• Ref Watch: Work well with assignors. Plus: New rulebook is ready
    by Randy Vogt on Jun 24, 2:20 PM
    When it comes to scheduling, assignors value referees' reliability more than their ability.
      4 Comments
  • Ref Watch: Joe Machnik on calls the rules don't cover clearly
    by Mike Woitalla on May 27, 4:00 PM
    The keeper grabbed a ball near his goal line. A teammate kicked it out of his hands and into their goal. What's the call?
      7 Comments
  • The teenager's challenge: Sleep well, play well
    by Dr. Dev Mishra on Apr 13, 2:07 PM
    Anyone who's raised an adolescent or teenager can likely attest that teenagers don't get as much sleep as they need.
      0 Comments
  • Your crucial preseason checklist -- first-aid kit and emergency action plan
    by Dr. Dev Mishra on Mar 11, 7:12 PM
    With the spring season underway, here's an important check list and EAP reminder.
      0 Comments
  • A ref's view on managing dissent
    by Randy Vogt on Mar 1, 6:09 PM
    Not allowing running commentary removes an important item that builds negative pressure during the match.
      3 Comments
  • Beware aspiring refs: Assessment starts young
    by Randy Vogt on Jan 26, 1:58 PM
    A failure to concentrate on responsibilities and master the rules can derail one's path for advancement.
      0 Comments
  • 15 coaching insights from Soccer America 2021 interviews
    by Mike Woitalla on Dec 30, 5:26 AM
    From coaches we spoke to in 2021, here's what they said that may serve you well when you take the field in 2022.
      0 Comments
  • The art of reffing solo
    by Randy Vogt on Oct 14, 1:58 AM
    I like to think that the referee's positioning isn't a diagonal as much as it is a modified version of a half-open scissor.
      5 Comments
  • How the pandemic impacted youth sports (for the better)
    by Brad Davis on Oct 14, 1:23 AM
    As life went virtual, it also returned to simplicity, pushing us to consider what's most important.
      0 Comments
  • Ref Watch: 'I got the ball' doesn't mean you didn't foul
    by Mike Woitalla on Oct 7, 12:56 PM
    Nowhere in the rulebook does "getting the ball" exonerate a foul.
      5 Comments
  • Hey, Mom! Hey, Coach!
    by Dan Woog on Aug 25, 2:38 PM
    Kids fill our fields, running, playing, laughing and learning life lessons. None of it would be possible without parent coaches.
      5 Comments
  • Mind your body language
    by Thomas Mangold, Dominik Voglsinger on Aug 13, 12:21 PM
    A coach's body language is a deciding factor in whether players aptly receive his or her message.
      2 Comments
  • Overuse Injuries: How parents can watch for the signs in their children
    by Dr. Dev Mishra on Aug 6, 4:22 PM
    By far and away the area where we can have the greatest impact is in monitoring for overuse injuries.
      2 Comments
  • Mental health and athletes: U.S. Soccer provides comprehensive resource
    by Mike Woitalla on Aug 1, 7:37 PM
    In April of 2020, U.S. Soccer added a Mental Health section to its Recognize to Recover Player Health and Safety Program.
      0 Comments
  • Youth refs should emulate Willy Wonka, not Pierluigi Collina
    by Randy Vogt on Jul 13, 3:02 PM
    If the ref is having a good time, you'd be surprised how many other people are being affected with that positive attitude.
      4 Comments
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