Holiday Greetings to All!
It is difficult to believe that 2009 is winding down and 2010 is almost upon us. In the world of soccer referees, this means it will soon be time to start wearing those 2010 badges. Starting January 1st, 2010 whenever working USSF affiliated games you should be wearing your 2010 badge. This requirement also applies when you are working at one of the NHSA affiliated indoor facilities in NH. Click on this link for a current list. If you have submitted your registration yet not attended any in-service training, then your registration is not complete so you will not show on the list of registered referees starting on January 1st. If you have not even submitted your registration, then go to USSoccer Information Systems and submit your registration today and attend an upcoming in-service to get your 2010 badge. Before you know it the snow will be gone and the outdoor season will be starting up so do not wait.
Speaking of in-service training, there have already been well over a dozen of these sessions in the late summer through early December. Right now more are scheduled for January through April including an all day session at the NHSA AGM in March. There is no cost to attend these in-service sessions so attend as many as you like. You need three at minimum, however there is no maximum. More details on requirements and the different modules are shown on the in-service training page. At the NHSA AGM training, USSF will be sending former FIFA AR Robert Fereday to give instruction all day. Rob started as a youth referee and worked his way to FIFA AR so he knows well the trials and tribulations of youth referees. More details on topics for the training and Rob’s background coming soon!
As mentioned above, I know we are in the middle of indoor season here in NH. As briefly mentioned above, a reminder that only at NHSA affiliated facilities should any type of USSF logo be worn. This includes any of the following:
· USSF badge
· Official Sports shirts with logo on sleeve
· Official Sports shorts with logo on leg
· Official Sports socks with logo
· State Cup t-shirts
If you are seen to be wearing any of the above at an unaffiliated facility, then there is the potential for disciplinary sanctions. This is not an easy decision to make however it is important we all support USSF from the top down all the way to the state organization. Also, when you choose to work at the affiliated indoor facilities, you still have your liability insurance protecting you. When you work at the non-affiliated locations, you are not covered by this insurance.
Remember-get your 2010 registration turned in and/or training completed soon!
