Outstanding Referee of the Tournament Jesse Johnson, NM

A total of twelve referees were invited to officiate during the Soccer Festival in Kingston, RI during July 30 - August 6, 2000. In addition, a total of nine assistant referees were invited by the Federation for the first ever AR Academy which was run parallel with the referee program. This not only served current Federation needs, it also eliminated logistics problems in getting qualified local assistant referees and, above all, it resulted in a better service to the tournament.

The quality of officiating was high; unfortunately, three of the officials did not meet standards. - All games were assessed by National Assessors. - Slight fitness training was followed daily by morning sessions providing instruction and feedback to the referees. - The sessions included constructive discussions with USSF coaching staff members Wolfgang Suhnholz and David Simeone. Wolfgang is a former professional player, playing in both the Bundesliga and in the NASL; he currently coaches the US U-20 men's team. Dave is the former State Coach for North Texas and is currently assigned to the US U-18 program. - The outstanding performance award was presented to Jesse Johnson for his effort during the US U-20 versus Canada U-20 match.

Who is faster? Referee, Ricardo Salazar

Field conditions were below those used during the previous four Soccer Festivals. The quality of play as well as team behavior (one exception) were higher than last year. Hotel rooms were excellent; however, food and service did not get very high marks. A meeting room for referees was provided every morning (3-hour sessions). Transportation was adequate.

Games on the first day were rained out which allowed everybody to recover from late Sunday arrivals due to flight cancellations and delays (contract disputes and weather); it also gave us the opportunity to dine away from the hotel. The two days without games were appreciated and lead to a more pleasant week. The second free afternoon was used by most for a sightseeing trip to Newport.

Assistant Referee Academy during Soccer Festival Karalee Sutton, PA-W

The event was sponsored by Officials Sports, Inc. who provided uniforms and referee kits for all officials as well as polo shirts for all officials and assessors. OSI also provided a watch for the winner of the outstanding performance award.

Special Thanks and Acknowledgments:

• Mike Burgess kept us constantly up-to-date on his flight changes and cancellations; he finally wound up renting a car in New York to get to Providence "on time"; overall, it was a trip exceeding nine hours.
• It was a pleasure watching Romy outrunning all of the ARs during the Cooper test.
• Don Minton drove over two hours (one way!) from Connecticut to assess one game on two different days.
• All referees appreciated the presence of more experienced assistant referees who were available for advice throughout the tournament. It is certainly proper to single out Jon Wilson for his leadership role in mentoring younger referees.
• There were very positive comments about the staff instructors and assessors; compliments go to Heinz Wolmerath, Alfred Kleinaitis and Jack Breetveld.
• Everybody enjoyed discussions with members of the USSF coaching staff, Wolfgang Suhnholz and David Simeone; we hope that we can continue a similar dialogue with the coaching staff in events to come.
• Best humor? Will have to be Kim who was the target of all during the entire week.
• We are also indebted to Bill Bosgraaf, the Select Team Committee and to Marcin Rembisz and his staff.

What are they asking now? US U-20 coach, Wolfgang Suehnholz, during session with referees

Special memories:

• One had to do with Kim not washing his own laundry.
• Picking raspberries for the "boss" was appreciated regardless of possible motives (Kim again).
• Why can't Alfred wear the same shirt as everybody else?

Referees:
Tom Mingle (NY), Ken Kaplan (DCV), Tony Russo (E-PA), Mishaun Ahmad (MN), Mikael Lundqvist (OH-S), Ricardo Salazar (IL), Jason Anno (TX-S), Brent Hall (OK), Dongho Kim (NC), Mike Burgess (AZ), Romy Kozak (CA-N), Jesse Johnson (NM)

Assistant Referees:
Steven Davidson (IL), Bill Dittmar (DCV), Alberto Etcheverria (IL), George Gansner (MO), Tom Supple (MA), Karalee Sutton (PA-W), Steve Taylor (DCV), Jon Wilson (NC), Brenda Wright (E-NY)

Instructors / Assessors:
Heinz Wolmerath, Alfred Kleinaitis, Jack Breetveld, Don Minton, Ted Carlson, Wolfram Blattner.

FROM THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
September 11, 1999
April 4, 2000

DAVID LAKIN THE 1998 REFEREE OF THE YEAR
Four outstanding officials who are dedicated officials and role models for all referees were recognized as the four Regional Referees-of-the-Year during the Mid-Year Meeting in Dallas in February. David Lakin was selected as the Official Sports Referee-of-the-Year.
Continue...

2000 Referee-Of-The-Year Application Form

FORMS AND LAWS OF THE GAME
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Download 2001 List (PDF)

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