NWSL 2013 Officials webinar
Welcome • • • •
PRO General Manager – Peter Walton Women’s Ref-coach/NWSL Assignor – Sandra Serafini PRO website – all NWSL-related documents Inaugural season NWSL 2013 – 8 teams, National footprint – International Players (US, CAN, MEX) – U.S. Soccer front office, GameOfficials for assignments
• Pool of NWSL officials: – Referees + Travel ARs – Regional Officials – Local ARs/4ths
Games • • • •
84 regular-season games 3 post-season games (no All-Star match) Exhibition games Cross-over with – other PRO leagues (Alan Brown), semi-pro (LACs) – some Zone 2 events
• Qualification for games: 1. Attend an RTS 2. Pass the National fitness test
Expectations -- Professionalism • Professional, face-forward head shot on GameOfficials – USSF polo or Coat/tie
• Current contact information • Email addresses – incorporate name (
[email protected]) – visible to PRO & USSF staff, some team officials
Expectations -- Professionalism • Keep your calendar up to date • NWSL is priority assignment over nonprofessional matches, BUT: • If conflict with LAC assignment or major tournament, call/email Serafini • If injured, ill, or family/work issues, call/email to protect you and game integrity • Big picture, long-term view
Expectations -- Professionalism • TV, Video, Live Streaming • Decisions are viewed by public • Communication on & off field – Verbal + written + body language – Public view, cameras, with/without knowledge
• Social media – Public view of your posts, pictures by teams, fans, media, league – Do not construe bias, favoritism – Perception = Reality
• Representing U.S. Soccer, PRO, assignor, officiating, yourself – elevate the image of each one at every opportunity
Assignments • Preseason & Exhibition matches vs unaffiliated teams on ArbiterSports • Preseason & Exhibition matches vs affiliated teams on GameOfficials • College team host through college assignor • Regular season -- released via GameOfficials every Tuesday at 7pm for matches 3 weeks out
Assessments • • • • • •
All matches -- National Assessors Some assessors may carpool with officials Posted in GameOfficials Month in Review with officials via webinar Performances assignments Opportunities to advance – Local Regional – Regional National – Part of development path to MLS & FIFA
Guidelines Match Acceptance • If driving 60 miles (rental car) or flying, contact Travel Agent within 24 hours and accept match after travel is approved • Rental cars with carpool for > 60 miles drive, also check web for prices, may be lower than travel agent’s
Travel Agent • Sportscorp Travel • Phone: 905-857-8599 • Fax: 905-951-0433 After-Hours: 905-857-8588
Bernard Samuel
[email protected] Direct Line: 905-499-3028 Jackie Ashton
[email protected] Direct Line: 905-499-2052
Flights • Contact Sportscorp agent within 24 hrs • Use travel website farewatch feature, can suggest alternative itinerary if ≤ cost • Frequent fliers – can specify airline if ≤ cost or if you cover the difference with own CC (not a reimburseable expense)
Hotels • Booked either by home team or Sportscorp, no upfront cost to official • Sportscorp bookings include airport shuttle, breakfast, and internet at no extra cost • Team bookings include airport shuttle – Notify Serafini if at same hotel as visiting team
• Use CC for check-in and incidentals
Ground Transportation • Limited budget, diligence • Assignments made with carpools in mind • Target of $35 max per official, airport parking, tolls, $0.565/mile • If driving over 60 miles from venue, rental car likely better option • Contact Sportscorp for preferred rate with National Rent-a-Car • Also research websites for lower cost • Driver must be 25 or older with CC, expense out
Per Diem • $50 max • Pro-rated by time increments • (1-8 hrs. = $10.00; 9-16 hrs. = $25.00; 1724+ hrs. = $50.00)
Expense Reports • Available on PRO website • KEEP ALL RECEIPTS – req’d for reimbursement • Scan & email to John Loder at PRO –
[email protected]
• One report per match • Note pay period deadlines 17th & 2nd • No game fees on expense report – autopay by GoPay
Game Fees • Paid via GoPay on GameOfficials • Done automatically – linked to assignments
Game Notices • Sent by Lindsey Gamrod • Referee must contact crew within 24 hrs of receiving game notice • Review all colors to avoid conflict – Teams, goalkeepers, officials
• Review for accuracy – Itinerary, hotel, transportation, contact info
Game Day • Arrival = 2 hours prior to kickoff • Do pregame before stadium arrival whenever possible • Attire = Dress Blues – Blue Blazer – Shirt/tie (men), shirt or blouse (women) – Grey slacks, dress shoes – Can wear polo under blazer for departure – No warm-ups to or from the match
Uniforms • • • • • •
OSI, button-up jerseys, latest style Match jersey sleeve-length and socks Black shoes Avoid warm-up with “USA” on back Black OSI or Nike t-shirt for warm-up Avoid “Skittles”, try to match each other for off-field attire if possible
Rules of Competition • See Ops Manual for full details • 3 substitutions from 7 named substitutes • Max 16 on bench – 9 players (7 named subs, 2 non-playing) – 7 non-players (coaches, medical staff, etc.) – No Owners, GMs, other executives unless on player roster or as recognized coach
Match Reports and Self-Evals • Hard copy at venue, use CAPITAL BLOCK LETTERS and Black Ink for Match & Competition Incident Reports • Referees must complete the Referee Checklist • Electronic match report in GameOfficials within 24 hrs • Call Serafini immediately post-match for major incidents (RCs, ++Inj, Bnch Dis, Asslt, Spct Inc) • All officials must complete self-evaluation – Within one week of match – Base on video review
Priorities • Priority #1 is to get the play right • Critical incidents – Penalty area decisions (calls and no-calls) – DOGSO – Sending off offenses, especially SFP and VC – Offside decisions • Goals scored and goals disallowed
– 2nd cautions • Linked back to 1st cautions given or not given
Have a great season!
