In keeping with my opener for 2008 I thought I’d take a moment to point to a few referee blogs that I read regularly. They offer an important view on the game and it’s ultimate development. So if you’re a true fan of the game, find some time to check these sites out and follow their developing stories…
For The Integrity of Soccer opens a series of articles on Joe Machnik, Major League Soccer’s Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner for On-Field Competition, the guy who acts as the league’s liaison with the US Soccer Federation on officiating issues. He opens with a story about playing for KU against Rockhurst 30 years ago, when both schools had club teams, and the common issues we still face trying to be part of the international game.
US Soccer Players digs a bit deeper with Major League Soccer’s Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis, regarding the standards of refereeing in MLS and how it might improve, and how the poor bench behavior of some coaches and players isn’t helping the officials to do their jobs .
Finally, A Refs Blog discusses How To Be Mean as he recaps the Top 10 posts of 2007. This one stood out for me based upon some discussions I’ve had with Springfield’s most senior referee, Andy Ellsworth, and his experiences at National Referee camps. There are also several good reports on his experiences at the Region II Tournament last June in Des Moines that are worth a read. I’m fairly certain this guy is based in MN based up his writing although understandably he remains anonymous as he tells his story of working his way up the ranks of US Soccer.
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