Graduating from the Training League

The Training League was created to provide a safe space for young and inexperienced referees to “learn on the job” without risk of parents, players, or coaches being abusive. However, once a referee can be successful in doing higher level and more difficult games, we move them out of the Training League.

Referees are not required to stay in the Training League if they wish to move on. However, we have found that that referees that begin working more competitive games too early often find themselves frustrated and unwilling to continue. As a result, they frequently quit.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS:

There is no hard and fast rule we use in determining when a Training League referee is ready to graduate. Like players, referees develop at different rates. However, these are general guidelines:

 - Games – we believe that referees should work games in a variety of ages in the middle and as an AR:

• At least 3 games as a center referee, variety of ages (both 9/10U and 11/12U)

• At least 4 games as an assistant referee, variety of ages (both 11U and 12U, and 13U and 14U when available)

 - Trainer Evaluations - Anytime a Trainer works with a new referee or observes their game, the Trainer will submit feedback that includes things they think the referee did well and what opportunities there are for improvement. Part of the feedback provided is whether the Trainer thinks the referee is ready for higher level games.

 - FairWhistle Ratings - Even when the referee doesn’t have a Trainer on a game, we get feedback from the teams through FairWhistle. When we look at these ratings, we are worried less about if the referee got the call correct, or if that last goal should have counted, and more about the referee’s overall performance on the field. There should be no outstanding FW Key Incidents or needed reports before graduation.

The core components the referee should demonstrate before moving out the of Training League are:

• CONFIDENCE - No matter how well a referee knows the Laws, or how fit they are, if a referee cannot display confidence as an official (even when they are not sure of their call), they need to remain in the Training League until they gain more confidence.

• COMPETENCY - To officiate more competitive games, a referee must be more familiar with the Laws of the Game. Many of the Laws are more complex than you may have originally thought (such as Law 11 – Offside). Competency comes with experience.

• CONSISTENCY – All referees have games that go really well and games that are not so good. Part of advancing to the next level is building consistency so a referee has relatively few games that have problems.

• COMPLIANCE – There are a number of things a referee is expected to do (e.g., accept games on time, not turn games back at the last minute, show up thirty minutes early, wear the proper uniform including socks, complete game reports, etc.). The referee needs to show an ability to follow these guidelines on a regular basis.

If you have any questions concerning the Training League, please contact Sarah Wheeler, Training League Administrator, at swheeler@trainingleague.org or 402.603.0030.