Bulletin Board

Got Questions? rru.questions@gmail.com

There's now an on-line registration link at the state web site for entry level classes. Click here to go to this page on the state site and get the information on all these classes.

Click here for all the information you need to know about 2009 USSF Registration.

Click here for 2009 On-Line Registration Instructions

Click here for 2009 USSF Registration Fees

Click here for all the information about getting new Risk Management passes.

With Sympathy

It is with deep sympathy and great sadness that the Rochester Referee Unit has lost another one of its members. On Friday, September 5 Tom Mingle lost his battle to cancer. Tom is a resident of Buffalo and officiated with the Rochester unit for several years and he had the privilege of officiating Rhinos matches. Please remember Tom’s family in your prayers.

Referees Needed for the Special Olympics

Volunteer referees needed for the Special Olympics in September and October. more info »

Bruce Rosekrans writes:

I have been asked to assign officials for Special Olympics (Regional games for National competition qualification) September 20-21 at TSE and the Special Olympics Fall Festival (Regional-held every year first weekend in October) on October 3-5 at TSE. These are volunteer games and a great opportunity to give back to the community. I know that we are stretched thin this time of year with the high school schedules. If you can find the time between games you won't regret it. Games are short sided and the age groups are from U-8/10 to adult. In the past I have written to high schools on behalf of our younger officials so that they received community service credit.
These players give their best and it is a good time for all. Join the fun!
If interested please contact Bruce Rosekrans at:
brosekrans@morelllaw.com
brosekra@rochester.rr.com
585-289-8005
585-203-7554

Associate Instructor Course

There will be a course for becoming an associate instructor on Nov. 14-16, 2008. You must be a Grade 8 referee for at least 3 years to be eligible. Persons interested in being considered as candidates for Associate Instructor should read, complete and submit the application form; it contains the instructions for applying. Application deadline is October 10, 2008.

2008 Scholarship Winners Announced

The winners of the Joe Martuscello and Lois Brondon scholarships have been announced. See the Scholarship Awards page for more information.

Board Elections

Elections will be held on August 4, at the final business meeting of the year. See the Officers page for more information.

Fitness Testing: August 5 & 9

Fitness testing is required of anyone who is a Grade 7 or higher, or anyone who plans to officiate adult games. more info »

Fitness testing is required of anyone who is a Grade 7 or higher, or anyone who plans to officiate adult games. If you are a Grade 8 Referee who referees only youth games, or a Grade 9 Recreational Referee (indicated by a blue badge), NO fitness test is required. You are certainly welcome to participate in the fitness testing if you wish, but it is not required for your registration for next year.

For everyone who needs a fitness test, two opportunities are available in conjunction with the High School Unit's Interpretation Meeting and Fitness Testing sessions.

PLEASE NOTE: The times below indicate the start of the Interpretation Meeting, with fitness testing to follow immediately after the meeting. If you are not a member of the high school unit who is attending the Interpretation Meeting, plan on being at the track approximately 1 hour after the time stated below. Both sessions will take place at the Apollo Middle School on Maiden Lane in Greece.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 - meeting starts at 6:00 PM
Saturday, August 9, 2008 - meeting starts at 8:00 AM

RDSL Special pricing on Rhinos ticket packages

Special Flex-pack ticket packages are available at an RDSL-only price. Complete information is in this PDF document.

RDSL News

Some exciting non-league and Select Team Events are planned for this summer. Several of the RDSLs finest men's teams will play the Rochester Rhinos at Paetec Park. The Rhinos Women will also host several RDSL women's teams. Admission to these games is free. Parking in the Club lot is also free. The schedule for the women will be complete soon. The men's schedule is:

  • Thursday,May 29th @ 6 pm, Cobras
  • Tuesday, June 3rd @ 6 pm, Western N.Y. Select Team
  • Tuesday, July 15th @ 6 pm, RFC1
  • Wednesday, July 23rd @ 6 pm, Italian-Americans
  • Tuesday, July 29th @ 6 pm, Sharks

The RDSL Men's Select Team will play the Queen City ( NPSL ) reserves, Saturday, June 14th, at 10 am, at Grace and Truth's north field.

New Class: How to be a Referee - April 26 (Brighton HS)

We have developed a new program for those who have recently taken the entry level class. The entry class is designed to teach you the Laws of the Game. There is very little time available to start teaching you to be a referee. This program is intended to pick up where the entry class leaves off. more info »
Topics include:
  1. Getting assignments - how to contact assignors, what games you can do
  2. Gathering your equipment - What do you need to get before your first game? We'll give you a checklist.
  3. Arriving at the field - OK, I'm here. It's my first game. What do I do before we start playing? Hopefully you'll know before you get there!
  4. Positioning on the field - Referees spend a lifetime learning to be in the proper position on the field. We will cover some general guidelines for positioning on the field, aimed mostly at the younger level games that the newer referees do. We'll also cover some of the basics of dealing with players - and disruptive parents and coaches.
  5. Assistant Referee as part of the Team - Although some view this job as secondary, a good A.R. works as hard as a referee, and is just as important to game management.
  6. What about the future? You want to continue reffing next year and beyond (we hope!). What you will need to do in future years as you develop your skills and wish to upgrade.
There is no charge for this class, but we ask that you register in advance. The class will be held Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Brighton High School, Room 262. We will start promptly at 10:00 A.M., and will finish around 1:00 P.M. Here is a map of the class location in the school. Please contact Tom Ross for more information or to register for the course. We hope to see you there, and look forward to working with you on the field.

Referees needed for Tournaments!

We need referees to help cover the Empire Cup tournament, June 14-15, 2008, at Total Sports Experience. About 12-15 referees are needed to cover the tournament, which features Boys/Girls U10-U15. ARs will be assigned for U15 if enough officials are available.

See the Assignments Page for more information on these and other tournaments.

Entry Level Referee Course - May 17 & 18 (Marion) more info »

Where: Marion American Legion Post
4141 Witherden Rd. Marion, NY 14505

When: Two days: May 17 and 18, 2008

Times:
Saturday, May 17, 2008, 8:30 - 4:00 PM
Sunday, May 18, 2008, 8:30 - 4:00 PM
NOTE: You MUST attend both sessions for the entire time.

Instructor: Kevin Barci

Restrictions: Must be 12 years and older. In order to register as a referee, applicants must be at least 14 years of age by May 1, 2008. Students age 12 and 13 are eligible to take the class and qualify as a Recreational Referee.

Cost: Total cost is $65.00

  • $30.00 — Yearly registration
  • $10.00 — Local Rochester dues
  • $25.00 — Instruction/ Materials

Additional Info: Pre-registration is required. Class Size: 20 to 25. You must score 75% or better on the 100 question test to pass the course.

Click here to download the application form.

Intermediate Level Referee Course - April 12 (Henrietta) more info »

There will be an Intermediate Clinic on April 12, at the Double Tree Hotel in Henrietta. See the Training page for more information and to get the registration forms.

Assignor's Course - March 29 (Rochester) more info »

There will be an Assignor's course on March 29, at the Hampton Inn in Rochester. See the Training page for more information and to get the registration forms.

Entry Level Referee Course - April 1, 3 & 6 (Ontario Recreation) more info »

Where: Town of Ontario - Recreation Building
6551 Knickerbocker Road, Ontario, NY 14519

When: Three days: April 1, 3 and 6, 2008

Times:
Tuesday, April 1, 2008, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Thursday, April 3, 2008, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Sunday, April 6, 2008, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
NOTE: You MUST attend all sessions for the entire time.

Instructors: Kevin Barci and Tom Ross

Restrictions: Must be 14 years and older.

Cost: Total cost is $65.00

  • $30.00 — Yearly registration
  • $10.00 — Local Rochester dues
  • $25.00 — Instruction/ Materials

Additional Info: Pre-registration is required. Class Size: 20 to 25. You must score 75% or better on the 100 question test to pass the course.

Click here to download the application form.

Entry Level Referee Course - March 26, 29 & April 1 (Brockport) more info »

Where: Sweden/Clarkson Community Center, Brockport
Located off Rt. 19, approx 0.25 mile south of Rt. 31

When: Three days: March 26, 29 and April 1, 2008

Times:
Wednesday, March 26, 2008, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Saturday, March 29, 2008, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday, April 1, 2008, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
NOTE: You MUST attend all sessions for the entire time.

Instructor: Jeff Bird

Restrictions: Must be 14 years and older. Preference given to interested adults, and students ages 15 and older.

Cost: Total cost is $65.00

  • $30.00 — Yearly registration
  • $10.00 — Local Rochester dues
  • $25.00 — Instruction/ Materials

Additional Info: Pre-registration is required. Class Size: 20 to 25. You must score 75% or better on the 100 question test to pass the course.

Click here to download the application form.

Entry Level Referee Course - March 11, 15 & 18 (North Chili) more info »

Where: New Hope Community Church
Union Street (Rt.259), North Chili

When: Three days: March 11, 15 and 18, 2008

Times:
Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Saturday, March 15, 2008, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
NOTE: You MUST attend all sessions for the entire time.

Instructor: Jeff Bird

Restrictions: Must be 14 years and older. Preference given to interested adults, and students ages 15 and older.

Cost: Total cost is $65.00

  • $30.00 — Yearly registration
  • $10.00 — Local Rochester dues
  • $25.00 — Instruction/ Materials

Additional Info: Pre-registration is required. Class Size: 20 to 25. You must score 75% or better on the 100 question test to pass the course.

Click here to download the application form.

Entry Level Referee Course - Feb. 2 & 9 (Victor) more info »

Where: Victor School Campus, VEC Building, Board Meeting Room

When: Two days: February 2 and 9, 2008

Times: will be 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day; this is a two-day course.

Instructors: Bill Bianchi and Bill Fahey

Restrictions: Must be 14 years and older.w

Cost: Total cost is $65.00

  • $30.00 — Yearly registration
  • $10.00 — Local Rochester dues
  • $25.00 — Instruction/ Materials

Additional Info: Pre-registration is required. Class Size: 20 to 25. You must score 75% or better on the 100 question test to pass the course.

Click here to download the application form.

Entry Level Referee Course - Jan. 19 & 26 (Greece Olympia) more info »

Where: Olympia High School or West Side facility

When: Two days January 19 and 26, 2008

Times: will be 8:30 am to 3:30 pm each day; this is a two-day course.

Instructors: Bill Bianchi and Bill Fahey

Restrictions: None. If the candidate is 13 years old or younger, they will receive a Grade 9 badge until they are 14; they can receive their Grade 8 badge when they reach 14.

Cost: Total cost is $65.00

  • $30.00 — Yearly registration
  • $10.00 — Local Rochester dues
  • $25.00 — Instruction/ Materials

Additional Info: Pre-registration is required. Class Size: 20 to 25. You must score 75% or better on the 100 question test to pass the course.

Click here to download the application form.

Entry Level Referee Course - Jan. 22, 24, 29, 31 more info »

Where: Gates-Chili (through their Continuing Ed. program)

When: Four nights in Jan. 2008: 22, 24, 29, 31

Times: will be 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm each day; this is a four day course.

Instructors: Tom Ross and Kevin Barci

Restrictions: None. If the candidate is 13 years old or younger, they will receive a Grade 9 badge until they are 14; they can receive their Grade 8 badge when they reach 14.

Classes will be held in Science Room #6 in Gates-Chili High School. You can register on line as soon as the school gets the page set up, or you can complete this application form and mail it with payment to the address on the form. If you have any questions, contact Tom Ross or Kevin Barci for further information.

Download complete course information: GC Entry Level Course Info

Recertification Clinics

The schedule for Recertification Clinics has been posted on the Meetings page.

Planning on recertifying for 2008? Read this information: recertification info »

If you plan to referee in the 2008 summer season - and we hope you do - registration requirements vary by your grade. If you have a blue badge that says "Recreational Referee" you are a Grade 9. If you don't know your grade, and you have a black badge that says "Referee", you are a Grade 8. The registration requirements for grades 8 and 9 are similar - the main difference is the fee.

Plan on attending one of the scheduled recertification sessions - you'll be able to receive your classroom training, take your written test, and get registered all in one stop. Sessions include 3 hours of classroom training, immediately followed by the written exam.

Here's what you need to do to register for the 2008 season:

  1. You have the option of completing part of the registration process on line. Go to https://www.ussoccer.info/. Under User ID, enter the letter 'R' followed by your USSF registration number (from your identification card.) Your password is likely your last name - first letter capitalized. If you need your login information, you can e-mail Bill Bianchi. Once you have logged in, you are able to complete your registration form and pay your USSF registration by credit card. (You will still need to pay local dues, take the written test and submit your game record to complete your registration.) If you register on line, remember to print a copy of your receipt and bring it to your recertification class. If you don't register on line, registration forms will be available and may be completed at the recertification sessions.
  2. Bring a copy of your game record for last season. At minimum, it must include the date, age level of the game, and whether you were the referee or assistant referee. You can also include teams, field, etc. if you wish.
  3. Bring a check payable to NWNYS. If you registered on line and paid by credit card, the check should be for $10 for local dues only. If you did not register on line, and you are a Grade 8, the check should be for $40 ($30 USSF registration and $10 local dues). If you are a Grade 9, the check should be for $30 ($20 for USSF and $10 for local dues).
  4. You are required to receive five hours of classroom training each year. The recert clinic includes a three hour block of training. The remaining training can be covered by attending two business meetings, or by attending two hours of other classroom training that might be available.
  5. You are required to take and pass a written test each year. The test for your grade consists of 50 questions from the entry level exam. You must score 75% or higher. The written test will be given immediately after the classroom training.
  6. Once you pass your test, you will turn in your registration form, game record, and payment, and you'll be all registered for next year. (Senior officials at grades higher than 8 have additional requirements.)
  7. If you plan to officiate youth games, make sure your Risk Management is up to date. (Cards are good for 2 years, so if last year was your first year you are OK for this season.) If you will be turning 18 this year, you need to complete Risk Management now.

If you have any questions, contact a member of the local executive committee.

2008 Business Meetings

The 2008 schedule for general business meetings and league-specific meetings has been posted on the Meetings page.

Wanna be a referee?

There's now an on-line registration link at the state web site for entry level classes. Click here to go to this page on the state site and get the information on all these classes.

All people taking the entry-level referee course can download this note-taking guide that will be helpful in preparing for the exam.

Information regarding The Joe Martuscello Scholarship is available.

See the Community page for details.

Instructions for signing onto and using The Arbiter.

It's Tournament Season!

See the Assignments page for information on the available tournaments.