Minnesota State Referee Committee

While much of the content of the Referee instructional program is provided by FIFA and US Soccer, the focus of our program is developed through the leadership of the State Referee Committee (SRC). There are three areas we feel key for success in the instructional program: Recruitment, Retention and Advancement. The current state of the game requires that we recruit and train new officials annually, but this will not meet the needs of the game in we cannot retain them in future years. If we fail at retaining officials, we will never have the ability to help them advance to higher levels of the game.

Recruitment - As the number of players, teams and matches increase in Minnesota soccer, the need for quality, qualified officials must also increase. The need for new officials is ongoing in order to fill vacancies created through an increase of games, the retirement of senior officials and the turnover created by individuals that do not recertify because of life changes or the lack of fulfillment they found in the role of an official.

Through support from individuals and soccer organizations throughout the state, the SRC conducts several clinics annually to train new officials on the Laws of the Game and to offer ideas on how to interpret and apply the Laws in game situations.

Retention - The referee program will always experience some level of turnover for a variety of reasons. The focus of this organization is to set realistic expectations about the duties of being an official and create a positive environment for officials to develop in their roles and responsibilities. Annually we anticipate the loss of referees due to retirement or change of life events such as moving or changing responsibilities; however, the number of officials that do not return because the experience is not stimulating or fun is unacceptable.

The collaboration of efforts between Assignors and Assessors offers solutions to address the need of officials to feel challenged.  The ability to address behaviors of participants in a game, be it players, coaches or spectators, can only be accomplished by working closely with the governing bodies of various youth and adult organizations. Being an official requires on the job training; every game is a new learning opportunity and no one will ever master the position as the sport is ever changing. We are looking for opportunities to increase education on acceptable field behavior and proper ways to communicate suggestions for improved referee performance. Creating a positive, encouraging environment is the most effective referee retention tool we have, outside of the education referees receive annually.

Advancement - For the referee that truly enjoys and excels at officiating, there are opportunities to advance. It is the desire of this organization that we help open doors for anyone desiring to move up the referee grade structure. Opportunities for additional training exist through Advance level instructional clinics and selection for participation in high-level competitive tournaments.

Minnesota is especially committed to the development of female referees. Interest and development of women's soccer games have increased over the last several years and has created tremendous opportunities for female officials. In support of this focus, MN hosts an annual clinic for female officials led by some of the country's top female referees.

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