Whats New

Badges and registration for 2011 expired on 12/31/11. If you badge does not say 2012, you need to register for 2012.

Unless a referee is registered with USSF for the current year, that referee is not eligible for any game assignments.

The CNRA http://www.cnra.net/renew/renew_register.htm page may still say 2011, but the information and the links are correct for 2012. The information below is from that page (with the date correction).

Grade 7 and above renewals are sent to Dave Jones at CNRA directly and he will handle the paperwork to USSF.

If you need your USSF ID number, let me know and I will send it to you. I can also re-send your log in password to this site if you need it. Soon, your USSF ID number will be included in your Arbiter user information in a custom field for LRA.

If you have trouble using U.S. Soccer's online registration site, please contact them directly at:

Steve Murry [312] 528-1214

Elena [312] 528-1213

Adrian Garibay [312] 528-1275

Referee Office Assistant [312] 528-1215

THINKING OF UPGRADING?

Find out how at http://www.cnra.net/upgrade/upgrade_index.htm. Upgrading is more challenging than before. Both the referee and the game must both be assessable. The criteria for assessment for maintenance and upgrades can be found online at http://www.cnra.net/assess/assess_forms.htm.

REGISTRATION LAPSED AND WANT TO RE-NEW?

Has your badge lapse? You can still referee again! Find out how at http://www.cnra.net/renew/renew_lapse.htm.

NOTE: LRA Referees have their referee ID number if the "official number" field of their LRA Arbiter information to help you out.

2011 YEAR END WRAP UP MEETING AND RECOGNITIONS (updated 12/10/11)

Great to see so many us at the Dec 5 Event! Not a slice of pizza went unattended! Here is some highlights of that night:

Overall game coverage was 98.6% of 1,794 available slots in 2011. 2010 was 97.6% of 1,779.

Top 10 Performers had a game count that totaled 426 slots (or 24% of all slots covered). 8 of the 10 this year were youth! In 2010 the Top 10 did 448 games (23%); 2009 508 (22%). More referees do more games so the personal high has dropped, which is great. Shared work, fewer tired and injured referees!

Diego Brambila (58)

Justin Hollar (51)

Tyler Collier (47)

Nathan Flores (44)

Steve Compton, Alex Hartley (42) tie

Robert Nguyen (37)

Ron Shaffer (36)

Cody Thompson (35)

Lucas Pertica (34)

Referees of 2011 Recognitions:

Neil Cowles (Adult Referee of the Year) Achieved Grade 7!

Diego Brambila (Youth Referee of the Year)

Cliff Adams (Male Adult Most Improved)

Justin Hollar (Male Youth Most Improved)

Kris Cowles (Female Adult Most Improved)

Jessica Estrada (Female Youth Most Improved)

Cody Thompson (Male Young Rookie)

Sara Dobson (Female Adult Rookie)

Elise Falgout (Female Young Rookie)

Special "Knee Brace" Award for their long history of solid overall contributions to LRA and in BODY and soul!

Jeff Wagoner

Steve Plummer

Thank you to the 2011 LRA Steering Committee and to the Elected 2012 Members! The only change in elected positions was for Vice President; non-elected position of Youth Representative.

Steve Compton (President elected)

Vince Opipari (Vice President elected)

Thank you Cheryl Clark for your contribution in 2011!

Tim Shepodd (Secretary elected)

Brent Koch (Treasurer elected)

Diego Brambila, Lee Wood (Youth Representatives)

Thank you Jessica Clark for your contributions in 2011!

Ron Shaffer (Mentor Coordinator)

FALL 2011 PLAYING LEAGUE RULES (updated 9/24/11)

LRA Mandatory Kick Off Meeting Aug 2011 slides

Click on the links below for the playing leagues rules for the various game in town. In purple are key notes of change to be aware of.

U5-U14 Division 4 Recreation "House"

U10-U14 Division 4 "Rec Plus"

U10 - all kicks are indirect

U16-19 Division 4 Recreation "Traveling House"

Division 1&3 High Comp "Premiere" NorCal

Rule 211 Substitutions

A team may have no more than 18, or 14 if U9-U11, players eligible for each game. For a Norcal League Match teams must present a US Club roster to the referee at the beginning of each game. For a Norcal State Cup match teams must present the game card with the attached approved Norcal State Cup rosters. Substitutions are at the referee’s discretion. A substitution can take place for either team at the following times:

1) prior to a kick-off

2) a goal kick

3) a throw-in

4) or after the referee stops play for an injury or yellow card

Unlimited substitutions are allowed but Norcal Premier Soccer reminds all coaches that it is their responsibility to handle their substitutions in a professional manner so as not to detract from the game.

Division 1&3 High Comp "Premiere" CCSL (CYSA State League)

Division 1&3 High Comp "Premiere" NorCal Regional Academy League (RAL)

5.5 Substitutions

A team may have no more than 18 players dressed for each game. Substitutions are allowed at the referee’s discretion. A Substitution can take place for either team at the

Following times:

a.       prior to a kick--‐off

b.      a goal kick

c.       A throw--‐in

d.      after the referee stops play for an injury or yellow card

In the U14 and U15 age groups

Unlimited substitutions are allowed but NorCal Premier Soccer reminds all coaches that It is their responsibility to handle their substitutions min a professional manner so as not to detract from the game.

In the U16, U17, U18/19 for Field Players, substitutions are permitted as follows:

i. First Half No Re--Entry

ii. Second Half one Re--Entry

There will be 1 re--entry per half for an injured GK (no field player re--entry).

LAWS OF THE GAME (updated 9/24/11)

The new Laws of the Game (LOTG) for 2011-2012 are now available. [click here for LOTG 2011-12 and the Interpretation of the Laws]

Other useful documents:

Referee Administrative Handbook 2010-2011

Advice to the Referee "ATR" 2009-2010

Advice for NEW Referees 2010

Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees, and Fourth Officials 2010-11

Welcome Handout for New Referees to LRA

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING POLICY (updated 9/09/11)

A referee's FIRST responsibility is the SAFETY of the players. The desire for people to want to play down not supersede safety. Period.

LRA Policy for Thunder and Lightning:

If you see lightning, the game must be immediately terminated. Under some conditions, games MAY be resumed 30 minutes AFTER the last lightning was observed, but the youth games are too close to allow such a delay. Please abandon the game and note the score and time into the game that the match was abandoned. The league will decide what to do about any standings or reschedule options.

If Thunder is heard, the same applies. If there is thunder there IS lightning. Thunder and Lightning do not require rain, by the way.

WEATHER.COM WEEKEND WEATHER FORECAST (click here)

US YOUTH SOCCER LIGHTNING POLICY (click here)

Each year, about 400 children and adults in the U.S. are struck by lightning while working outside, at sports events, on the beach, mountain climbing, mowing the lawn or during other outdoor activities. About 80 people are killed and several hundred more are left to cope with permanent disabilities. Many of these tragedies can be avoided. Finishing the game, getting a tan, or completing a work shift aren't worth death or crippling injury.

· All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes.
· Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of the storm because people try and wait to the last minute before seeking shelter.
· You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough that it could strike your location at any moment.
· Lightning injuries can lead to permanent disabilities or death. On average, 20% of strike victims die; 70% of survivors suffer serious long term effects.
· Look for dark cloud bases and increasing wind. Every flash of lightning is dangerous, even the first. Head to safety before that first flash. If you hear thunder, head to safety!

· Blue Skies and Lightning. Lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles. Even when the sky looks blue and clear, be cautious. If you hear thunder, take cover. At least 10% of lightning occurs without visible clouds in the sky.

The Single Most Dangerous Place
Outdoors is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning storm. When lightning is seen or thunder is heard, or when dark clouds are observed, quickly move indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle and remain there until well after the lightning storm ends. Listen to forecasts and warnings through NOAA Weather Radio or your local TV and radio stations. If lightning is forecast, plan an alternate activity or know where you can take cover quickly.

The U.S. lightning season is summer but lightning can strike year round! The Fourth of July is historically one of the most deadly times of the year for lightning. In summer, more people are outside, on the beach, golf course, mountains or ball fields. Outdoor jobs such as construction and agriculture, and outdoor chores such as lawn mowing or house painting are at their peak, putting those involved in danger.
Safety Rules
1. Postpone activities promptly. Don't wait for rain. Many people take shelter from the rain, but most people struck by lightning are not in the rain! Go quickly inside a completely enclosed building, not a carport, open garage or covered patio. If no enclosed building is convenient, get inside a hard-topped all-metal vehicle. A cave is a good option outside but move as far as possible from the cave entrance.

2. Be the lowest point. Lightning hits the tallest object. In the mountains if you are above tree line, you ARE the highest object around. Quickly get below tree line and get into a grove of small trees. Don't be the second tallest object during a lightning storm! Crouch down if you are in an exposed area.

3. Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing wind, which may be signs of an approaching thunderstorm.

4. Listen for the sound of thunder. If you can hear thunder, go to a safe shelter immediately.

5. If you see or hear a thunderstorm coming or your hair stands on end, immediately suspend your game or practice and instruct everyone to go inside a sturdy building or car. Sturdy buildings are the safest place to be. Avoid sheds, picnic shelters, baseball dugouts, and bleachers. If no sturdy building is nearby, a hard-top vehicle with windows closed will offer some protection. The steel frame of the vehicle provides some protection if you are not touching metal.

6. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio. Coaches and other leaders should listen for a tone-alert feature during practice sessions and games.

7. If you can't get to a shelter, stay away from trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.

8. Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get off bicycles and motorcycles.

9. Get out of the water. It's a great conductor of electricity. Stay off the beach and out of small boats or canoes. If caught in a boat, crouch down in the center of the boat away from metal hardware. Swimming, wading, snorkeling and scuba diving are NOT safe. Lightning can strike the water and travel some distance beneath and away from its point of contact. Don’t stand in puddles of water, even if wearing rubber boots.

10. Avoid metal! Drop metal backpacks, stay away from clothes lines, fences, exposed sheds and electrically conductive elevated objects. Don't hold on to metal items such golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets or tools. Large metal objects can conduct lightning. Small metal objects can cause burns.

11. Move away from a group of people. Stay several yards away from other people. Don't share a bleacher bench or huddle in a group.

What to do if someone is struck by lightning:
· Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or your local ambulance service. Get medical attention as quickly as possible.
· Give first aid. If the victim has stopped breathing, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, address any other injuries.
· Check for burns in two places. The injured person has received an electric shock and may be burned. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight. People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge that can shock other people. You can examine them without risk.

REFEREE COURSES IN LIVERMORE (updated 10/01/11)

The Livermore Referee Association is offering opportunities to be trained as a soccer referee in Summer 2011. Livermore will train people over 13 years of age. Completion of the course allows you to referee all youth matches appropriate for the experience you accumulate.

Information below is for the referee clinics in Livermore this year. For District wide information, visit http://www.district3refs.org/instruction.shtml. Referees can do a clinic anywhere in the USA as this is a nation-wide badge, not just district or city bound. However, please check with your home referee association for their guidance and structure.

GRADE 8 REFEREE

The Grade 8 clinic consists of six (6) 3-hour sessions, for a total of eighteen (18) hours of instruction. Attendance at all sessions is required for successful completion of the course. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates may register as Grade 8 Referees with the United States Soccer Federation for a registration fee.

The class costs $40, paid at the first class. You must pass a final test to obtain your badge. If you referee 13 games for Livermore during the year, LRA will reimburse your $40 registration fee. The Grade 8 clinics in Livermore will train youths over age 13 and adults.

pending for 2012 - CHECK BACK LATER

SIGN UP FOR LIVERMORE CLINIC: Contact the LRA Secretary, Tim Shepodd at secretary1@livermorerefs.org with the following information: full name, DOB Home & Cell phone numbers, home address and email.

GRADE 9 REFEREE "Recreational"

The USSF Grade 9 Recreational Referee may officiate games as either a Referee or Assistant Referee on recreational youth games for under-14 and younger only. They may not officiate older ages, competitive youth matches (Class 1), or adult matches. For the latter matches, you must be at least a Grade 8 Referee. The Grade 9 clinic consists of a one-day eight-hour class. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates may register as Grade 9 Recreational Referees with the United States Soccer Federation for a registration fee

The Grade 9 clinics Livermore are open to adults only (no youth).

pending for 2012 - CHECK BACK LATER

SIGN UP FOR LIVERMORE CLINIC: Contact Jeff Greenough at jagreenough@att.net if you are part of the LYSL/Fusion Volunteer Referee Program with the following information: full name, DOB, Home & Cell phone numbers, home address, email address, Age Group/Gender (e.g. U9 Girls) and the Coach’s name.

2010 RECOGNITIONS AND ELECTION RESULTS (updated 12/16/10)

To: LRA Referee

Tuesday was had our LRA season wrap up meeting for 2010. It was a lot of fun. We missed those of you that were doing games (as a referee or a player) in the rain that night.

The election for the 2011 LRA Steering Committee was held. Congratulations to these new volunteers and THANK YOU for stepping up!

    President - Steve Compton

    Vice President - Cheryl Clark

    Secretary - Tim Shepodd

    Treasurer - Brent Koch

Bob Dashner decided to move on after 13 years of service to LRA. We all have benefited greatly from his support on and off the field. He was presented with a crystal award in recognition.

Jessica Clark and Lee Wood were very active as this year's Youth Referee Liaisons and did a good job providing the youth perspective on the committee.

This year's Referee recognitions were presented. Congratulations to each of you! If you were not present, we will make sure you get your recognition.

Top 10 Performers did a total of 448 games which were 23% of all 2010 games available. (2009 did 508 games, 22% and 2008 did 636 games, 28%). This year the list has 5 youths and 1 rookie. This is great!

Steve Compton (53) [2009 1st with 69 games; 2008 1st with 80]
Lee Wood (51)
Ryan Texeira, Alex Hartley (47)
David Dobson (44)
Justin Hollar, Ron Shaffer (43)
Lai Nguyen (42)
Tyler Collier, Jon Wein(39)

Referee of the Year 2010:

Tim Shepodd (adult)

Amy Kirby (adult)

Sarah Felicias (youth)

Ryan Texeira (youth)

Most Improved:

Neil Cowles (adult),

Claire McLaggan (youth)

Alex Hartley (youth)

Rookie of the Year:

    David Dobson (adult)

    Deena Malaeb (youth)

On a personal note, thank you for a great 9 years on the LRA Steering Committee. The golden whistle award is greatly appreciated. I know the new President and other committee members will do a great job for you.

See you on the fields.

- David Bunch
   DIII Referee Coordinator and Instructor

(12/16/10)