I'm a USSF ref, HS ref, and club coach (sometimes coaching two teams per season)....That being said, I'm on a soccer field usually 6+ days/nights per week. How would you suggest I research a team(s) before reffing their game? I'm not asking this with a smart-aleck attitude, but would like a serious suggestion(s). Other than seeing them from previous matches (IF I happen to have had them in a match), HOW would I go about this? WHEN would I go about this? And, yes, I do work a demanding full time job as well...
I personally think it's unrealistic at any level we have to play/ref in SC, to expect an official to be able to research the teams he/she is going to ref. I think the best that you can ask for/hope for/expect is to have a knowledgeable referee that has a) played the game before at a fairly high level, b) understands the game, c) understands the players' and coach's perspectives, and d) is fit enough to keep up with the game so that he's in position to make correct calls as often as is possible.
So, here's the challenge...we need more of these type referees all over SC so that the level of officiating can continue to improve. It's also important to start as young as possible, so that by the time that ref is able to officiate a HS match, he/she has sufficient experience (as a player and ref) to perform the job at a high level, as all players and coaches expect...
Just my $0.02...
