SCRA Presidents Message
November/December, 2009
Hello to all of you and I hope you are doing well as we move to the end of the year and begin 2010. With the conclusion of CSL, ESL and LNFA playoffs, our 2009 season is officially over. All of you did a great job and the results reflected a much better year than expected. We again achieved our goal of game coverage and overall matches officiated. In other words, it was a record year for us for games. However, cash flow wise it was less than expected due to more expenses such as incorporation and higher insurance costs. Even with additional expenses, the Board agreed to a rebate of excess funds that many of you will be receiving by either reducing your dues owed by the amount of the rebate or by check. All of you deserve our sincere thanks for all your continued efforts and support.
Cal-South Instruction Changes:
In an effort to promote a higher level of referee excellence, Cal-South announced recently to all the associations that they would be taking over instruction responsibilities previously managed and conducted at the association level. This could result in additional expenses at the association level. Additionally, they also announced that all Assessors and Instructors will become employees of Cal-South verses being independent contractors as referees are with there respective associations. I will have a better understanding of all these changes at the next Presidents, Assignors, & Treasurers meeting on January 10th at the Cal-South Offices in Fullerton.
USSF Badge Upgrades:
As a direct result of our efforts for transparency and referee excellence, SCRA experienced a record number of USSF badge upgrades in 2009. Over 20 of you succeeded in moving from 8 to 7, 7 to 6 or 6 to 5. The bar has been raised and we hope 2010 will continue this trend.
Risk Management Update:
At a recent Cal-South meeting, it was communicated that they were having some issues implementing Risk Management. It looks like there may be a delay in there January 1 compliance date to some time in February 2010 or later. If you have not completed a live scan session, please do so or you will not be allowed to officiate youth games if you are over 18 years of age when they get everything worked out.
Re-Certification:
Please get your paperwork and fees sent in to Danielle Bryant at Cal-South or risk not being eligible to officiate affiliated youth games in 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 assigned USSF affiliated games through SCRA.
Calendar of Events:
General Membership Meeting – Tuesday January 5th - Norman Murray Center, 7:00 pm
Eclipse Tournament – January 23rd & 24th - South Orange County
Remember, you do make a difference and until we meet again, be safe, healthy and happy….
Happy Holidays as well as a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Marcel Caruana
President
South Coast Referee Association