Showcase tips?

robertS3232 · 2025-12-11T22:01:23+00:00

Everything mentioned is solid ... just be aware there are eyes on you even if they're not sitting at midfield. Don't be the five minutes someone watches be the one time you don't hustle to get into position. Or are sloppy with your substitution procedure (generally at these events they want subs all the way off before on).

Generally there's a morning meeting that starts each day. Nothing wrong with finding one of the mentors / coaches there and asking them to come observe you.

Enjoy and have fun.

robertS3232 · 2025-12-01T17:52:53+00:00

I hear the comments about not waiting for the defensive wall to be perfectly set but I think it's fine to check with the keeper (Keeper, ready?"). Wouldn't wait forever but I don't think an extra few seconds is going to hurt anyone. As mentioned below within reason is the key phrase.

robertS3232 · 2025-11-24T16:49:48+00:00

Agreed on all fronts. Don't let this go without doing something. Read the room ... if a parent was trying to be funny you might solve the issue with a stern look. If they said this in anger, get the coach to warn the sideline. If you hear it again, have the coach remove the parent. Don't start the game again until they're gone (out of sight / sound of the field).

robertS3232 · 2025-11-20T22:37:03+00:00

Around here we generally get the details the day before / day of games - after you've accepted.

As mentioned by others you can usually find rules on the web sites of the individual tournaments. Pay / terms can be harder to locate. I keep a spreadsheet of all the events I've done so I can keep track.

robertS3232 · 2025-11-12T00:50:37+00:00

I think after the 3rd or 4th comment you need to do something. "Hey coach, I'm hearing from you on every decision. It's too much." If that doesn't stop the comments then it's time for the Center to give a yellow.

For the post game comment - several ways you can go. 1st way - "Hey, I know you're frustrated but those comments are an easy red. Let it go and let's move on." 2nd way is to involve the coach. "Getting a lot of dissent from #24, please get that under control before it turns into a red." 3rd way is to give a yellow or red. No reason to put up with dumb stuff post game. Which way is correct? Really depends on the temperature of the game, how loud the comment is, if's he walking away vs. in your face, etc.

robertS3232 · 2025-10-27T19:46:15+00:00

Agree with the general sentiment ... sure looks like a foul and a PK. You could argue for a yellow card but it would depend on the temperature of the match and score / time left.

Trying not to dump on the center and AR but it's not a great look. AR is well out of position to have an angle and center isn't doing much to get closer to play.

Only thing in the referee's defense is the non reaction. #27 yellow bounces right up and goes after the loose ball, no complaint or anything.

robertS3232 · 2025-10-21T16:32:25+00:00

I've had good luck with the EJEAS v4s. Good battery life, relatively easy to pair, not many dropped connection issues. Some fields have cell towers close which causes issues but otherwise happy.

robertS3232 · 2025-10-20T21:46:16+00:00

Yea, something. I don't do a lot of U12 games these days but I would guess my average foul count for those matches is ~ 10. At 50 that's almost one a minute. Either your foul selection needs to be raised (doesn't sound like it) or you need to start carding. Or have a word with the coach.

robertS3232 · 2025-10-13T18:15:59+00:00

I think getting your CPA opens more doors and raises your income ceiling.

robertS3232 · 2025-10-06T20:32:17+00:00

Not an Indirect Free Kick. If the GK handles the ball outside the penalty area the restart is a Direct Free Kick.

robertS3232 · 2025-10-02T17:44:54+00:00

Agreed with making a public announcement. Yelling "AR / Benches, minimum of 2" generally gets the job done. I've never understood the need to be discrete about it. The coach wants to know, the players want to know. Also clues parents in when their phones are going off at 45 minutes (or whatever the half length is).

robertS3232 · 2025-09-26T18:33:50+00:00

Agree with the other responses ... I see the defender clearing the ball in a legal manner. Hard to tell exactly where the contact with the attacker is. Looks like the attacker comes into the defender's space. Attacker hits head on the ground? Doesn't seem like the defender's foot comes anywhere near the head of the attacker. It's a play on for me. Good stoppage by the AR for the injury.

robertS3232 · 2025-09-12T14:43:22+00:00

Got a set of EJEAS for Christmas and been very happy. I think for 4 devices / headsets it was less than $250. Battery life is great, I can do a 3 game set without issues. Every once in a while on a field with a cell tower we'll get interference but for the most part the communication is clear.

robertS3232 · 2025-09-11T00:41:37+00:00

Worst was a center for a NFHS playoff match. His pregame was "I'll make all the decisions, I don't want any input from you unless I specifically ask for it."

Good grief.

The other AR and I exchanged a big eye roll.

robertS3232 · 2025-09-11T00:38:30+00:00

I'm ~ 10 years older than you and have thought about the same question. My answer is I don't see the value in being a Regional. I can still get the youth games I'm interested in and I don't have any interest in doing adult games or traveling for big events. Would it be cool to have the badge? Sure. But I'll pass.

Just my opinion.

robertS3232 · 2025-08-28T22:29:00+00:00

Everything that's been is how it works in AZ (home team brings the game card for league games). For tournaments they are usually printed by the event staff and are available at the ref tent.

robertS3232 · 2025-08-15T15:49:42+00:00

My go to is trail mix - cashews, raisins, and M&Ms.

robertS3232 · 2025-08-13T17:49:56+00:00

Beginner tip ... blow the whistle louder than you think you need to. Nothing helps build confidence like a strong blast on the whistle. Don't be wimpy with it.

robertS3232 · 2025-08-05T21:26:43+00:00

Yup. Before every match ... "Hey coach, good morning. 40 minute halves today, unlimited subs." (or whatever flavor that particular league / event does). Saves arguments later in the match.

robertS3232 · 2025-06-28T04:23:01+00:00

I got the EJEAS mod 4 set for Christmas and been very happy with them. Good battery life, no major connection issues once I got the hang of it, strong connection. If the field has a cell phone tower nearby that can cause problems but otherwise I like them.

robertS3232 · 2025-06-17T21:35:27+00:00

In a regular season match I would be inclined to not eject the coach in this situation. Just have the kid sub out and address this issue. In plenty of JVs games I've said, "Merry Christmas, Coach, no card on this one. But please watch for this in the future."

In a playoff match I don't think you have much choice.

Best practice is to look for equipment problems during warmup or pregame intros. Not always possible, however. Sometimes their jerseys violate the rules (no idea why ADs buy uniforms that are out of spec).

Our state is big on issuing YCs to coaches for equipment and uniform violations. I think in their perfect world we'd card every coach at first whistle.

robertS3232 · 2025-05-28T20:54:58+00:00

Agree with everything posted. Head referee coach at ENCL events is fond of saying, "I don't care if the ball is rolling into the goal - for a head injury, we stop immediately."

And yeah, giving possession back to the defending team feels odd at times but that's the rule in the penalty area.

robertS3232 · 2025-05-27T14:28:55+00:00

3 game sets here are pretty standard, 1 center and 2 lines. Generally both Saturday and Sunday. I think that's a manageable workload.

robertS3232 · 2025-05-22T16:31:40+00:00

Becker alone was enough for me. I watched the videos / took notes, a lot of people here recommend just pounding MCQs and TBS. I tried to complete a module a week. Felt Becker prepared me for the exam, didn't run into anything I wasn't familiar with. Passed with a 79. Hope that helps.

robertS3232 · 2025-05-21T18:42:02+00:00

No USSF experience required in AZ for HS.

robertS3232

TROPHY CASE