SCRA Presidents Message

September/October, 2009

Hello and I hope you are all doing well as we move into the middle of the CSL season. Shortly, we will begin league play which will mean more competitive matches which you will need to raise your level of awareness and understand everything is on the line for teams on these elimination matches. So far this fall, we have been able to cover all of our games with three man crews but turnbacks and declines have continued to plague the assignor and make it difficult to assign the best referees to the best matches. Double check your calendars for accuracy to eliminate re-assignment fees.

Tournament Results:

Our three largest tournaments concluded a couple of months ago with resounding success due to your efforts and hard work. It’s not to say we didn’t encounter any obstacles either. Through the efforts of our assigning team and tournament officials, we were able to overcome last minute scheduling changes and cover all the games. The tournament directors all conveyed to me their overall happiness with our results and look forward to 2010. Likewise, I want to pass along those sentiments to all of you and thank you for all of your hard work. We certainly look forward to next year without any surprises.

State Referee Committee Changes:

George Noujaim was announced as the new Chairman State Referee Administrator replacing Thomas Bobadilla who resigned his position to take a position with AYSO. With this latest announcement, look for Cal-South to implement new procedures with regards to assessments, re-certification, and instruction requirements.

SCRA Changes:

Recently, Mark Rogers stepped down as Director of Development after 12 years in that position. He was instrumental in setting up the mentoring program and working to develop the skills of both youth and adult referees. It was a thankless job and we sincerely appreciate all of his time and hard work. I have asked him to remain on the Board and assume new responsibilities. With the vacancy, Cary Whitaker has agreed to assume Mark’s old role and work to fill that void.

Men’s Adult Soccer League:

The Mission Viejo league is in full swing with six teams in their inaugural season. We are committed to rotating in referees that are interested and capable to handle higher level assignments. We want to use these games for referees to gain experience prior to upgrade assessments.

The Laguna Niguel league has helped us tremendously to gain access to affiliated men’s matches for badge upgrades. I’m proud to say we have had several individuals pass all their requirements for State Grade 5 and others are in queue for additional assessments. The feedback from assessors has all been positive and we will use these matches for assessment purposes until all of our badge upgrade candidates have gone through their requirements.

Risk Management Update:

We have completed both of our scheduled live-scan sessions and anyone 18 and over who did not take advantage of this free event for SCRA members will have to go out on their own if you plan on officiating youth matches in 2010.

Badge Upgrades:

We have had tremendous interest for badge upgrades this year. Many of our candidates are in the queue for game assessments so if you are interested and have not requested to be placed on the list, please contact Cary Whitaker for more information.

Re-Certification:

We have almost completed all of our re-certification sessions for 2010. This year, you will need to send in your documentation with your registration fees directly to Cal-South (See Cal-South Website). Those that do not comply with registration requirements will not be registered for 2010 and will not be able to officiate USSF affiliated matches.

Calendar of Events:

Physical Fitness Test, Grades 7, 6, 5 – Saturday, Oct 17^th JSerra High School 6:45 am

General Membership Meeting – November 3rd - Norman Murray Center, 7:00 pm

State Upgrade and Maintenance Clinic – November 7th- Site TBD

Remember, you do make a difference and until we meet again, be safe, healthy and happy….

Sincerely,

Marcel Caruana

President

South Coast Referee Association