ProReferee » Jason Sholl

FIFA studying Costa Rica protest after World Cup qualifying loss to USA in blizzard conditions

Jason Sholl — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 03:00:24 +0000

Costa Rica have submitted a letter of protest with FIFA in the wake of their 1-0 loss to the US national team in last Friday’s snowy 2014 World Cup qualifier at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park outside of Denver. FIFA said it will look into the matter.

”FIFA will now analyze the content of the letter and next steps will be determined in due course,” FIFA said on Monday in a statement.

On Sunday, the Costa Rican federation declared that the ”physical integrity” of the match had been impacted, claiming that ”ball movement became impossible” and field markings were not visible. They have reportedly asked that referee Joel Aguilar of El Salvador be punished, as well as the other match officials.

The match was played in near-blizzard conditions, with grounds crewmembers constantly shoveling to clear the field lines and players struggling with their footing and ball control. If Aguilar had determined the situation was unplayable, according to FIFA regulations, the match would have had to be replayed within 48 hours. On the TV broadcast on Friday, the announcers stated that the match would be started from the point that it was stopped; however, the official regulations say the match would be replayed in full.

However, it is unclear whether Costa Rica have complied with the formal procedures for a protest. These procedures include an on-field statement from the captain, who ”shall immediately lodge a protest with the referee in the presence of the captain of the opposing team.” Following the match, the Costa Rican federation was required to to file written protests with the match coordinator within two hours, and with FIFA’s administration by registered letter within 24 hours.

The US won the match thanks to a goal from Clint Dempsey in the 16th minute.

Check out the video:

Newcastle United Goalkeeper Discusses Referees

Jason Sholl — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:00:37 +0000

Former rugby player Glen Jackson refereed his first Test recently, just two years after he was playing in the Premiership final for Saracens. The idea of such a thing happening with a professional footballer seems absurd, but why?

Jackson’s experience of playing for the likes of Saracens, New Zealand Maoris and Waikato Chiefs has been utilised by rugby’s governing bodies and the former fly-half refereed Saturday’s Test between England and Fiji at Twickenham – the venue of his final match before retirement in May 2010.

By his own admission, Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper believes, at the age of 38, he is too old to consider refereeing as the next step in his career once his playing days are over, even though the Premier League no longer insists officials stop at the age of 48.

Harper was often seen officiating on park pitches in the North East in previous years but as his family grew, his role as the man in the middle became less frequent.

The experienced goalkeeper retains an interest in refereeing and sees no reason why football cannot follow the lead of sports such as rugby and fast-track players into the system.

During an exclusive interview with GK Icon, Harper said: “I have often said that when players are coming to the end of their careers, why are there no opportunities for them to be fast tracked? And this was always met with resistance.

“I think it is becoming more of an option now. There was talk of a mentor-style system starting at academy level. The fact is that the best referees would still get through and it would be a relationship that would be mutually beneficial for both players and referees because they could both learn from each other. I think that is something that might change in the future.”

Regardless of whether football’s governing bodies decide to opt for a fast-track system, Harper believes players whose careers are ended prematurely through injury should certainly consider refereeing.

“I still do school games and the odd youth games but it is very hard to when you are an active professional,” Harper explained. “But I used to do a lot of refereeing on the weekends and Sunday mornings.

“I have got three kids now so it would be difficult. As I said, I am approaching 38 and it is too late to go down that route now.

“But it is certainly worth doing. Any young players that have drifted out of the game or had to finish through injury, I would definitely tell them it is worth exploring.”

The treatment of referees has been a topic of debate for some time and the foul abuse they receive, combined with the extreme scrutiny, is sure to deter many.

Harper believes the media are often too harsh on officials and claims the standard of Britain’s referees are higher than anywhere else in Europe.

He said: “The scrutiny they are under is incredibly intense. Referees only get one shot at a decision whereas we get to see it in 300 different angles and HD with slow-motion, And in some occasions opinions are still split despite all the technology. So refereeing is an incredibly tough job.

“I was speaking to Mike Reily a few weeks ago on the Footballers’ Football Show and the scrutiny that they put themselves under from within their own organisation is also high through the dialogue they share and there is a real professionalism within the referees’ association.

“I think the treatment they get in the media is particularly hard because they do strive to improve.

“From the experience we have had in European Football, I think the standard of refereeing in Britain is the highest I have come across. In general, they do a very, very good job in very difficult circumstances.”

Harper is enjoying life at Newcastle once again this season after being out of the reckoning during the 2011/12 campaign, with his five appearances all coming out on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Newcastle’s longest serving player of all time has made seven outings already this season due to the Magpies’ Europa League campaign and injury to Tim Krul.

“It has been nice to be back involved,” Harper admitted. “Last year I was not involved a lot but I had a good chat with the manager (Alan Pardew) on day one of pre-season and he said that if I still want it, then there might be an opportunity to play due to the volume of games coming up.

“That kick-started me again and I have really enjoyed it, it has been great. I have played six-and-a-half games so far and I hope to get a few more under my belt.”

Injury to his elbow meant Harper missed Newcastle’s last two matches but whilst Krul is undoubtedly Alan Pardew’s number one, the Europa League and cup competitions provide the 38-year-old with an opportunity to impress during what is the final year of his contract.

Harper said: “I hope to get as many games as possible. I am hoping we can stay in the Europa League as long as possible. We have been in the quarter final and semi-final in the past so it would be fantastic to stay in that competition.

“Unfortunately, we are out of the Capital One Cup but if we have a good FA cup run, a good Europa League run and keep doing well in the Premier League, then the more chance I have of playing in as many games as possible.

“Hopefully the club can finish in the top six and to win a cup in my time at this club would be a fantastic achievement.”

Source: GK Icon, used with permission

Video Interview with Kari Seitz, Veronica Perez and Marlene Duffy

Jason Sholl — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:32:09 +0000

Tim Weyland, State Director of Instruction for California North Referee Administration, sat down on September 29, 2012 with 2012 Olympic Referees: Kari Seitz, Veronica Perez and Marlene Duffy. Check out the video from this event.

The event agenda was in three parts: first the interview with the three FIFA Referees, then a review of 2012 Olympic video clips, then a Q&A session with the audience of approximately 75 referees. Unfortunately, the International Olympic Committee forbids the online posting of Olympic video clips.

Discount Coupons Available for ProReferee Customers

Jason Sholl — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 20:45:10 +0000

ProReferee is proud to offer our new and returning customers several methods to receive a discount on their orders with us.

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Jacksonville soccer referee lands on Olympics stage

Jason Sholl — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 20:30:09 +0000

Being a soccer referee is sometimes a thankless job. The ultimate responsibility is player safety, but they have to deal with much more than that — the elements, hot tempers, and fans.

“You have to have a lot of control and a lot of focus,” says Sean Hurd.

Hard work and focus has landed Jacksonville native Sean Hurd on the world stage. He is one of two Americans picked to referee men’s soccer at the 2012 Olympics.

“It really is something that is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Hurd said.

Hurd is going with tons of experience. He is what’s called an assistant referee, running along the touchline with a flag. He works several MLS games a year, and can generally be spotted working the bench sideline.

“We’re there through mid-August. They’ll tell us a couple days before each match who is on what game and what city we’re in and they’ll make arrangements for us to travel there,” Hurd said of the Olympics.

He leaves for London Wednesday.

12 Red Cards and Flying Kicks Galore in Brazil

Jason Sholl — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 17:36:57 +0000

A brawl broke out in a Brazilian second division match which showcased a collection of flying kicks, punches, slide tackles, injuries, and 12 red cards.

Craziness broke out between Votuporanguense and Fernandopolis when the goalkeeper for Fernandopolis took out a 1v1 attack. The goalkeeper nets a red card first, then everyone loses their cool. Check out the video below where 11 more red cards are dished out. The game ended with the referee declaring a win for Votuporanguense.

Check out the video:

Brazilian soccer player assaults referee, gets arrested

Jason Sholl — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:00:04 +0000

Violence broke out in a Campeonato Amazonense match between Iranduba and Sao Raimundo-AM in Brazil. Globo reports that Iranduba’s Derlan made an insulting gesture to the referee after he was given a yellow card.

The fourth official alerts the referee and out comes the red card for Derlan. This incenses the player into a rage and he snaps.

Check out the video below where Derlan turns violent against the referee, Joao Batista Cunha Brito.

The fourth official and Iranduba teammates intervene to break up the fracas. The police ended up arresting Derlan for assault.

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Source: Dirty Tackle

Indiana Soccer Referees Under 14 Can No Longer Participate

Jason Sholl — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:30:57 +0000

Last week, we reported Antonio Vitale of Alliance, Ohio was the Youngest Referee in the United States. This generated a lot of comments from referees who started at age 9 or 10, lessening the credibility of Ohio’s Beacon Journal report.

With the criticism comes a report from Indiana where the Indiana Soccer Referee Committee no longer allows children under the age of 14 to work as paid referees. The US Soccer Federation’s official policy allows children 12 and older to officiate. Samir Yasa, Indiana’s Referee Administrator, says the policy has always remained the same:

“In the past 40 some years, not just in Indiana but throughout the country, the Federation which is the governing body, has said that 12 years old is the age at which a child can start refereeing.”

The Indiana Department of Labor made the Soccer Referee Committee change its policy on the age of referees with this response from the Indiana Statute:

“A child less than 14 years of age may not be employed or allowed to work in any gainful occupation except as a farm laborer, domestic service worker, caddie for persons playing the game of golf, or newspaper carrier.”

The re-affirmation of this statute now terminates the early referee careers of many 12 and 13-year olds that already began training for this year’s soccer season.

Here is the letter sent to youth referees under the age of 14 in Indiana:

Good evening/morning everyone,

The below language was included in an e-mail to all the referees that are under the age of 14

We have some disappointing news to pass along that will affect your ability to referee in 2012.

Recently, a parent inquired of what age a child should be to participate as a referee. The USSF and SRC age to referee has always been 12 years old. However, just recently and after the recertification process was concluded, a parent who initially inquired about the age limit was advised by the Department of Labor (DOL), that no child under the age of 14 may work. The DOL concluded that work includes being a soccer referee.

There are exceptions of course, such as a child under the age of 14 may deliver newspapers, babysit, work at a farm with his parents, be an actor, etc.; however, soccer refereeing is not one of acceptable areas of work for a child under the age of 14.

This issue is related to “employment”. It is our opinion that referees are independent contractors. However, the DOL explained that what referees are doing is still work as it relates to minors.

With the deepest regrets, all referees who are not 14 years old will not be assigned games as referees until you reach the age of 14. As we enforce the Laws of The Games, the State Referee Committee must follow the Federal and State laws as well. If we do not, there may be monetary penalties for violating this law.

Although this is an unfortunate issue, we have been working with Indiana Soccer and attorneys to see if we can find a short-term resolution. We have also contacted two Senators and a representative and proposed a bill that would allow kids starting at the age of 12 to referee sports. A courageous young referee, Matthew Burkart from Evansville Indiana, who is 12 years old, was able to get help and contacted a Senator with a proposed bill called the “Matthew Bill” that will include sports officiating as part of the work 12 year olds can do without violating the Child Labor Laws. We encourage you to contact your Senators and Representatives and do the same. The more they hear from you, the faster we can get the law changed.

We are still working with some attorneys to see if we can draft something that would be acceptable to the DOL. Please understand, we met with the DOL and they were very understanding and positive about the young referees participation, the training and the mentoring program that we have in place and the safety we provide; however, the DOL is bound by the law and are unable to change what Congress or the Indiana law makes made into law.

For now and as of today, you will not be able to referee or receive any game assignments until you reach the age of 14.

As to a refund of your registration: If you attended an Entry Level clinic and have not refereed at all since you became a referee, you will be refunded $50. If you are a returning referee and recertified for the 2012 year and you will not be 14 prior to the fall season, you will be refunded $40.

You also have an option, you can elect not to get a refund and recertify when you become 14 and your credit will be applied to the next recertification when you are 14. It is your option.

Source: Indiana Public Media & many emails…

Violent Player Assault in Girls High School Soccer Match

Jason Sholl — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:00:59 +0000

A news crew filmed a violent assault during a girl’s high school soccer match between Chester High School and Lewisville High School on Monday evening in Chester County, South Carolina.

In the video, a senior player from Lewisville is tripped and falls to the ground by a Chester High School player. When the Lewisville player gets on the ground, she punches and drags her opponent by the hair. A number of punches are delivered over a period of 10 seconds as the Chester opponent protects herself on the ground. The video shows at least eleven punches to the face.

Chester County Sheriff deputies were called to Lewisville High School after the assault. The school’s resource officer is investigating the incident to see if charges will be filed. Referees will review the video with the league to determine suspensions.

Referee Alan Parker spoke to WBTV3 after the game:

“Some incidental contact ended in one girl going down and she just got up and started pummeling. It’s unfortunate, it really is. Contact is a part of soccer, but when you retaliate like that, obviously, there is no place in the game for that. Occasionally you have players that go at it, on the field together, but in this case it was just one girl pummeling the other girl. And she didn’t stop which is even more egregious.”

Source: WBTV3

Check out the video and let us know your reaction to the footage.

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Police Dog Bites Vanderlei During Brazilian Soccer Game

Jason Sholl — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:00:21 +0000

In Brazil this past Saturday, a police dog bit a player on the leg during a second-round match in the Rio Grande do Sul championship.

In the first half of the match between Caxias and Novo Hamburgo, referee Jean Pierre de Lima disallowed a goal by Paulinho Macaiba of Novo Hamburgo. After talking to the assistant referee, the decision was reversed and the goal was allowed. This caused a fracas on the pitch.

The Caxias bench emptied onto the field to protest the goal. Military police attempted to restore order when a German Shepard police dog bit Caxias striker Vanderlei on the back of his leg. Vanderlei went down and required treatment, delaying the game 10 minutes.

Vanderlei eventually returned to his feet and the game resumed. Novo Hamburgo won the match, 1-0.

Check out the video, below:

[youtube width="500" height="300"]2UWQJxnFGag[/youtube]