (856-234-0089).

The month of March is the beginning of the soccer tournament season. Already on the books are:

1. March 29-30 S.J. Barons Premier Invitational Nor'Easter.
2. March 30 CP United 4th Annual Girls Easter.
3. May 24-26 Burlington Township Memorial Weekend.
4. May 24-27 Voorhees Memorial Day Classic.
5. May 25-27 14th Annual Vineland Memorial Day.
6. June 1-2 Medford Strikers Invitational.

From the British newspaper East Anglian Daily Times: A referee in the Colchester District Football League, Essex, faces disciplinary action after taking pity on a team trailing 18-1 and scoring a goal for them. The moral of this is for us to stay impartial at all times. Sometimes we all want to help teams losing that bad. I personally believe that the league should have disciplinary action against any team running up a score so high.

What would possess a team to run a score so high? Greed ? Revenge? Who knows? For years I have been involved with the officiating of indoor games where the opportunity to run a high score is quite easy. This is where "class" coaching takes control. I have seen teams play short handed, played the defense in offensive positions, only allowed head ball on goal and a variety of "skill" builders like that. Good teams use the time to improve. Nobody wants to lose by such a lopsided score.

As an official, I remember what Nick told us when we refereed for him at the old Soccer City. Very simply, lets not put up any more goals on the scoreboard than a five-goal differential. This is less embarrassing to a losing team, it prevents trouble with the older high school players and keeps everyone calm.

Yesterday's Courier-Post ran its weekly list of South Jersey seniors that have committed to continuing their athletic careers in college. Our soccer players have an impressive array of college commitments:

PLAYER	HIGH SCHOOL	COLLEGE
Andrea Adinolfi	Paul VI	Rowan
Kristen Andrews	Williamstown	Drexel
Joe Banks	Winslow	Drexel
Dana Brandt	Shawnee	Towson
Emily Brenner	Cherry East	Charleston
Perri Brenner	Cherry East	Charleston
Kelly Breslin	Shawnee	Villanova
Ryan Carr	Ocean City	Hartford
Sean Cooney	Shawnee	Stockton
Brianne Donnelly	Gloucester Catholic	Rider
Jen Evans	Washington Twp.	High Point
Lindsey Finnegan	Gloucester Catholic	Villanova
Erin Gallagher	Eastern	Kutztown
Glen Gallagher	Shawnee	U. of Maryland
Sean Geary	Winslow	Stockton
Lisa Genna	Lenape	La Salle
Katie Grillo	Lenape	St. Joseph
Jeff Grosser	Shawnee	Johns Hopkins
Laura Koch	Gloucester Catholic	Villanova
Ryan McCaughey	Shawnee	Lafayette
Erin McNulty	Ocean City	La Salle
Chrissy Schillig	Cherokee	Villanova
Anne Shovlin	Bishop Eustace	La Salle
Jen Storione	Paul VI	Monmouth

Congratulations. Do you have any others that I might have missed? Let me know.

Have a great month and best of kicking to each of you.

Question:

In a youth soccer game using FIFA rules, can you change a player on the field to goalkeeper and put the goalkeeper in the position of that player in the last two minutes of the second half when a direct kick is called outside the penalty area? FIFA says you can change the goalkeeper in Law 3 if the ref is informed and it is done during stoppage of play. What is considered stoppage of play ? Also, is it in FIFA rules-the definition of stoppage? Also, does it spell out the fact that refs normally do not allow on field goalkeeper changes in the last 1 or 2 minutes of the game unless injury occurs? Thank you.   (John from Columbus, GA)

Answer:

Just the other day I received a question from John in Columbus, Georgia. John, is this a test question? It sure reads like one we get at our annual question about the "Laws of the Game."

Question:

• In a youth soccer game using FIFA rules, can you change a player on the field to goalkeeper and put the goalkeeper in the position of that player? Yes, you can. Law 3 allows for such if the referee is informed before the change is made and the change is made during a stoppage in the match.
• Can you make this change during the last two minutes of the second half when a direct kick is called outside the penalty area? Yes, if the provisions of Law 3 are met. How would you communicate such a substitution to the referee to meet the requirements of Law 3?
• What is considered a stoppage in play? Does FIFA define the term stoppage of play? This is the tricky part of the question. I have looked in FIFA and USSF for this definition - it is not there. How would I handle it? The very easy stoppages are between the halves, on a goal kick, when a goal is scored, when an injured player is attended to, during a caution and during a disqualification. None of these fit the question. The referee must make a quick decision: is the substitution being made as a time waster or game delay tactic by the defense? An example of that would be changing to take away an offensive advantage of a quick kick on goal. On the other hand, if the offensive team is slow getting set up for the direct kick I would allow the substitution. If the referee determines the defensive tactic to be time wasting then time can be added to a game for this.
• Also, does FIFA or USSF spell out the fact the referees normally do not allow on field goalkeeper changes in the last minute or two of a game unless an injury occurs? This is not spelled out anywhere nor have I ever heard, seen or been taught to do this. To me it all comes down to what the specifics are at the time.

Have you ever wondered what a referee discusses with players while the game is in play? Most often it is a leverage tactic to calm down a player who might be on the verge of a caution or disqualification. While doing indoor soccer games I talk with a lot of players for many reasons. One would be a verbal warning to keep things under control. Most often I use it to explain how I am refereeing. An example of that would be a runaway game of says 9 to 0. I might be more lenient with the poorer team while explaining my actions to the better players on the better team. This works very well. The players fully understand the reasons once you tell them. Verbal actions prevent many player frustrations.

Ref's Tip:

Here it is December already. The high school scholastic season has ended and the awards have been presented. In case you missed them, here is a recap of the major awards:

• Courier-Post Cup-boys went to Shawnee.
• Courier-Post Cup-girls went to Lenape.
• South Jersey Coaches Association boys tournament winner was Shawnee.
• South Jersey Coaches Association girls tournament winner was a tie for both Washington Township and Shawnee.
• Boys Player of the Year went to Jeff Grosser of Shawnee.
• Girls Player of the Year went to Lindsey Finnegan of Gloucester Catholic.
• Jeff Eppright, coach of Haddon Heights boys, was named Coach of the Year.
• Bill Mulvihill, coach of Moorestown girls, was named Coach of the Year.
• The Coaches Association honored Ron Pugh as Referee of the Year.
• The South Jersey Soccer Officials Association honored the boys team from Woodrow Wilson and the girls team from Willingboro as recipients of the 2001 James Black, Sr. Sportsmanship Award.

So you want to be a referee next season? Not only does South Jersey Sports Online offer a link to the South Jersey Soccer Officials Association, it also provides forms for prospective referee candidates. If that is not easy enough, how about trying an E-mail to our referee recruiter, Will Merriken. His E-mail address is: willm@merrkin.com. Come on in and join a really great group of dedicated people.

Have you heard about the referee that showed up for a game to find the game cancelled? It happened. The referee called the Athletic Director at 11am to confirm the game and was told yes, there is a game today at 3:30pm. Near 1:00pm, the school, Willingboro, changed its mind and cancelled the game. Seems they wanted to show the players some unexpected dicipline. The school did call the referee but left a message on his answering machine. This referee did not go home to check his messages since he was doing a substitute teaching position that day. The referee arrived to be told there was no game. Under normal circumstances the referee is entitled to travel pay for things like this. Willingboro decided they were not going to do this. The referee went through his association seeking help and got it. Willingboro consented to travel pay only if the referee traveled to Willingboro to fill out the forms. They were asked to mail the forms, but the Athletic Director would only entertain a personal visit to fill out the forms. This is not a normal business practice in the real world. No, the referee refused to travel to Willingboro again just to appease the whims of the Athletic Director. This referee has been put on the "do no games at Willingboro" list for the next season. Personally I think this was a classless act by people in the education business. Good luck Willingboro.

Remember, if you want to be a soccer referee send an E-mail to willm@merrkin.com.

Have a great holiday season.

Ref's Tip:

Did you ever wonder how complicated it was to play in an organized soccer league? Neither did I, but what about a young man from Ireland who wants to play on a Cape May team this summer? Through sources in the South Jersey Soccer League, there is a distinct procedure for this young man. First, he must have a written release from the Irish Football League stating he is not a professional. Next, his current team in Ireland must give him a written release stating he is under no financial obligation to them. Not to be out done, our federal government must approve this young man to play soccer in our country. It does sound a bit complicated and unnecessary.

Have you been to the new Rutgers-Camden soccer field? It is adjacent to the new baseball field in Camden. What a fantastic facility. The artificial turf is the closest thing to a natural surface that can be man made. The South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association used this field for the finals of their tournament and the senior all star games. The state should look into using this facility for its group championships next season. For those playing on this surface it is an absolute treat. Size-wise it has to be the biggest field in South Jersey.

So you want to be a ref? Just click on South Jersey Soccer Officials Association for all the details and forms.

Have a great holiday season.

Ref's Tip:

Approximately two weeks ago, an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer was brought to my attention. Just the day before, the Camden Courier-Post had the same information but in abbreviated fashion. The article went on about Cherry Hill East girl's soccer team losing to Washington Township in the Coaches Tournament due to the officials and coaches allegedly not knowing the tie breaking rule in this tournament.

East and Township played to a scoreless tie in the regulation time. They then went to a tie breaker overtime period with East scoring in the first overtime period and Township scoring in the second overtime period. Township finally was declared the winner by out scoring East with penalty shots.

This seems all innocent enough because this was what was agreed to before the game started. The Coaches Tournament does NOT use this rule. For the second year in a row this tournament has gone to the "Golden Goal" overtime comcept. That is, first to score in overtime wins. In this case East would have won the game.

Who is at fault here? Yes, the officials should have known the rule but did not. In fact the "fact sheet" for this tournament was not given out to the officials by their association. Yes, the coaches should have known about the rule - it is their organization that runs this tournament.

What is most interesting is the comment by East coach Viktor Dombrovsky acknowledging that nobody knew the rule. "I didn't know it, and the officials didn't know what to do," he said. "I think the officials should know the rules, and it's disappointing that we didn't advance." Did Coach Dombrovsky fail to mention that just two days before, his team played Holy Cross in this same tournament? Did Coach Dombrovsky fail to mention he was told of the rules at the Holy Cross game by the vice president of girl's soccer for the South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association?

If only Coach Dombrovsky had made an issue of the rule before the Township game, the result might have been different. There were enough people at the game with cell phones, someone could have made a phone call to confirm what was and was not proper for a tie game.

As a follow up to the tournament, the finals were held this past Saturday evening at Rutgers-Camden. The same Township team faced Shawnee for the championship. There was no rule controversy at this game. The game ended as a 1-1 tie in regulation. After two full overtime periods it was still 1-1 and co-champions were declared. Congratulations Ladies.

Question:

Recently I played in a semi-final game for AYSO. At the end of the third quarter my team was ahead 1-0. In the fourth quarter the other team scored 2 goals. About 3/4 of the way into the fourth quarter it was descovered that the other team had 12 players on the field, instead of the usual 11. They won 2-1, but the ruling is under protest. Should the other team's goals be counted if they have an extra player on the field?   (Aaron from Oak Park, CA)

Answer:

Aaron, if it is noted an extra man was on the field at the time of the scoring, then the goal should not count. If play had restarted and then it was noticed that an extra player was on the field, the goal would count and the player would/should have been yellow carded. Once play is restarted all previous actions are over. You would have to prove the extra man was on the field for both goals and then you might have a case. From what you sent I would believe the score would stand as a final score. I doubt a protest would overturn this decision.

Ref's Tip:

Hot off the press -   there have been seven changes approved by the soccer Rules Committee of the National Federation of State High School Associations this past January. The following is a review of them.

• With the change in Rule 12-7-1, the goalkeepers will now have six seconds to release the ball into play after taking control of the ball with their hands within their own penalty area. Previously, goalkeepers were limited to four steps in any direction while holding, bouncing or throwing the ball in the air and catching it again. The step rule is gone with the inception of the six-second rule.

• Rule 15-1-2 has eliminated the "equal force" wording for the throw-in. It now reads: "The ball shall be thrown in any direction from the point where it crossed the touch line by a player who is facing the field of play and has both feet on the ground on or behind the touch line. The thrower shall use both hands and shall deliver the ball from behind and over the head in one continuous motion." This change brings back into focus the key elements of the throw-in, which are the player facing the field of play behind the touch line, the use of both hands (unless the player has only one hand), and delivery of the ball from behind the head in one continuous motion.

• Three changes were made in Rule 3 - Players and Substitutions. In an effort to make better use of the allowed playing time in a match, the rules committee approved a change in Rule 3-3-4, which will allow substitutions on the team without the ball to enter the contest when the team with the ball chooses to substitute. However, substitutions on the opposing team must have reported to the scoring table before stoppage of play occurs. The revised rule will read as follows: "the team in possession of the ball from a throw-in may substitute. If the team in possession of the ball chooses to substitute, the opposing team may also substitute at that time."

• Changes in Rules 3-3-7 and 3-3-8 address procedures for players entering the game after starting the contest short-handed. When a team elects or is required to play short-handed, for reasons other than misconduct, a player or players can re-enter the game during a stoppage of play. Previously it was not clear when a player could re-enter the game in various situations when a team was playing short.

• The rules committee approved two equipment changes. Rule 4-1-1c(2) was modified to account for technology that has occurred with regard to shoes. The changes simplify the rule by elimination specifications and taking into consideration new technology in shoe design and construction. Many shoe manufactures today are considered safe buy do not meet the specifications of the previous rule. There is a higher concern for the safety of the athlete and it is believed that the old rule made it difficult for coaches and officials to adequately inspect the shoe.

• The revised language in Rule 4-2-1g regarding knee braces has also changed. The last sentence of that rule was deleted and replaced with language stating "any covering (sleeve) recommended by the manufacturer may be worn." Technology has enabled manufacturers to design safe braces specifically for athletes.

• Lastly, Rule 5-1-3 now allows state associations to determine the color of shirts for officials.

Soccer continues to be the fastest growing sport overall in high school sports. In terms of participants, soccer ranks No. 5 in popularity for both boys and girls, with 330,044 boys and 270,273 girls playing the sport, according to the 1999-2000 High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the National Federation of High Schools.

Question:

I am writing an article for our school newspaper on aggression towards referees. It has become somewhat of an issue at my school. For example, at a recent soccer game the officials gave a lot of penalties and the crowd further angered them. I was wondering if you have seen an increase in aggression towards officials? If yes, is it generally by whom? Is it players, coaches or parents? Also, some have noticed around here that it is harder to find people willing to take on the challenge of being refs because of abuse. I was wondering if this is actually a concern lately or just an overblown situation.   (Kevin from Sunnyvale, CA)

Answer:

Kevin, this is a great question. I have seen more aggression towards officials during the past ten years and believe there are many reasons for such.

• The dramatic increase in youth through adults playing soccer has been a contributor. There are more and more people in the youth coaching ranks that do not know or understand the game. Most penalties in soccer are judgement calls by the official were as the typical American sports are not that way. A leading example of that would be the use of the "advantage" call by the official. If the official uses the mechanics of this call properly and the players understand the mechanics, there is generally no problem on the field. Our mechanics call for us to announce "play on" as well as giving the forward underswing of the arms signal. To the informed, it means the ref has seen a penalty but has chosen to ignore it in lieu of taking the advantage away from the offended team. To the uninformed it means nothing and causes questions.
• Have you ever tried to explain the "Off-side" Law to anyone?
• Youth soccer, in my opinion, is the breeding ground for trouble. Too many people get together a team and play without knowing what is going on or understanding the Laws of the Game. New Jersey Youth Soccer has instituted the need for coaches to be licensed before coaching in organized leagues. The "F" level license is a twelve-hour course given by professionals. This course is excellent. It brings together the game for fun, understanding the concept of the game and some important rule interpretations.
• For the past three years I have volunteered to be the house referee for our micro-mini soccer program. I do this with complete authority to do what I want when I want. By that I mean letting a player take a "throw in" more than once to help him learn how to do it properly. Stopping the game to explain fouls to players is a sound idea at this age level. Before, at half time and after each game I approach the fans/parents watching to offer explanations of any rule, law or decision I make on the field. This is a great opportunity to help the uninformed become informed. By the way, the coaches actually love this concept. There has been zero complaints from anyone in this program.
• Most soccer people in my town know I am a referee. While watching other games I make sure I am available to explain on-field decisions made by my fellow referees. This also works very well.
• Confusion in our sport is also caused by soccer ruling bodies. Did you know there are at least seven different rules/laws between USSF and the High School Federation? Furthermore, college again has different interpretations. Add this to the adult leagues and indoor game and you can see why the uninformed are that way. Who is at fault? Marc Block, National Emeritus Referee, has written a great article about this in "SOCCER NEW JERSEY". This is the official publication of the New Jersey Youth Soccer Association.
• In your original question I believe you stated a problem at a High School game with the officials agitating the crowd with giving players a lot of penalties. That can and will continue to happen. For a referee, the high school game is probably the easiest to control when it comes to unruly spectators. In New Jersey we have secu