AYSO National Referee Program

Area Referee AdministratorTraining

Session Objectives

Help ARAs:• Be more effective in their role• Know & discuss ARA expectations• Know where & who to go to get help• By sharing best practices & tips, make this

position fun

Agenda

Key topics for ARAs:• Introduction• ARA role & duties• Getting organized• Scheduling referees• Developing a budget• Summary

AYSO Vision

To provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich

children’s lives

AYSO Mission

To develop and deliverquality youth soccer programs

which promote a fun, family environmentbased on our AYSO

Six Philosophies

Introduction

• AYSO documents key to ARAs:– ARA and staff job descriptions – National Referee Program manual– Guidance for Referees, Coaches, Parents & Other

Volunteers

ARA Role

• Three key areas:– Communicate regularly… with who? – Ensure that Regions have support to successfully run a

referee program in compliance with the National Referee Program

– Mentor… Who?

ARA Role

• Quantity vs Quality:– RRAs focus on quantity – ARAs focus on quality

ARA Duties

• Provide leadership and be an active role model to the Area Referee staff, the RRAs, and referees within the Area

• Identify and train your successor• Appoint an Area Director of Instruction• Appoint an Area Director of Assessment• Ensure annual registration of all staff

ARA Duties

• Promote referee welfare within Area • Advise AD/Board on Referee matters • Prepare annual budget • Communicate w/SRA – about?• Assist and communicate with RRAs• Support correct implementation of NRP• Interpret LOTG & Rules/Regulations

ARA Duties

• Intermediate/Advanced upgrades • Participate in disciplinary reviews• Manage referee scheduling for Area• Instructors/Assessors/Evaluators • Participate in Section Meetings• ID upgrade candidates to mentor• Ensure Area staff accountability

ARA Duties

• Send-offs: respect Area guidelines • Facilitate training for:

– Intermediate Referees– Advanced Referees – Mentors/ Assessors– National Ref and Assessor (work w/Section)– Instructor & Instructor Evaluator

Where Do You Start?

• Be proactive & Enthusiastic• Develop an Area calendar of events • Get to know your RRAs – how?• Coordinate & conduct training • Provide administrative support• Develop a budget

Getting Organized

You are not alone! People will help • Area Director (AD) • Former ARA and staff • Area Coach Administrator (ACA)• SRA, SDI, SDA, Section staff• National Referee Program Admin.• National Referee Advisory Comm.• National Office staff

Getting Organized

Develop your team• Area Director of Referee Instruction • Area Director of Referee Assessment • Area Referee Scheduler• Assistant Area Referee Administrator

Getting Organized

Be proactive!• Setup appropriate/compliant program • Anticipate potential problems • Delegate when you can

Getting Organized

Area Director of Referee Instruction• Credentials? • Duties include:

– Assist Regions– Collaborate with Sections– Develop Area Instruction staff

Getting Organized

Area Director of Referee Instruction• Facilitate certification training:

– Intermediate/Advanced Referee– Other referee courses in Regions– Referee Instructor/Evaluator– Referee Assessor– Higher level courses w/Section approval and

participation

Getting Organized

Area Director of Assessment• Credentials? • Duties include:

– Assist Regions– Collaborate with Sections– Develop Area assessment staff

Getting Organized

Area Referee Scheduler• Secure referees for Area games• Maintain a pool of referees• Keep the referees informed• Assist with logistics as needed

Getting Organized

Develop a communications plan• Follow policies & procedures

– Review of misconduct– Dispute resolution– Address questions & suggestions

• Accountable for sharing information

Getting Organized

Develop a communications plan• Contact information • Website development/updates• Vary your means for communicating

– In person– Technology – what?– Regular mail

Getting Organized

Develop a calendar of events• Area, Section, National events • Training in A/S/National levels• Obtain Regional calendars• Tip: schedule an assessing event

– Specific date(s) on specific place– Upgrades for all levels

Getting Organized

Support AYSO National Programs • National Referee Program• National Coaching Program• National Management Program• Very Important Player (VIP) Program• Safe Haven Program• Kids Zone Program

Scheduling Referees

Get to know your Area’s Referees• RRA and their team’s contact info• Encourage RRAs to share ref info• Referee personal information

– Ranking, rating, availability, goal

• Use of technology to assign referees

Budgeting

Costs for Area Referee activities • Training

– Facilities, Travel, Fees, Materials

• Staff development– Instructor & Assessor training – Travelling Instructors/Assessors

Budgeting

Costs for Area Referee activities • Scheduling software• Badges (travel) to present in person • Periodic meetings

– Team building – Participate in Region/Section

Budgeting

Revenue opportunities • Charge fees for participating

– Training – Sponsor Area tournament – Sponsor/host other Area events

• Collect $$ from Regions• Local $$ sponsorships

Budgeting

Budget sources of information • Previous year’s budget

– Records; actual expenses

• Previous year’s training rosters– How many courses?– How many attendees?

• Inventory (uniforms, materials)?

Budgeting

Timing considerations • AD must submit a budget by June1• No money:

– Impossible to spend– Impossible to reimburse

• ARA should help have $ available

Summary

• ARA Role & Duties• Getting Organized• Form a Great Team• Communicate with Regions• Schedule Referees for Area Games• Developing a Budget

Thank you!!for joining us today

and for all that you do for AYSO!

Tom Bobadillathomasbobadilla@ayso.org

1-800-872-2976