January 22, 2006
I am writing on behalf of all youth referees who have and hopefully will have the exciting and beneficial opportunity of attending the Youth Referee Development Academy. I attended the Academy in the summer of 2002, and this week provided me an opportunity to enhance my skills and foster a desire to grow and learn everything I could about refereeing. Furthermore, the Academy instilled in me the skills I am currently using no matter what level I am working, from U6 all the way to the U16 Region I semi-final and adult league games I did this past summer.
Refereeing is unique as it gives young adults the opportunity to show leadership, demonstrate responsibility, and provide a sense of accomplishment. There are many reasons that one becomes a ref, but no matter the objective, everyone on the field wants to succeed. I don’t think any referee desires to have a bad game, but like the players on the field, referees are not perfect and therefore they need coaches and mentors.
As the saying goes, the game itself is the best teacher, but without direction and refection, it is difficult for youth referees to find answers to their multifaceted questions. Just as players are constantly learning, youth referees need opportunities to discuss situations, have hands on instruction, and learn about all the little behind the scene tips, which the certification classes do not cover.
Where else are referees going to learn about the importance of preparation on and off the field? Where else are they going to learn about being on time, showing up fit, having the proper pre-game talk, and continuing the conversation both verbally and non-verbally throughout the game?
What better place, than at the Academy were youth can work together with a common purpose and goal, committed not only to officiating the game, but also to supporting, assisting, and encouraging each other. As the saying goes, more eyes are better than one, but this is only true if everyone is on the same page and has the opportunities to learn from others in a fun
accepting environment with amazing mentors and fellow referees, who have such a heart to give back and see people develop.
What makes a referee a referee....is it the uniforms....the striped socks...the whistle...the cards in the back pocket, or the patch on the chest? In the end, it is the desire in the heart and mind to stay alert, train harder, and learn more. Therefore, today’s youth will become tomorrow’s top referees. I never thought that I would referee at the ODP or Regional level, but because of the Academy and the connections I made, I was able to take part in these endeavors and I am extremely thankful for it.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Myhre
Editor’s Note: Jennifer has earned the respect of the soccer community with her hard work and devotion to excellence in refereeing. She was PWSRA’s nominee for and was a finalist for VA-DC’s Young Female Referee of the Year in 2003. She played soccer at Forest Park High School in Woodbridge and the PWSI Rockets and now attends and plays at Messiah College in Gettysburg, Pa. Her college team has been to the NCAA Div. III Final Four all three years she has played, winning the national title once. Jennifer attended the Youth Referee Academy (now PRIDE Academy) in 2002. In May, 2005, Jennifer was selected as one of just 15 referees from Virginia to officiate the Region I ODP Championships in New Jersey in June and officiated State Cup semi-final and final matches at Hampton Roads.
