NWSL 2013

Officials webinar

Welcome

• • • • • PRO General Manager – Peter Walton Women’s Ref-coach/NWSL Assignor – Sandra Serafini PRO website – all NWSL-related documents Inaugural season NWSL 2013 – 8 teams, National footprint – International Players (US, CAN, MEX) – U.S. Soccer front office, GameOfficials for assignments Pool of NWSL officials: – Referees + Travel ARs – Regional Officials – Local ARs/4ths

Games

• • • • • 84 regular-season games 3 post-season games ( no All-Star match ) Exhibition games Cross-over with – other PRO leagues (Alan Brown), semi-pro (LACs) – some Zone 2 events Qualification for games: 1. Attend an RTS 2. Pass the National fitness test

Expectations -- Professionalism

• • • Professional, face-forward head shot on GameOfficials – USSF polo or Coat/tie Current contact information Email addresses – incorporate name ([email protected]) – visible to PRO & USSF staff, some team officials

Expectations -- Professionalism

• • • • • Keep your calendar up to date NWSL is priority assignment over non professional matches, BUT: If conflict with LAC assignment or major tournament, call/email Serafini If injured, ill, or family/work issues, call/email to protect you and game integrity Big picture, long-term view

Expectations -- Professionalism

• • • • • TV, Video, Live Streaming Decisions are viewed by public Communication on & off field – Verbal + written + body language – Public view, cameras, with/without knowledge Social media – Public view of your posts, pictures by teams, fans, media, league – Do not construe bias, favoritism – Perception = Reality Representing U.S. Soccer, PRO, assignor, officiating, yourself – elevate the image of each one at every opportunity

Assignments

• • • • Preseason & Exhibition matches vs unaffiliated teams on ArbiterSports Preseason & Exhibition matches vs affiliated teams on GameOfficials College team host through college assignor Regular season -- released via GameOfficials every Tuesday at 7pm for matches 3 weeks out

Assessments

• • • • • • All matches -- National Assessors Some assessors may carpool with officials Posted in GameOfficials Month in Review with officials via webinar Performances  assignments Opportunities to advance – – – Local  Regional Regional  National Part of development path to MLS & FIFA

Guidelines Match Acceptance

• • • If driving <60 miles, accept/decline match within 24 hours If driving >60 miles (rental car) or flying, contact Travel Agent within 24 hours and accept match after travel is approved Rental cars with carpool for > 60 miles drive, also check web for prices, may be lower than travel agent’s

Travel Agent

• • • Sportscorp Travel Phone: 905-857-8599 Fax: 905-951-0433 After-Hours: 905-857-8588 Bernard Samuel [email protected]

Direct Line: 905-499-3028 Jackie Ashton [email protected]

Direct Line: 905-499-2052

Flights

• • • Contact Sportscorp agent within 24 hrs Use travel website farewatch feature, can suggest alternative itinerary if ≤ cost Frequent fliers – can specify airline if ≤ cost or if you cover the difference with own CC (not a reimburseable expense)

Hotels

• • • • Booked either by home team or Sportscorp, no upfront cost to official Sportscorp bookings include airport shuttle, breakfast, and internet at no extra cost Team bookings include airport shuttle – Notify Serafini if at same hotel as visiting team Use CC for check-in and incidentals

Ground Transportation

• • • • • • • Limited budget, diligence Assignments made with carpools in mind Target of $35 max per official, airport parking, tolls, $0.565/mile If driving over 60 miles from venue, rental car likely better option Contact Sportscorp for preferred rate with National Rent-a-Car Also research websites for lower cost Driver must be 25 or older with CC, expense out

Per Diem

• • • $50 max Pro-rated by time increments (1-8 hrs. = $10.00; 9-16 hrs. = $25.00; 17 24+ hrs. = $50.00)

Expense Reports

• • • • • • Available on PRO website KEEP ALL RECEIPTS – req’d for reimbursement Scan & email to John Loder at PRO – [email protected]

One report per match Note pay period deadlines 17 th & 2 nd No game fees on expense report – autopay by GoPay

Game Fees

• • Paid via GoPay on GameOfficials Done automatically – linked to assignments

Game Notices

• • • • Sent by Lindsey Gamrod Referee must contact crew within 24 hrs of receiving game notice Review all colors to avoid conflict – Teams, goalkeepers, officials Review for accuracy – Itinerary, hotel, transportation, contact info

Game Day

• • • Arrival = 2 hours prior to kickoff Do pregame before stadium arrival whenever possible Attire = Dress Blues – Blue Blazer – Shirt/tie (men), shirt or blouse (women) – Grey slacks, dress shoes – Can wear polo under blazer for departure – No warm-ups to or from the match

Uniforms

• • • • • • OSI, button-up jerseys, latest style Match jersey sleeve-length and socks Black shoes Avoid warm-up with “USA” on back Black OSI or Nike t-shirt for warm-up Avoid “Skittles”, try to match each other for off-field attire if possible

Rules of Competition

• • • See Ops Manual for full details 3 substitutions from 7 named substitutes Max 16 on bench – 9 players (7 named subs, 2 non-playing) – 7 non-players (coaches, medical staff, etc.) – No Owners, GMs, other executives unless on player roster or as recognized coach

Match Reports and Self-Evals

• • • • • Hard copy at venue, use CAPITAL BLOCK LETTERS and Black Ink for Match & Competition Incident Reports Referees must complete the Referee Checklist Electronic match report in GameOfficials within 24 hrs Call Serafini immediately post-match for major incidents (RCs, ++Inj, Bnch Dis, Asslt, Spct Inc) All officials must complete self-evaluation – Within one week of match – Base on video review

Priorities

• • Priority #1 is to get the play right Critical incidents – Penalty area decisions (calls and no-calls) – DOGSO – Sending off offenses, especially SFP and VC – Offside decisions • Goals scored and goals disallowed – 2 nd • cautions Linked back to 1 st cautions given or not given

Have a great season!