SCRA Presidents Message

October, 2008

The CSL season continues to roll along as we head to the end of October. Many of the upper level games are starting to taper off as the season winds down. We have had tremendous challenges and opportunities thus far in 2008 and we continue to adapt and roll with the punches. You continue to do a great job and I appreciate all your help especially when we send out a call for additional referees when our coverage is short. We have been in a precarious position through out most of the season trying to juggle and assign qualified referees with more games than availability.  However, Mike Willmott, SCRA’s assignor, has continued with his perseverance and has been able to cover most of the games with referees while even working through the early morning hours to get the job done. I also wanted to thank Ken Bruette who stepped in to help assign some games and relieve some of the pressure that was bring exerted on all of us. During that period, we were able to better understand Arbiter and improve the assigning process. Patience is a virtue and I congratulate all of you for your dedication.

Re-certification:

In October and November we have made arrangements for our referees to recertify for 2009. We have scheduled 6 meetings where you can take the exam, fill out your USSF application and have it processed with your fees. I hope all of you will take advantage of this service and recertify so you will not be dropped from the list of referees able to officiate in 2009. If you are unsure if you need to recertify, please reference the list of registered referees on the Cal South website. If you still have any questions or issues, contact Jerry Zimmerle, Ken Bruette or myself.

Arbiter Status:

The majority of you seem to have Arbiter under hand and have expressed your opinions to us with most being very positive. We are encouraged by signs that show everyone is working together to update their availability and accept their assignments.  However, we still have an issue with assignment turnbacks which is disturbing because we have made a serious improvement to distribute your assignments 7 to 8 days in advance of your matches.  We are not talking about turnbacks due to personal emergencies because we all understand things happen beyond our control. We are instead focusing on assignment turnbacks for reasons beyond emergencies’. These turnbacks cause a great deal of frustration and additional work to fill the holes in the schedule. If you do not have a valid excuse, we will notify you, assess a turnback fee and block your calendar on Arbiter so you can re-update your schedule. Please do your part to be diligent with your current availability and understand that we are equally committed on improving the assigning process as well as eliminate assignment turnbacks.

Upgrades:

We have had a huge outpouring of individuals who have contacted Mark Rogers and Mike Willmott for interest in upgrading. Many of you have completed all the requirements including the fitness test and assessment. However, due to limited Assessors, and referee availability, some games have not been utilized. Also, as the eligible assessment games drop, some of you will not be able to upgrade this season unless more games open up. Please do not give up, we will work with you and try to get games for you even if we have to seek additional help from the State Referee Committee.

Internal Ratings:

As mentioned in last months President’s Message, the Board recently reviewed everyone’s internal ratings and made changes where applicable. We have been consistent with assigning games based on your rating. Please verify your rating under the SCRA website “Manage Accounts” and let us know if you have any questions or issues.

As I close my message to you, please keep in mind that we must always do our part to represent the association and the referee community with appropriate moral and ethical behavior. Let’s continue to work together and be the best you can be and until we meet again, be safe, healthy and happy….

Sincerely,

Marcel Caruana

President

South Coast Referee Association