The next year will see several opportunities for Arizona referees. Arizona will continue to host the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Regional Championships, will host the 2012 Far West Youth Regional Championships and we are looking for nominations of both male and female Young Referee of the Year candidates. There will also be opportunities to travel outside of Arizona for the 2012 President’s Cup Regional Championships and for Boys’ and Girls’ ODP Camp.
The regional events are a fantastic experience for any referee, especially younger referees who are highly focused on improving. While there are no game fees associated with these events, most expenses are covered; however, there may still be out-of-pocket expenses for food, which we still hope to cover, if possible. A Code of Conduct form is also required for any referees attending regional events.
ODP Regional Championships
The ODP Regional Championships for Region IV will be held again in Phoenix, January 14-17, 2012 (Saturday through Tuesday). Select teams from all 14 states in the Region will come to play at this tournament, hoping to qualify for the national tournament in Under 14 through Under 18 age groups. Players will also be observed by National pool coaches and college coaches. Arizona will provide 30-40 referees to work as referees, assistant referees and fourth officials. Training will be provided by regional staff, primarily in the evening, including January 13.
Applicants are expected to be available for the entire tournament; however, finals on Tuesday will only be assigned to the referees who have excelled and most often go to those with past experience. So, if you would be a first year attendee and cannot referee on Tuesday, your application will still be considered. Those who wish to participate in the 2012 Far West Youth Regional Championships are highly encouraged to apply for ODP.
Click here for more information or here for an application.
2012 Far West Youth Regional Championships
The 2012 Far West Youth Regional Championships (Regionals) will be held for the first time in many years in Phoenix, June 17-24, 2012. State champions from the region in the Under 12 through Under 19 age groups will be participating with 232 teams expected. Arizona typically has approximately 20 referees travel to other locations to officiate this tournament. This year, as host, we will need an additional 40-50 “reserve” referees to be assistant referees and fourth officials from Monday through Wednesday; some of the reserve referees may be chosen to work in the quarterfinals on Friday (Thursday is an off day).
High level refereeing is the norm at this tournament and we will be providing training prior to Regionals at ODP Regionals and during Open Cup and State Cup to prepare everyone. And the 2013 Regionals are in Hawaii! So, apply for the 2012 Regionals to be in consideration for Honolulu.
Click here for more information.
Young Referee of the Year
Nominations are being sought for both a female and male Arizona Young Referee of the Year for 2011. Please complete the grayed sections of the nomination form and provide responses to the three criteria. A separate sheet may be used to provide the detail on the three criteria. It is okay not to have all of the personal information on the nominee, we can get that information. The USSF ID# is not required as it will be verified. Clarification on the age requirement for 2011 nominees – the referee must be younger than 19 on August 1, 2011.
Consideration is given to commitment to soccer refereeing, school and other activities, including leadership and community involvement. Because these are nomination forms, you need to be very specific about why this person should be chosen; please note the three criteria for selection listed. See information on previous national winners at http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/workshop/yroy.asp.
The Arizona male and female YROY winners will be eligible for the Region IV YROY award to be announced at the Youth Regional Championships in Phoenix in June 2012. In the past, Arizona has had two male YROY Regional winners and one female YROY Regional winner. One of the young men, now Lt. Sam Herbert (formerly of the USMA and now with the U.S. Army), was a National YROY winner. Let’s make it happen again!
Arizona nomination forms are due to Murray Boess, State Youth Referee Administrator, by Sunday, February 25, 2012. If you know others who would support your nomination, please have them supply letters of recommendation or information that would fall within the three criteria on the application. And, if not, submit the nomination early so the referee has a chance to get others to support your nomination.
2012 President’s Cup Regional Championships
The 2012 President’s Cup Regional Championships (President’s Cup) will be in Denver, June 12-17, 2012. State Open Cup champions from the region in the Under 12 through Under 19 age groups will be participating. Training will be provided by regional staff, primarily in the evening, including June 11. Applicants are expected to be available for the entire tournament. Up to 5 referees will be accepted for this tournament.
Applications will be made available at a later date. Check back on the website for information updates.
Boys’ and Girls’ ODP Camp
The Boys’ Camp is based in Oregon and will take place from June 29 through July 16, 2012. The Girls’ Camp is based in Moscow, Idaho and runs on similar dates. Dates and other specific information will be available in early 2012. Referees can sign up for one, two or three weeks of a camp. ODP teams from the various states in the region go to these camps to concentrate on team and player development. Referees are housed in a dormitory type environment, doing games and off-the-field training. Travel arrangements are handled through the Regional staff and food is provided by the program. All it takes is some time commitment and the desire to get better. Check back on the website for information updates.
Make sure to click on the links where provided for more details, including applications or to sign up online as interested. Contact Murray Boess, State Youth Referee Administrator for more information on any of these programs.