What Does your SRC look like in 2020? 2018 Region IV SRA Workshop What Does your SRC look like in 2020?

At the 2016 SRA Workshop I asked this question…

What will happen to the SRA position as more and more of the registration and money is handled online by USSF?

And the USSF Referee Department Answered • Significant change is needed to make refereeing better. • U.S. Soccer should be responsible for overseeing the changes and the program moving forward. Leadership appointments and SRC management can be/are politicized Current structure doesn’t reflect the current soccer landscape Multiple instances of financial irregularity and unethical behavior Therefore…All fees will be collected and managed by U.S. Soccer

To summarize The USSF Referee office thinks that currently SRA’s and SRC’s do a poor job of managing the program in their states. They note that some mishandle and/or misspend the money generated through referee registrations. They propose USSF control of referee programs in your state – including ALL referee registration money.

Duh Not surprisingly, some state associations, referee committees and SRA’s think they are doing a good job.

The New Reality 2020 Version USSF handles all referee registration/entry level training – online. $0 of this returns to SRC…

So… Although USSF Referee department proposes Development Managers and Coordinators this really has nothing to do with the day-to-day operations of your SRC. Presumably The SRA/SRC will still be responsible for ensuring that local leagues have enough referees to cover games. How does your SRC fund activities with $0 registration money back from USSF? What SRC activities become important in this new budget environment?

Time out! Currently the proposal is on hold during the political season, but make no mistake, this is what the referee department wants – a top down system to replace the bottom up one. We have been asked to provide feedback.

Taking the Good of the USSF Proposal Here is the "Optimal Future State of the Referee Program" as defined by the NRC: Put the needs of the referee first Increase the quality of refereeing at all levels More referees and referee coaches (instructors, assignors, assessors) People refereeing longer (retention) Empower officials to pursue individual development Education that is accessible, reality based, and holistic Create/clarify the development pathway within the referee pyramid Connect the referee with the appropriate level of competition

Okay! I think we can all agree with these goals.  With that in mind as the target, I will pose just two questions: You have been asked these questions and some have provided feedback – now is the time for discussion.

Questions 1) What are the major problems with the referee program in your state that prevent you from achieving these goals? 2) What in particular should the NRC do to assist you in your efforts?

Referee Retention A different View Referees referee for the money, many talk about other things, but most, especially young ones, are motivated by economic factors. When you are 14-17 refereeing can be a good alternative to entry level jobs. As referees enter years of change (18-29) college, real jobs, playing soccer, mating, children, etc. can make refereeing less attractive to all but the most dedicated. As referees mature (30+) refereeing can be made an attractive 2nd job.

Referee Retention A different View People always talk about parent yelling at referees making them leave – is that a reason or an excuse? If you could pay $500 per game I bet you would retain more referees than if you pay $30 and have polite parents… What do you think?

A good training tool I personally bought a set of headsets to use as a training tool and I really like them. Something leagues/state associations might consider buying and loaning out. Thoughts?

Adjourn Hope to see you at the Hall-of-Fame Dinner tonight Congratulations to Patrick Duffy our Regional Lifetime Award winner!