GO Indoor

R e f e r e e Ti p s : G a m e P r e p a r a t i o n First in a Series by Said Sanhoury, USIndoor Director of Officials e begin a series this issue on how referees can improve the quality of their performance by what they do off the field, rather than on it. The better a referee prepares before he first steps on the field, the more likely he will be able to manage what happens on it and ensure the safety and enjoyment of the participants. For purposes of this article, we assume that the referee has already mastered the rules of the game, including any house rules, as well as all of the techniques of good officiating (e.g., positioning, restarts, time-keeping, etc.) Even the most experienced referees can benefit from a refresher course. If you like, USIndoor can help, through its Instruction and Certification Program. That being said, the first thing a referee needs to do to prepare for a game is to find out as much as possible about the opposing teams and players, including any history of their W games together. Ideally, you can watch a game tape. More realistically, however, you can talk to other referees and facility managers who are more familiar with the teams than you are. In refereeing, there is no such thing as an "easy" game. Each can represent its own challenge. Even in an exhibition, the teams may assume an attitude that they have nothing to lose, resulting in dangerous play and unsporting behavior. Coed play is also definitely not to be taken lightly. Regardless of the situation, be sure to have on your "game face" and to do your homework. Next time, we will discuss how the individual player's roles (whether in the style of the "enforcer," "peacemaker," or "lawyer," can either interfere with your game management or be turned to your favor. Indoor Officials and Miro Odich Honored at Central California Soccer Referees Annual Meeting by David Simmons n April 12, 2002, the Central California Soccer Referee Association for the first time honored a group of officials for their dedication and commitment to indoor soccer officiating. The plaques, entitled "Award of Merit," were presented to the referees nominated by David Simmons, USIndoor Regional Instructor and Assignor. Those receiving the USIndoor Award of Merit were Wayne Ayers, Fred Barbosa, Mladen Nickolich, Arkady Taskar, and Pat Thompson. It was an especially memorable evening for Miro Odich, who in addition to being honored as the indoor referee of the year, was inducted into the CCSRA Hall of Fame. O Questions? Ref@USIndoor.com A SK TH E RE F Dear Ref: In a coed league the rules specify that you need 3 guys and 3 girls to play: a total of six on the field. In the event that not all the girls show up, the rule says that in order to start you need at least 2 girls. Also there's a handicap in which a team behind by four points gets an extra player to even out the game. So what I am trying to ask is, if they're only 2 girls and 3 guys, does the extra player have to be a girl or could it be a guy???? Dear Cesar: Under Th e Of f i c i a l R u l es , in coed play, the total number of guys may not exceed the total number of gals on the field by more than 1. There is no provision for extra players, based on a difference in the score. Since your facility provides for such a rule (i.e., a "house rule"), you should ask your facility how it intends to enforce it. Unless otherwise stated, we would assume that the extra player may be a guy or a gal. Good question. Thank you, Cesar, Tucson, AZ Said Sanhoury, USIndoor Director of Officials, ref@usindoor.com G O A L I n d o o r • June-July 2002• 24

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