2012 CSA Provincial upgrading course held at osa vaughan
The Ontario Soccer Association was the host location for the 2012 CSA Provincial Upgrading weekend. Jules Alie and Tiger Liu, along with 3 Futuro Instructors, including our own Hall of Fame Inductee Gord Arrowsmith spent the weekend teach 41 eager referees.
There was a whole ton of local flavour to the 2012 Program as 21 of the 41 participants were Ontario referees! More to follow, including some photos.
2012 London olympics will have local flavour-
UPDATED
The Ontario Soccer Association is thrilled to announce that the 2012 London Olympics Soccer Competition will include 2 of our very own . . . . . Carol-Anne Chenard and Joe Fletcher have been appointed by FIFA to this event.
The OSA Referee Department managed to connect with Joe and Carol-Anne last night, and asked them to answer a few questions about their recent appointment to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.
They were both nice enough to spend the time to answer the questions we asked, and their answers really show that not only are they both professional, but they are also both humble and great role models for every referee in this province.
Where were you when you found out you were appointed?
JF: I was at work when I first found out - Accountant during this time of year keeps me busy
CAC: Like Joe, I was at work at Health Canada.
What was your first international competition?
JF: My first international competition was the U17 CONCACAF tournament (qualifiers for FIFA U17 World Cup) in 2007 - my first year on the FIFA list
CAC: My first international competition was the Four Nations Tournament held in Guangzhou China in 2008
What or how are you feeling right now (after being appointed)?
JF: I'm very excited. The Olympics is its own special event (different to a FIFA tournament). For people outside of refereeing (or even outside of soccer) who don't really get what we do and how much work we put into officiating....they still can relate, as representing Canada at the Olympics in any capacity or in any sport is an accomplishment.
CAC: I'm really excited. The Olympics is such a special tournament and as Joe mentioned, everyone knows the Olympics in a pinnacle in a career. To get the opportunity to represent Canadian referees with two other Canadian officials is something that is hard to describe. (The other Canadian appointee is AR Marie-Josee Charbonneau of Quebec).
What is your ultimate goal in refereeing (or was this it)?
JF: My ultimate goal has evolved. First it was to make it to a FIFA tournament (went to FIFA U20 Canada). Then it was to make it back to one (went to FIFA U20 Colombia)....and was appointed to referee the Final (a real dream come true). Now with this appointment coming (still a bit in shock but super happy), my next goal/dream would have to be to make it to the FIFA World Cup.
CAC: My goals have evolved. There are definitely milestones I aspire to, but I really believe that performing well under pressure is really what the goal is. Every game is important and maintaining top level performances has to be the goal. Obviously we hope that our performances will provide us the opportunity to referee on the biggest world stage (to quote a wise referee - never give them a reason not to give you another game). There are many games between now and the Olympics so performing well and refining my refereeing are the immediate goals. But ultimately, I hope to get to London, and have a great game(s) with a great crew and make my friends and family proud.
What would you say to the young and upcoming referee that aspires to be 'just like you'?
JF: If someone wants to reach this level, I'd tell them that "most everyone" gets an opportunity. The problem is most don't realize it happened. You NEVER know who is watching you, and if you are always giving your best, the day that "someone" is watching, you'll have given your best, and not wasted your chance. I refereed for 14 years before making the national list, and 16 before becoming FIFA. Don't cheat the system, take the time to learn, so when your day comes, you'll be ready.
CAC: There really are opportunities everywhere. My few words of wisdom would be: Be yourself, take charge of your own career, always referee like someone is watching, keep learning and enjoy what you're doing.
2012 NATIONAL ASSESSORS - NEW MEMBERS
Every year the Canadian Soccer Association requests that each province submit names to be considered to the National list for referees, instructors and assessors.
In late 2011 the OSA Referee Development Department submitted 2 names for both the National Assessors and National Instructors List. While the CSA determined that at this point they were not in the need of any additional National Instructors, they were impressed with the names we submitted for the National Assessors List. But just being accepted is step one, the successful candidates then have to take the National Assessors exam, and pass.
The Ontario Soccer Association is proud to announce the addition of two of Ontario’s best assessors to the 2012 list of National Assessors. Not only did both of these gentlemen pass the exam . . .they each recieved a 100% mark! Huge congratulations go out to Joe Audi, EODSA and Amato DeLuca, TSA for their successful application to the 2012 National List of Assessors.
Joe Audi, Ottawa
Joe Audi's soccer career started in Egypt when he played at youth-level in the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria. Joe moved to Canada in 1994, where he played, coached, and refereed soccer in Alberta and Ontario. He had a short spell in Quebec-City where he played at Men's Premier level, he also is an NCCP level 3 coach.
Joe has been one of Ontario's top provincial officials since 2007, having regularly officiated gold-medal and semi-final matches at Ontario Cup, Ontario University Athletics finals, USL conference finals, Ontario Colleges Athletic Association final-four, and Ottawa Cup finals. Joe has been a regular official with the Canadian Soccer League since 2006, and has recently decided to withdraw from the CSL list in order to focus on assessing referees.
Joe has been a regular contributor to Referee Development as an instructor and assessor since 2007. His assessment highlights include, among others, assessing at the Canadian Soccer League, United Soccer League, Ontario Cup Finals, Ontario University Athletics and Ontario Colleges Athletic Association. Joe has also been an "assessor evaluator" since 2009, providing feedback and mentorship to assessors in his province.
As a provincial instructor, Joe has led new assessor workshops, co-instructed the Provincial Assessor re-accreditation workshop, led a new instructor workshop, and co-instructed the Futuro Roll-out for re-accrediting Ontario Instructors in 2011/2012. Joe is also the lead instructor for the new Ontario Provincial Upgrade program.
In his district, Joe takes an active role and has been involved as a mentor since 2007. In 2008. he developed an Assistant Referee training course (in-class and practical) for certifying assistant referees for the Eastern Ontario Soccer League (ERSL). The course has been regularly offered since, and has contributed to improving the quality of officiating in the ERSL. Joe is currently the lead instructor for the EODSA winter education program. Please see below for a short bio on each of them.
Amato De Luca, Toronto
Born in Caserta, Italy Amato immigrated to Toronto in 1979.
Amato started playing soccer when he was 6 or 7 and continued until 1993, the year he became a referee. His career as a referee started on a dare; as a player he was a goalkeeper and a royal pain for the referee, after he was suspended for assaulting a referee (but he has changed, he now coaches referees on how to deal with players like that).
Amato was on the FIFA list of International Assistant Referees from 2002 to 2007.
Noteworthy Appointments:
· October 2002: U20 World cup qualifying round.
· August 2003: Pan-Am games
· November 2003: Costa Rica vs. Belize Men’s Olympic Qualifying
· 2006 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Men’s
· March 2004: St. Lucia vs. British Virgin Islands
· July 2004: El Salvador vs. Panama
· September 2004: Trinidad & Tobago vs. México
· November 2004: USA vs. Jamaica National
· August 2007: Superliga Final LA. Galaxy vs. Pachuca (Mexico)
In 2006 Amato was the first Canadian assistant referee to work in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Amato is also a National Instructor, National Assessor and a certified FIFA Futuro III Instructor, as well as an MLS referee coach.
FIFA REFEREE CAROL-ANNE CHENARD with 2012 ART Participants
The Ontario Soccer Association and the Advanced Referee Training (ART) Program were honoured to have FIFA referee Carol-Anne Chenard spend the weekend with them. Carol-Anne worked with the referees on the field, and presented on her trip to the World Cup. The OSA Referee Development Department would like to thank Carol-Anne for her commitment to the art of refereeing, and the Province of Ontario.
Carol-Anne Chenard instructing the referees.
From L to R: National Instructor and Assessor Amato DeLuca; National Assessor and ART Steering Group Member Tony Camacho; Carol-Anne Chenard; Futuro Instructor and ART Steering Group Member Isaac Raymond.
Advanced Referee Training Program Members 2012, with Carol-Anne Chenard
CONGRATS TO GIANNI FACCHINI
The Ontario Soccer Association would like to congratulate Gianni Facchini on his successful appointment to the CSA National List of Officials in the role of Assistant Referee. Gianni is a graduate of the Advanced Referee Training Program, and is known for giving back to his community, and to younger referees. CONGRATS GIANNI,
Gianni Facchini receiving his National badge.
L to R: Jules Alie, CSA, Gianni, Edwin Javier Silva (FIFA), Tiger Liu, CSA
Also returning to the CSA National list in 2012 are fellow Ontario Officials David Barrie, Geoff Gamble and Justin Tasev. On the FIFA list for 2012 are Joe Fletcher, Carol Anne Chénard and Silviu Petrescu. Congratulations to you all!
I want to be a referee
Refereeing a soccer match requires a knowledge of the rules, good endurance and the ability to take authority in a game situation. While officiating for 5-year-olds requires some different abilities than officiating a college game, knowing when to blow the whistle, when to let play continue and how to maintain control of the game are important factors at all levels.
Referees are frequently asked, "Why would you want to do that job?" or told "I wouldn’t be a referee for any money!" Perhaps this is a natural reaction from those outside the refereeing fraternity, given that the job is recognized as being one of the most difficult in sport.
So, why would anyone want to be a referee? Read on to find out how some referee’s reasons why:
"If you are interested in soccer, refereeing can keep you involved in the game, keep you fit and provide a little income throughout the year. You will make many friends and you will be putting something back into the sport you love."
"Refereeing at the weekend allows me to focus on something completely different from my everyday job and relieves the pressures and restraints."
"To take on the challenge of being involved in a match involving the best players in the top leagues."
"It’s a most satisfying job and above all……fun!"
"When others are hanging up their cleats you can stay involved in the game, whether it’s on the public parks or at the highest level."
"It’s great to be involved in soccer and there are many opportunities to progress to the top. The social side is also great and you make many friends."
These are just a few comments from those who have experienced refereeing at every level. Like them you will see a different side to soccer, an important and essential part of the game.
You might think you know something about the Laws of the Game but you will get a surprise when you attend the classes for new entrants. Find out for yourself……..you won’t be disappointed.
Some important points:
- Detailed knowledge of soccer is not required, but some knowledge helps.
- While some previous playing, coaching or officiating experience is always helpful, no experience is required to become a soccer referee.
- You should be able to run with (not necessarily outrun) the players… get in shape to referee, not referee to get in shape.
To become a qualified referee, there are a few easy steps everyone must go through. The first is to attend a mandatory classroom training session. These "Entry Level Clinics" are offered in many locations around the province each year, most often during the spring months. Eight-hour clinics are offered as one or two day events; sixteen-hour clinics are often held as weekend courses (Saturday and Sunday).
At the conclusion of the instructional classes a written examination will be given to all who have completed the course. The examination is True-False, Multiple Choice questions. Candidates must get at least 80% correct to pass the test.
If you would like to become a referee, contact your
District or local club for information about upcoming clinics. You can also check out the
clinic schedule to see what's happening in our area.
UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
As of May 1st, 2011, if you are assigned to an Ontario Cup Outdoor Semi-Final or Final, an Indoor Ontario Cup Final or a Futsal Ontario Cup Final, you will be required to wear an UMBRO uniform. Details will be coming on potential purchasing discounts for Ontario referees.