VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

for a research study

“Physical Activity:
Using Concept Mapping to Sustain Participation in Youth Sport”

Youth soccer athletes, their parents/guardians, and soccer team coaches are eligible to participate in the research study.

The purpose of the study is to develop a framework to understand best-practices and barriers in order to sustain the family and developing children and adolescents’ participation in youth sport.

Participation will involve a short series of focus group meetings (participants need not participate in all meetings within the series) and/or completion of short survey questionnaires about youth sport participation.

Your participation in this study may benefit youth sport organizations, coaches, and parents in enhancing the youth sport experience for children and their families.

Persons Interested in Participating in the Study

Please contact:

E-Mail: avisek@email.gwu.eduPrincipal Investigator: Dr. Amanda J. Visek
The George Washington University Medical Center
School of Public Health and Health Services
Department of Exercise Science
2033 K St., NW, Suite 210
Washington, D.C. 20006

Office Phone: 202.994.3997

Mobile Phone: 703.994.5484

E-Mail: avisek@gwu.edu

Mandatory Administrators’ Meeting for New Teams

Monday, March 19, 2012 at 7:30pm

Westin Hotel

7801 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA  22043

The NCSL Board of Directors require that a representative from each new team be present at the NCSL Mandatory Administrator’s Meeting for New Teams. Each team must be represented and a person may only represent one team.  Any team that has not played NCSL for the past two seasons is considered a new team.  Failure to attend may incur a $250.00 fine. 

The NCSL is sponsoring two Positive Coaching Alliance workshops prior to the spring 12 season.  These workshops are held free of charge for NCSL coaches.  DOUBLE GOAL I should be taken first if possible.  Those who have completed DOUBLE GOAL I should register for DOUBLE GOAL II.   The workshops may however be taken in any order.
The NCSL will accept workshop certification for two years.  Coaches who have attended both DGI and DGII workshops are certified for 4 years. PCA certification taken online is valid for only one season.
For a list of coaches, and when they need to recertify, see attached.  Failure to fulfill this requirement may result in fines and the forfeiture of games.
Seating at these workshops will be limited so please register by sending your name, team number and team name, along with your preferred date, to Claire Filemyr..

Checks must be included with order forms.

Car Magnet Order Form

http://www.ncsl-soccer.com/m/

http://www.ncsl-soccer.com/mobile/

NOTE:  The forward slash at the end of the URL must be included when you enter it into your phone.  If the last slash is not included then the website will not load. 

1.        What are the only reasons NCSL will allow us to reschedule a game?

The NCSL Administrator can only reschedule an NCSL match for State Cup, President’s Cup, official middle or high school game conflicts, and an Olympic Development Program travel conflict.

2.        Who is supposed to notify the NCSL office when our team has a State Cup or President’s Cup game on the same day as an NCSL game?

All teams participating in State Cup or President’s Cup competition must keep their club reps informed of their State Cup or President’s Cup schedules. Club reps must notify the NCSL office of any Cup games which conflict with NCSL games.

3.        Players on my team have a baseball game at the same day and time as my NCSL game. The coach of the team I am scheduled to play has agreed to reschedule the game to another day. Will the league reschedule this game for us?

The size and complexity of the NCSL/WAGS schedules does not allow for scheduling around other sports or other non-soccer related activities. Games are rescheduled only if they conflict with State Cup, President’s Cup or official High/Middle School soccer matches. NCSL provides a "Scheduling Request Form" for each club rep to complete and submit for each team prior to each season. This form allows teams to submit conflict requests for Saturday games. While a request cannot always be honored due to limitations on field availability, the NCSL Administrator does her very best to provide assistance whenever possible.

4.        The directions to the field we are scheduled to play on are not posted on the website. How can we get directions to the field?

If the directions to a field are not posted on the website, the hosting club did not provide these directions to the league. In this situation, visitors should contact their opponent directly to obtain the directions to the field.

5.        Why is it so important for all teams to print the game numbers on the blue game card? Oh by the way, what is a game number?

The NCSL game number is the 1 to 4-digit number that precedes each game on the NCSL Division Schedule. This number must be printed on all game cards to facilitate the Rules and Discipline Committee, the league administrator and the referee assignors. .

6.        A player on my team forgot his jersey and I carry a spare jersey in my coach’s bag. What do I have to do so that this player can play?

Issue the spare jersey to the player and record the new jersey number on the blue game card. The jersey number for each player on game day must match the jersey numbers on the game card.

7.             How will I know for sure what cards were issued during the game to players and coaches on my team?

The best method of obtaining what cards were issued during a game is to have a team official (TSL or manager) request this information from the referee at the conclusion of the game.  The purpose is to verify not to debate whether a card should have been issued.  Thereafter, you should check the entries on your team webpage on the NCSL website.  See also the discussion under question 9, below.

8.        What if I believe that a recording error was made and a card(s) issued during the game was assigned to the wrong player?

Contact your club representative who will work with R&D to resolve these problems.

9.        Why can’t the league post cards received during a game on a regular weekly basis on the web site?

With the transition from time consuming blue game cards to the online reporting system, the website is now updated with cards received during a game on a regular basis.  This is typically accomplished within days of the game.  While this system should assist teams, it does not relieve them of their responsibility to track cards and serve sit-outs for red cards and accumulated points according to league rules.  For steps on how to check your team cards and player points refer to the document entitled “How-To Steps for Checking your Team Cards and Player Points” on the NCSL web site.

10.     How can we get credit for a sit-out that has been served?

It is the team’s responsibility to document sit-outs.  Failure to do so could lead to disciplinary sit-outs being imposed.  The best way to document a sit-out is to complete a sit-out card at the game, make a copy of it, and then mail the original to the league.  If the original is not received the copy could be used as a back-up.  It is also a good practice to note the sit-out on the blue match card, and to inform the referee when player passes are being checked, asking that the sit-out be recorded in the on-line report.  If none of this occurred, ask your opponent to send an email directly to R&D attesting to the sit-out.

11.     How often is the NCSL R&D sit-out list updated on the web site?

R&D posts the sit-out list to the website before each season.  Before posting the list, each entry is vetted with the club representative.  Thereafter, the list is monitored to ensure sit-outs are served.  As time permits, the list could be updated during the season.  Nonetheless, after the season, the list is checked to ensure sit-outs were served.  

12.     What if I want to file a complaint about the referee for my game and I didn’t get his name before the match?

It is not necessary to obtain the referee’s name, and approaching the referee after a match to request it can be confrontational.  Instead, after the match contact your club representative who can work with the R&D Chairman towards appropriate action. The R&D Chairman has access to the names of all referees assigned to a match.

13.     Why aren’t the U9 and U10 scores posted on the NCSL web site?

U9 and U10 matches are non-results oriented.  The NCSL Board of Directors has chosen not to publish the scores and standings for these non-result games. 

14.     Why do teams have to participate in the STAR program?

The simple fact is there are not enough officials to provide full 3 person crews for every match.  The STAR program helps alleviate the pressure.  It allows parents to learn about the game, to work with referees and to be a liaison to the team explaining calls made during the game.  It can also be a bridge for those who want to referee other matches to get some experience.  You should see it as a way for the team to contribute to the league. In the final analysis NCSL is your league, and helping it succeed benefits your team and your children.

15.     How long does my STAR Certification last?

STARs are certified referees and as such their certifications last for one year.  An easy way to determine if a recertification is needed is to look at the STAR’s referee badge.  If it has the current calendar year (or later) on it, the STAR certification is still valid.  If it has the previous calendar year on it, the STAR must get recertified.

Maryland Class Registration 

All available classes are listed below.  The fee for the STAR Course is $65.00, which is due the day of the course. Checks should be payable to "Maryland Soccer Referees". This fee covers both the course fee ($25.00) and the USSF annual registration fee ($40.00). This is payable by check, money order or cash (sorry, no charges).

Virginia Class Registration Click Here to Register 

To register for any Virginia class listed below, go to the Metro DC-VA State Referee site and follow the instructions on the Home Page.  You may have to scroll down to see the instructions.  Please read all instructions carefully.

Maryland STAR Classes Spring 2012 Season

Below is a list of STAR classes to be held in Maryland.

Class list still pending.

Virginia STAR Classes Spring 2012 Season   

Below is a list of STAR classes to be held in Virginia. 

New STAR Classes

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Thursday, March 8, 2012

5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Frost Middle School, Lecture Hall

4101 Pickett Rd.

Fairfax, VA 22031

Must attend both nights

Saturday, March 10, 2012

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Frost Middle School, Lecture Hall

4101 Pickett Rd.

Fairfax, VA 22031

Saturday, March 24, 2012

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Frost Middle School, Lecture Hall

4101 Pickett Rd.

Fairfax, VA 22031

Saturday, April 14, 2012

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Frost Middle School, Lecture Hall

4101 Pickett Rd.

Fairfax, VA 22031

STAR Recertification Class

Saturday, March 17, 2012 

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Frost Middle School, Lecture Hall

4101 Pickett Rd.

Fairfax, VA 22031

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Thursday, March 22, 2012

6:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Frost Middle School, Lecture Hall

4101 Pickett Rd.

Fairfax, VA  22031

Must attend both nights

Dear NCSL Club Representatives and Teams:

The league office and the Rules & Discipline Chairman are being overwhelmed with routine communications. Below are the guidelines that each team and club representative should follow in dealing with league issues.

TEAM OFFICIALS (COACHES. MANAGERS, PARENTS)

1. To get the answer to your questions, please follow the following sequence:

• first check the NCSL Rules & Procedures Manual, it should be in there
• contact your Club Representative for rules questions and explanations
• contact someone else in your club who is an experienced coach or manager
• only as a last resort and your question is time critical contact the R&D Chairman
• do not send any rules questions to the league office

2. Never call or e-mail the referee assignors. Assignors have been instructed not to accept any changes/ information unless it comes directly from NCSL office.

3. If you have an issue concerning the events at one of your games or want to file a complaint, first contact your Club Representative and discuss the issue with him/her. If you then want to document this issue, please send an e-mail to the R&D Chairman with a copy to your Club Representative. Do not send these e-mails to the league office.

4. If you have an issue concerning a rescheduled game, please contact your club representative with the information. Your club representative can contact the league office.

CLUB REPRESENTATIVES

1. Never call or e-mail the referee assignors for any reason other than assisting them with locating available referees, assignors have been instructed not to accept any changes/ information unless it comes directly from NCSL office.

2. Make sure you  know the rules so that you can answer your teams’ questions. If you need an interpretation of the rules, please send an e-mail to the R&D Chairman.

3. It is essential that you know the rules and procedures concerning inclement weather. If you must close a field due to weather contact the league office first for permission to cancel games. If games can be moved to another field, please provide information to facilitate the league administrator in getting these games rescheduled.

Thanks,

Kathleen Sessions, League Administrator

VYSA Registrar List Fall 2011

VYSA Registration Manual Fall 2011

VYSA Registration Reference Guide Fall 2011

VYSA Initial Registration Checklist Fall 2011

VYSA Checklist for Roster Changes Fall 2011

The NCSL STAR Program provides trained certified assistant referees to U12 and U13 matches when neutral assistant referees are not assigned.

STARs are expected to help others appreciate the difficult role of a referee in competitive youth soccer.

STARs are encouraged to officiate other games in NCSL, WAGS, their house leagues, or elsewhere to gain experience and additional insight into the art of soccer officiating.  The NCSL strongly encourages STARs to serve as assistant referees for other NCSL and WAGS matches, especially those games that are immediately prior to or immediately following their match.  However, if selected by their team to serve as a STAR, their primary duty on game day is to the team, not officiating other matches.

REQUIREMENTS 

1. Each U12 and U13 team must identify at least two STARs prior to the beginning of each season.  STARs at U14 are optional and may be used, if needed. 
2. All teams must enter the details of their STARs through their team page on the NCSL web site. This information is not public but is required to help NCSL manage STAR compliance
3. The deadline for the STAR names to be posted in the Team Contacts section of the NCSL website for the Spring season will be March 1, and the deadline for the Fall season will be August 1.
4. The minimum STAR level training course is USSF Grade 12 but STARs can be certified referees in USSF Grades 12, 9, 8, or higher.  Individuals identified by their team prior to the deadline may be currently certified, or committed to becoming certified prior to the season in which they are entered. 
5. STAR Certification data must be entered in the Team Contacts section of the NCSL website prior to the first game of the season.  This information can be obtained from each STAR.  The data needed is a) month and year of training course; b) state where class was taken; c) grade level; d) year on badge.
6. Team Managers are responsible for ensuring their STARs are listed in the Contacts Section of the NCSL website, including their USSF Referee Grade, certification date, and state certified.
7. Teams who have not complied with these requirements may be subject to a fine of $50 per game until they are compliant with the STAR requirements.  In addition, teams who have not been in compliance during the course of a season may be denied entry to the league in subsequent seasons.
8. Minimum age for an NCSL STAR is 18 on the day the match is played, regardless of certification grade. STARs must carry identification to prove age and identity if requested by the referee.
9. Coaches, assistant coaches, or trainers, listed on the roster of the participating teams may not serve as a STAR.
10. STARs may not serve as both TSL and STAR for the same match.
11. One individual may be listed as a STAR for no more than two (2) NCSL teams.
12. STARs who are Grade 8 or senior referees must not turn back previously accepted assigned league matches in order to perform their STAR responsibilities.
13. NCSL will pay the teams at the end of the season for the services provided by their STARs.  A card is provided to each team at the beginning of each season for recording STAR services; this card is mailed to the NCSL office within three days of the last game of the season to request payment.  The rate of pay will be the same as that for assigned assistant referees. No payment will be made for use of assistant referees who are not currently certified by USSF as they fail to meet NCSL requirements for STARs. Teams have discretion regarding whether to compensate their STARs.

TRAINING

1. The State Referee Programs of Maryland and DC/Virginia manage Training and Certification of assistant referees as required by USSF.  The cost to certify is $65 ($40 for USSF registration and $25 for the training class).
2. Assistant referees are initially certified in classes ranging from 9 to 18 hours depending on the level of certification sought by the individual referee. USSF Referee Grades 12, 9, and 8 are all acceptable entry classes for STARs.
3. All referees are required by USSF to recertify annually by attending a five-hour clinic and passing a USSF written exam.  In lieu of recertification, STARs may upgrade to the next referee grade (12 to 9, 9 to 8, 8 to 7).   Upgrading is highly encouraged.   Recertification and Upgrade classes and clinics are generally conducted between the Fall and Spring seasons, but may also be available in August.
4. STARs may attend classes and clinics in Maryland, Virginia, or DC, regardless of where they live.

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

1. STARs must be dressed with the USSF approved uniform consisting of black shorts (without stripes or logos), black socks with three white horizontal stripes, the current USSF approved gold jersey, and the current year USSF badge.  An alternate color jersey (black, red, or blue) may be worn at the discretion of the center referee when one team is wearing gold or yellow jerseys. However, STARs are not required or expected to own an alternate color jersey.
2. Footwear suitable for running is required. Black footwear is highly encouraged to present a professional appearance.
3. A basic uniform is available at prices ranging from $36 to $45 online from several local retailers including Terry Miller of Sports, etc. and Jim Griffin of Badger Sports.   In addition to the shirt, shorts, and socks, a first-time STAR will need an adhesive velcro disc for attaching the referee badge, cost about $1.00.  The badge is provided by the instructor at end of the class.
4. When at the field, including before and after the match, referees should present a professional appearance, including socks pulled up and shirts tucked in.
5. STARs may wear a hat. The hat should be a baseball cap type, and black, without any logo or seal except for that of USSF.
6. STARs must also have flags (provided by the center referee), a log for recording the score and other game events, pen or pencil, and watch. 

GAME DAY PROCEDURES

1. Approach the referee and determine whether assistant referees have been assigned for the match. If two STARs are needed, each team may provide one STAR, should one be available from each team. If two STARs are needed and one team has none available, and one team has two available, the two available from one team will serve. If only one STAR is needed by the referee, and both teams have a STAR available, the STARs will decide among themselves who will serve. If they cannot come to a decision, the center referee will choose one STAR to serve the entire match. Two STARs may not share the duty of one position, whether from the same or opposing teams. If two positions are available and only one STAR is available, the one STAR may serve, and the center referee will determine whether or not to use another person for the second position.
2. STARs serve the entire match and will not be substituted except in severe extenuating circumstances, and only with the permission of the referee.  In case a STAR fails to complete a match, the center referee has wide discretion on whether to replace the STAR with a certified referee, another person, or leave the position vacant.
3. STARs should meet with the referee at least 15 minutes before the scheduled game start, and from then until the end of the match should not participate with their team in warm-ups, training, administration, etc.
4. STARs serve as directed by the referee, who serves as directed by USSF, their state referee organization, and NCSL. During the pre-game meeting, the referee should instruct the assistant referees regarding field and equipment inspection, positioning, mechanics, and how in-and-out-of play, offside, fouls, etc. should be signaled. The referee has wide discretion utilizing assistant referees, including positioning the assistants, and directing the assistant referees whether or not to signal fouls.
5. Once the game begins, the STARs should not communicate with the players or spectators except in their capacity as a referee.
6. STARs must stay with the referee during halftime, not with their teams.
7. STARs should meet briefly with the referee after the match to discuss match events and ensure the game results (score, cautions and ejections, injuries, etc.) are properly recorded.
8. STARs must ensure the referee signs the orange team STAR cards so that their team receives payment for their services.
9. Teams are required to report STAR coverage when they submit their score reports to their division scorekeepers.

 Questions, Comments, and Suggestions

Direct questions and comments regarding the STAR Program to STAR@ncsl-soccer.com.

For Virginia, go to www.vadcsoccerref.com. When you enter this page you are going to click on “clinic search”.

For Maryland, it’s www.marylandsoccer.com/referees/. The Maryland web site is self-explanatory.

New referee classes are posted that begin in July and August. These classes will allow participants to begin refereeing in the FALL season.

All referees have a “Grade”. This grade refers to the level of the referee, not school. This, at times, leads to confusion. Here is a brief description of referee grades:

GRADE 12 Referee is an AR (assistant referee) for all levels of soccer, which NCSL is using for its STARs program.  Minimum age is 18. 

GRADE 9 Referee is a Recreational Referee, usually between the age of 12 & 14 years old wishing to start out at the recreational level. A Grade 9 referee can do centers up to U14 in “recreational” soccer and can be an AR for up to U14 in travel games, but cannot do centers at the travel level. Some adults start here because they want to learn at a slower pace and work as a team with one of their children. After a year of refereeing a Grade 9 referee can take an up-grade 8 class to advance to the next level.

GRADE 8 Referee is also a beginner but with a little more soccer experience and a little more maturity. A Grade 8 referee can do most any type of game, recreational, travel or adult, depending on their ability and desire.

Referees are nationally certified, so there is no age restriction on becoming a referee (there is, however, a Va. Child Labor Law that states “no child under the age of 12 can be paid”) except for a Grade 12.  It is highly recommended that 12 & 13 year olds start at the Grade 9 level to gain experience in the recreational games before moving on into the more competitive travel games.

Once a person becomes a referee, they must then contact their local assignor to find out how to obtain assignments.

Each referee is an independent contractor and may work for any assignor or club. A list of certified assignors is posted on the state referee web pages.