Tag Archive for: Referee

New Hampshire Soccer Association Appoints New State Youth Referee Administrator

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The New Hampshire Soccer Association (NHSA) announced the appointment of Cullen Madden as the new State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA). Cullen brings a distinguished record of officiating at the highest levels of youth, adult, and collegiate soccer. His extensive experience, combined with a strong background in referee instruction, development, and administration, positions him as a pivotal leader in advancing the program. His commitment to improving officiating standards and mentoring young referees will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth of the referee community in New Hampshire.

Cullen steps into this position following the outstanding tenure of Frank Scarito, whose impact on the referee program in New Hampshire—and beyond—cannot be overstated. With over 20 years of service to the NH Referee Program, Frank has been instrumental in developing, mentoring, and guiding referees at all levels, from grassroots officials taking the field for the first time to those reaching national and professional ranks. His dedication, leadership, and unwavering support have shaped the careers of countless referees, and his contributions will leave a lasting legacy in the state and across the country. The NHSA and the entire referee community extend their deepest gratitude to Frank for his years of exceptional service.

As Cullen takes on this new role, he looks forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Frank and continuing to enhance referee education, recruitment, and retention efforts. His focus will be on fostering a supportive environment for young referees to thrive and ensuring that New Hampshire remains a leader in referee development.

Please join us in expressing our deepest appreciation to Frank Scarito for his remarkable contributions and unwavering dedication over the past two decades. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide referees in New Hampshire for years to come. We also welcome Cullen Madden as the new SYRA and look forward to seeing the program continue to thrive under his leadership.

Virtual Laws of the Game Learning Opportunity for Coaches

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NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE REFEREE COMMITTEE

The New Hampshire State Referee is offering virtual “in-person” classes online through Zoom at designated dates and times. While these were designed for referee recertification, they focus solely on the significant changes to the laws of the game for this year. With the cancellation of in-person classes we want to invite coaches to attend as well so everyone is the New Hampshire soccer community has an opportunity to receive the same information. This will offer you an opportunity to still see the presentation, hear explanations for the law changes, and interact with an instructor to answer any questions you may have. Virtual sessions will be offered on the following dates and times:

  • Monday March 30 @ 7PM
  • Sunday April 5 @ 8AM
  • Tuesday April 14 @ 7PM
  • Saturday April 18 @ 8AM

To sign up for one of these sessions, please complete this form:

Virtual LOTG Learning Session Sign-up

We appreciation your flexibility, understanding and patience as we manage this situation to find solutions that work for both US Soccer requirements, the good of the game, and the health and safety of all involved. In dealing with this situation, we strongly recommend that you follow the advice, direction and guidance of your local health department. For more information on the current status across the country and measures you can take, go to:

Regards,

New Hampshire State Referee Committee

Referee@nhreferee.org

NH Referees attend Advanced Training from National Referee Staff

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US Soccer Director of Referee Development: Rick Eddy

August 10-11 (Derry, NH) – As is typical for the New Hampshire US Soccer referee community, the second weekend of August serves as the annual advanced referee training (A.R.T.). Each year, the State Referee Committee (S.R.C.) plays host to a National Referee Coach from US Soccer who spends the weekend working with referees on a variety of topics including, but not limited to:

  • Changes to the US Soccer Referee Program:
    • New Referee Grade System
    • “What is a Grassroots Referee?”
    • Registration & Recertification Changes
  • Understanding changes to the Laws of the Game (LoTG)
  • Review updated LoTG interpretations
  • The Role of the Referee, Referee Mentor, Referee Coach, and the SRC.

This year, referees were lucky to have Rick Eddy, Director of Referee Development for US Soccer, be the lead instructor. Rick is a New Englander at heart, even though he currently resides in Chicago working for US Soccer. Rick spent two days working with our referees and the State Referee Program. New Hampshire is lucky to have such a great resource who understands the New England soccer enviornment and can assist referees naviagate the ever changing waters.

Saturday:
Saturday begins with the Regional Referee Fitness test for referees who currently hold (or seeking upgrade to) the “Regional” Referee distinction. This test is two parts which include the “Sprint” Test and the “Interval” Test.

The Sprint Test is a series of sprints in which the referee has 7 opportunities to complete six (6) 40 meter sprints in no more than 6.4 seconds. If a referee does not complete this test, they do not get to advance to the Interval Test.

The Interval Test is a series of intervals in which the referee must complete 40 intervals that include a 75 meter run and a 25 meter walk. The 75 meter run must be completed in 17 seconds and the 25 meter walk must be completed in 20 seconds. Referees will complete a series of 40 intervals at this pace. Referees are only allowed 1 missed interval before failing the Interval Test.

After the Regional Referee Fitness Test, those referees will join the grassroots referees for a classroom session which spans from 9AM to 4PM.

During this session, referees receive instruction on the latest changes to the LoTG as well as changes to interpretations of current Laws. This year, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has made many changes to the LoTG. Referees were able to get clearity on all of these changes and ask supporting questions to ensure full and total comprehension.

After lunch, referees were able to take part in Video Clip analysis. Referees used the FIFA Considerations to come to conclusions baised on current LoTG and interpretations. This is always good for referees to not only see how the LoTG are supposed to be interpreted but also ask questions baised on their own experiences.

Sunday:
Current and future Referee Mentors & Coaches returned to work with Rick again as well as Professional Referee Organization’s (PRO) Erich Simmons who is currently a Development Group Referee Coach for referees in the country’s highest levels of soccer. This second day of training focuses on the “Role of the Referee Mentor & Coach” as well as instructional practices that will have the greatest impact with officials.

The Referee Mentors & Coaches collaberated on preparing video analysis training by using FIFA’s “Sequence for a Presentation of a Video”. Referee mentor, Cullen Madden, said “This training really helps us, as mentors, to see the many different ways that utilization of video/technology can benefit an official as well as their peers when used properly.”

The training provided all in attendance the opportunity to not only see best practicies but demonstrate what they learned as well.

A big thank you goes out to US Soccer’s Director of Referee Development, Rick Eddy. This weekend of training will serve the referees in New Hampshire well and allow many to pass the torch of knowledge to other referees across the State of New Hampshire.

A thank you also goes to Erich Simmons for taking the time to Coach our Referee Coaches and Mentors.

Rick Eddy: Director of Referee Development (US Soccer)
Erich Simmons: Development Group Referee Coach (PRO)