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I probably should not prolong this discussion, but I would like to weigh in with one point concerning the proposed changes related to referees.

Before doing so, I would like to say that I completely agree with virtually all of the points made in this thread. There is a great need for more refs (the two-man system is very difficult, especially at the varsity level), better training for refs and more stringent qualification of refs.

That said, not all coaches are qualified to review or assess refs. I do not want to name coaches or schools, but I ref in a district that has a number of coaches that have no background in soccer. For the most part, they are dedicated and good individuals, but they have no grasp of the concept of "advantage" or "handball" (as it has become popularly refered to).

My contribution to this discussion would be to add that the review by coaches be limited to coaches that achieve a certain level of experience or expertise.


Though I agree with your comments, I believe that in high school the "Head Coach" is the only title or "certification" that you need to judge the officiating crews. The same can be said for high school soccer officials. I know there are certain levels recognizing the achievements of referees in soccer, but to referee a prep soccer match you simply have to pass the SCHSL rules test -- thus waiving any "certification" or "license" to officiate high school soccer.

Football has a grading system and there isn't a football coach in the state that has a "license" or a level of "certification" indicating that he can coach high school. I encourage the process of licensing and certification, but let's face it -- they are in place not only to raise the awareness of the soccer coaching community, but also as an avenue of income or fees for certain persons and organizations.

My feelings on "coaching credentials" are similar to what Chico posted in another thread:

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Let's take an example from CUFC. I think Heather Frederick is a good coach. I don't know her license (I'm sure she has a very good one) -- however, I've spent the time to understand what she's done in the past and even had my kid train with her a few years ago. If she turned up tomorrow and had no license at all, it wouldn't change my opinion of her.


Last edited by Kyle Heise; 05/19/07 03:13 PM.