NWSL 2013

Officials webinar

Welcome

• PRO General Manager – Peter Walton• Women’s Ref-coach/NWSL Assignor – Sandra Serafini• PRO website – all NWSL-related documents• Inaugural season NWSL 2013

– 8 teams, National footprint– International Players (US, CAN, MEX)– U.S. Soccer front office, GameOfficials for assignments

• Pool of NWSL officials:– Referees + Travel ARs– Regional Officials– Local ARs/4ths

Games

• 84 regular-season games• 3 post-season games (no All-Star match)• Exhibition games• Cross-over with – other PRO leagues (Alan Brown), semi-pro (LACs)– some Zone 2 events

• Qualification for games:1. Attend an RTS2. Pass the National fitness test

Expectations -- Professionalism

• Professional, face-forward head shot on GameOfficials– USSF polo or Coat/tie

• Current contact information• Email addresses– incorporate name (jane.doe@xmail.com)– visible to PRO & USSF staff, some team officials

Expectations -- Professionalism

• Keep your calendar up to date• NWSL is priority assignment over non-

professional matches, BUT:• If conflict with LAC assignment or major

tournament, call/email Serafini• If injured, ill, or family/work issues,

call/email to protect you and game integrity• Big picture, long-term view

Expectations -- Professionalism• TV, Video, Live Streaming • Decisions are viewed by public• Communication on & off field

– Verbal + written + body language– Public view, cameras, with/without knowledge

• Social media – Public view of your posts, pictures by teams, fans, media, league– Do not construe bias, favoritism– Perception = Reality

• Representing U.S. Soccer, PRO, assignor, officiating, yourself – elevate the image of each one at every opportunity

Assignments

• Preseason & Exhibition matches vs unaffiliated teams on ArbiterSports

• Preseason & Exhibition matches vs affiliated teams on GameOfficials

• College team host through college assignor• Regular season -- released via

GameOfficials every Thursday at 7pm for matches 3 weeks out

Assessments

• All matches -- National Assessors• Some assessors may carpool with officials• Posted in GameOfficials• Month in Review with officials via webinar• Performances assignments• Opportunities to advance– Local Regional– Regional National– Part of development path to MLS & FIFA

Guidelines Match Acceptance

• If driving <60 miles, accept/decline match within 24 hours

• If driving >60 miles (rental car) or flying, contact Travel Agent within 24 hours and accept match after travel is approved

• Rental cars with carpool for > 60 miles drive

Travel Agent• Sportscorp Travel• Phone: 905-857-8599 • Fax: 905-951-0433

After-Hours: 905-857-8588

Bernard Samuelbsamuel@sportscorp.comDirect Line: 905-499-3028 Jackie Ashtonjashton@sportscorp.comDirect Line: 905-499-2052

Flights

• Contact Sportscorp agent within 24 hrs• Use travel website farewatch feature, can

suggest alternative itinerary if ≤ cost• Frequent fliers – can specify airline if ≤ cost

or if you cover the difference with own CC (not a reimburseable expense)

Hotels

• Booked either by home team or Sportscorp, no upfront cost to official

• Sportscorp bookings include airport shuttle, breakfast, and internet at no extra cost

• Team bookings include airport shuttle– Notify Serafini if at same hotel as visiting team

• Use CC for check-in and incidentals

Ground Transportation

• Limited budget, diligence• Assignments made with carpools in mind• Target of $35 max per official, airport parking, tolls,

$0.565/mile• If driving over 60 miles from venue, rental car likely

better option• Contact Sportscorp for preferred rate with National

Rent-a-Car• Also research websites for lower cost• Driver must be 25 or older with CC, expense out

Per Diem

• $50 max• Pro-rated by time increments• (1-8 hrs. = $10.00; 9-16 hrs. = $25.00; 17-

24+ hrs. = $50.00)

Expense Reports

• Available on PRO website• KEEP ALL RECEIPTS – req’d for reimbursement• Scan & email to John Loder at PRO– johnloderexpense@proreferees.com

• One report per match• Note pay period deadlines 17th & 2nd • No game fees on expense report – autopay

by GoPay

Game Fees

• Paid via GoPay on GameOfficials• Done automatically – linked to assignments

Game Notices

• Sent by Lindsey Gamrod• Referee must contact crew within 24 hrs of

receiving game notice• Review all colors to avoid conflict– Teams, goalkeepers, officials

• Review for accuracy– Itinerary, hotel, transportation, contact info

Game Day

• Arrival = 2 hours prior to kickoff• Do pregame before stadium arrival whenever

possible• Attire = Dress Blues– Blue Blazer– Shirt/tie (men), shirt or blouse (women)– Grey slacks, dress shoes– Can wear polo under blazer for departure– No warm-ups to or from the match

Uniforms

• OSI, button-up jerseys, latest style• Match jersey sleeve-length and socks• Black shoes• Avoid warm-up with “USA” on back• Black OSI or Nike t-shirt for warm-up• Avoid “Skittles”, try to match each other for

off-field attire if possible

Rules of Competition

• See Ops Manual for full details• 3 substitutions from 7 named substitutes• Max 16 on bench– 9 players (7 named subs, 2 non-playing)– 7 non-players (coaches, medical staff, etc.)– No Owners, GMs, other executives unless on

player roster or as recognized coach

Match Reports and Self-Evals

• Hard copy at venue, use CAPITAL BLOCK LETTERS and Black Ink for Match & Competition Incident Reports

• Referees must complete the Referee Checklist• Electronic match report in GameOfficials within 24

hrs• Call Serafini immediately post-match for major

incidents (RCs, ++Inj, Bnch Dis, Asslt, Spct Inc)• All officials must complete self-evaluation

– Within one week of match– Base on video review

Priorities

• Priority #1 is to get the play right• Critical incidents– Penalty area decisions (calls and no-calls)– DOGSO– Sending off offenses, especially SFP and VC– Offside decisions• Goals scored and goals disallowed

– 2nd cautions• Linked back to 1st cautions given or not given

Have a great season!