FlaG & Wh i s t l E Official Newletter of the BC Soccer Referees Association – Spring 2011 Is that Paul Ward? March 19, 2011: Whitecaps v TFC at Empire Field

Although the Whitecaps assignment went to Canadian FIFA group of seven, teamed together by the have been around since being re-incar- Referee Paul Ward of North Vancouver. League with a referee coach/assessor for nated as the Vancouver 86ers, arguably at Paul, who has officiated in the MLS for the entire season. The MLS has divided no time have they received the hullabaloo the past several seasons and last year the pool of match officials into “teams” as the announcement of their home opener became the first Canadian to referee an with extra officials in each squad to help at the temporary Empire Field facility MLS playoff game, was only a little boy with the inevitable scheduling difficulties against veteran, and the only other when the original Whitecaps first played that arise. Paul was informed of the assign- Canadian franchise then to date, at Old Empire. ment about 3 weeks before, right in the FC (TFC). Given that many happy memo- “I did get to see one Whitecaps game at middle of the Whitecaps’ marketing blitz. ries of past soccer glories were wrapped Empire in 1980,” recalls Paul vaguely. “I Being a local, this made preparation for into the former Empire , which remember we were playing in the court- the game challenging. also saw the 1954 Miracle Mile and the yard and my Mom came out yelling we "I tried not to get caught up with the Beatles, Elvis Presley and of course the won tickets to see the Whitecaps. But I buzz that was going on,” Paul indicated, “other” football team, the BC Lions play was only 5 at the time so I don’t remem- referring to the Whitecaps 30 day count- there, March 19th at temporary Empire ber much of the game.” down. “Because this game would be Field came to be a date not to be missed. Joining him for the game would be fel- shown nationally and would be seen by From the refereeing side, the question low Canadian FIFA Referee Dave Gantar people I knew added to the pressure.” arose – who would get to be in the mid- of Edmonton as fourth official, newly And so it came – game-time. A bright dle? One could naturally expect, what appointed to the international list this sunny day, clear skies and almost 23,000 with two Canadian teams involved, that year, Canadian FIFA Assistant Joe spectators – the largest crowd to see the an American referee would receive the Fletcher from Toronto and US FIFA Whitecaps play since they last graced the honour (Ed note:pun intended!). Much to Assistant Anthony Vasoli of Chicago. East Van site almost 30 years before. the surprise and perplex of many, the The four match officials are part of a Cont’d on page 2

Opening ceremony of Vancouver Whitecaps vs Toronto FC match at Empire Field Paul Ward in the middle Armed with headset and a special style leap into the arms of celebrating canister of evaporating foam, to be used fans. Cont’d from page 1 by MLS referees to mark the ten yards After Dunfield came back onto the field, The air had an aura of anticipation, on cere­monial free-kicks, Paul blows his Paul cooly walked, yellow card displayed literally two years and one day since the whistle and the game starts. in his hand by his side, towards him and Whitecaps were awarded their franchise. Toronto has the early run of play. Two showed the yellow card. Alas, Paul’s father Ron, also a referee, hard challenges, one by newly acquired “Unfortunately, this is one of the ones would not be present owing to taking care striker Eric Hassli of the Whitecaps that the Laws say we have to give,” Paul of Paul’s sick mother at his parents’ home occurring in front of Joe Fletcher, occur stated matter-of-factly. “I even told him, in the Okanagan. Furthermore, the game early and would earn – much to the ‘I know this sucks but I have to give it.” started a full 60 minutes earlier than all crew’s chagrin – the wrath of their The half would end that way but not other games that day. “coach” during the post-game tele- before Paul gave two more cautions, one This meant the entire League Head conference two days later. after an advantage he played, producing a Office in New York, not to mention the A collision between Whitecap Atiba brilliant run up the wing by the home side, CSA, would be watching. And although Harris on the TFC keeper forced where he pointed back to the offending Paul has done games in front as many or Paul to call a foul against the tall striker player to alert his assistants in case play more people, in places as far as Central especially after the look from a TFC continued for some time. America, he couldn’t help but feel nervous defender close-by. It did for about 2 minutes, and although as he walked the teams onto the field. “The look on his face told me he they were ready to correct Paul if he forgot This time, the game would be shown wasn’t too pleased with the contact,” or cautioned the wrong player, neither nationwide and many of Paul’s friends and explained Paul. “So I called it. As we all Assistant nor the Fourth Official would acquaintances would be watching his every know, fouls on the keeper can cause require screaming into the headset to move. Still, Paul kept coming back to basic big problems.” do so. principles. Then the moment the crowd had The second half produced 3 more goals, “No matter how you feel you always waited for, the Whitecaps scored the the most controversial being the last have to remember to keep your focus and game’s and their first goal in the MLS. Whitecaps goal which appeared offside. that you have a job to do.” Immediately, after signaling the count, Although even Paul had his doubts at first The walk-out of the teams produced Paul darted – not towards center – but glance, the word “appears” is aptly used. some rather strange reaction from some towards the corner flag. Why? “Trust me,” confided Paul, “We’ve fans. As overheard by Canadian FIFA “It certainly wasn’t to celebrate with looked at it every way, forwards and back- Referee and RA member Michelle Pye, the players,” Paul adds jokingly in wards, super slo-mo. We got it right.” who witnessed the game live, “There were describing the scene, “I wanted to The game ended without incident. The players close by from the VMSL (Vancouver prevent the player from having to get a fact the teams decided the result is the Metro Soccer League, the local amateur yellow card for doing something stupid, biggest compliment a referee can have. league that Paul officiates in) who looked like over celebrating.” Paul’s name and that of his crew are down and said, “Is that Paul Ward?’ one A delay was necessary as the fans now part of the continuing history of the guy said, I hope he screws up, he gave me started raining the field with the promo- Beautiful Game in B.C. The game would a yellow card once.” tional white ponchos given on each seat. open the eyes of many non-soccer people The ponchos were given away in pack- Paul had in contact with, informing them Fl a G & Wh i s t l E is published 4 times ages whose weight made them easy to through his performance of the need for a a year by the BC Soccer Referees reach the field when tossed. referee to run and be fit (i.e. “I never knew Association. The material presented The officials were asked by the referees had to run so much”), how Paul’s is from contributors. The BCSRA Whitecaps to hold onto the ball used to “game-face” would be in contradiction to assumes no responsibility for its content. score the team’s first goal. his usual persona. Editor Jon C. Seeley They were told by the League, there There was even an email he received Assistant Editor Elvio Chies was a possibility the game would see from someone he used to know and hadn’t Staff Writer Tom Babic the League’s 8,000th goal, thus getting heard or seen since high school. Research Emil Udovich the ball which the League wanted to Given the league has grouped Paul and Gene Nagy keep for posterity should the moment 6 other MLS list officials together means Production Dieter Freundt arise (going into the game, the total there is the off-chance Paul could be Letters to the editor are welcome stood at 7,998). appointed to the Whitecaps’ first game at and should be directed by email to: Thus, Paul exchanged balls with BC Place in early October, even as [email protected] or [email protected] Fourth Official Dave Gantar after the Fourth Official. first two goals of the game, both occur- Will that happen? Who knows. Perhaps or by mail to: ring within minutes of each other. next time the words out of those same local BC Soccer Referees Association However, Paul couldn’t prevent the players’ mouths will not be one of daze c/o 8130 Selkirk Street over-celebrating on the second White­ and confusion but instead be, Vancouver, BC, V6P 4H7 caps goal by local boy Terry Dunfield “Hey, it’s Paul Ward!”  as he raced off-the-field with a Lambeau-

2 Fl a g & Wh i s t l e – Mini issue Annual General Meeting Saturday, May 28, 2011 Hastings Community Centre corner East Hastings/Lillooet Street in conjunction with Whitecaps vs New York Red Bull game

Members have a unique opportunity to streets that surround the meeting venue Committee and can be reached at mix business with pleasure. (details will be provided later). [email protected]. The 42nd Annual General Meeting of A light lunch will be provided follow- the BC Soccer Referees Association will ing the meeting. Those staying for the Tickets are limited be held on Saturday May 28th at the match will be welcomed to join together Tickets will require a nominal deposit Hasting Community Center, corner of to a local establishment for a coffee, and be available for pickup only at the East Hastings Street and Lillooet Street tea, pop or other beverage only a short Annual General Meeting. Full payment in Vancouver. walk away before heading to Empire for required at the meeting. Priority will be The association has arranged for a the match. given to those living outside the mainland limited number of group seats so that The meeting is being held to handle due to the travel distance they incurr. those attending the meeting can purchase the business of the association, amend the The discount will only be made avail- a ticket at a substantial discount for the Constitution and By-Laws and elect able to members. Family and friends of Vancouver Whitecaps – NY Red Bull officers for the upcoming year. members may be able to purchase tickets MLS match at Empire Field in the after- The positions of President, Vice- but only if tickets remain after members noon of the same day, only two blocks President, Treasurer/Registrar and two have accommodated. away from the meeting site. Area-appointed Director positions will be Those wishing tickets for the match The match will feature NY Red Bull up for grabs. should contact either: designated player Thierry Henry who The position of President became Elvio Chies (604-266-0741 have also recently acquired Dwayne de open after current President Elvio Chies or [email protected]) Rosario from Toronto FC. indicated he intention to step down with or Because the meeting will start in the one year left in his term. Robin Woods morning, those attending can park their VASRA appointed-Director Ron (email only: [email protected]) cars for free on the non-residential side- Schaeffer is heading the Nominating to register your name. 

PRESIDENT'S CORNER New Executive for Fraser Valley THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES The new executive elected at the BUT DON’T LOOK BACK March 7th Annual General Meeting of With the announcement that our Annual form tasks, as all members should, in the Fraser Valley Area branch General Meeting will be held on Saturday, whatever capacity and to the best their (FVSRA) of the BCSRA are as fol- May 28th it’s time to start the process of ability, for without the help of members lows (terms of those elected show in saying “Good bye.” Although I have a there is no Referees Association. The parenthesis): year left in my current term, I have now Immediate Past President position also Pr e s i d e n t : Dave Miller been your President for nine years, longer allows one to act as a quasi-ambassador, (elected by acclamation) than anyone before me and longer than although aren’t we all ambassadors? Vi c e -Pr e s i d e n t : Martin Reid even I had expected. But the time has come to get new blood Se c r e t a r y : Paul Toop While I expect there will be somebody into the veins of the BCSRA. In closing I (elected by acclamation) to take over the reins, I respect the need in would like to thank everyone who joins Tr e a s u r e r : Mike Perko any democratic society to leave that and/or renews. You have kept the dream Di r e c t o r s : announcement for the Annual General alive of our founding and Life Members Hans Clodius Meeting. of a society of referees, for referees and (elected by acclamation) This doesn’t mean that I’m turning my created by referees. I would also ask that Graham Hill back on the Association. Far from it! I everyone start to turn their attention to the (elected by acclamation) will, for one year, be the BCSRA’s new executive. Give them your support. Phil Fasciglione Immediate Past President, to aid with the Show them that you care, about being a Congratulations to all officers on continuity of the new executive. I will still referee and about supporting fellow offi- their new post! offer my services to the executive to per- cials. Onward and upward! Mini issue – Fl a g & Wh i s t l e 3 How Much Do MLS Referees Make? SB Nation By Bobbye Alley, eHow Contributor updated: January 8, 2011 Officials who work Major League Soccer games are paid based on experience. Referee experience is based on the number of regular- Don Garber: season and playoff games worked, and is set in an MLS scale that is comprised of four levels. MLS wants Referees to better There are three additional pay brackets for offi- cials in each game based on duty – referee, ‘Reward Attacking Soccer’ assistant referees and fourth official. Level 4 Officials By Jeremiah Oshan, March 11, 2011 Level 4 officials are the most experienced officials on the field and have 76 or more games MLS has long been a league with a Repeated victims/aggressors: under their belts at the start of the MLS season; reputation for physical play. Some Fouls that might otherwise not be all FIFA officials have Level 4 status. According would even call it a league that rewards caution worthy on their own, will now to the 2009 MLS Referee Manual, Level 4 refer- thugs. be considered in a greater context. ees earn $875 per game, assistant referees earn Commissioner Don Garber has Referees are being asked to pay atten- $495 and fourth officials earn $285. heard the complaints, and is at least tion to players being targeted for fouls, Levels 1-3 saying all the right things about as well as players who repeatedly Level 3 officials have less experience, from addressing them. commit fouls. 41 to 75 games, and earn less per game. Level On Friday during a conference call 3 referees earn $775 per game, assistant ref- with reporters, Garber announced the Free kicks erees make $360 and fourth officials make technical and competition committees' Referees will be more diligent about $260, according to the MLS Referee Manual. formal instructions to referees to marking the spot of a free kick and Level 2 referees – 21 to 40 games – make $670 “reward attacking soccer.” enforcing the distance that defending per outing, assistant referees make $310 and To do this, Garber is not suggesting players can stand. He mentioned the fourth officials earn $230. Level 1 officials that the league is making formal rule possibility of using aerosol cans the have 20 games or fewer experience; referees changes, but rather instructing its way they do in Mexico. Garber also earn $565 per game, assistant referees earn referees to basically adhere more said the league wants to cut down on $255 and fourth officials earn $205. closely to the rules as written. the pulling and tugging that goes on in Playoffs Here are some of the key areas the penalty area during free kicks and The per-game salary for officials during the where referees will be instructed to that referees are going to be more playoffs and for the All-Star Game is higher change the way they call games: likely to award penalties on these than during the regular season. Referees earn kinds of transgressions. $1,000 per game in the first two rounds of the The off-side rule: playoffs, assistant referees get $520 and fourth Referees will now be instructed to How effective any of this will be officials earn $350. In the second round of the only call off-side if a player is clearly will obviously have a lot to do with playoffs and for the All-Star Game, referees off and involved in the play. how serious MLS is in enforcing it. earn $1,200 per game, while assistant referees Will the league be willing to live with earn $525 and fourth officials earn $450. Protecting players: a spate of penalties and cards that are During the MLS Cup, referees earn $1,500, More attention will be paid to sure to be issued early in the season? assistant referees earn $750 and fourth officials studs-up tackles, physical contact with The league has promised similar kinds get $600. players on the ball and challenges of efforts in the past, but there’s been Bonuses in general. little proof that anything changed. Officials who have worked at least five regular-season games before the All-Star Game are eligible to receive bonus pay, according to the MLS Referee Manual. The bonuses are JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: determined from each official’s U.S. Soccer Former member okay and Canadian Soccer Association assess-­ ment scores. Many members may recall Montreal where he finished some The top five referees in the league get $1,500 Quentin O’Mahoney who married post-graduate studies. each, and the top five assistant referees get a Japanese lady and is now living in His wife has no friends in that $1,000. Another bonus is awarded under the far East. area anymore but Quentin’s father- the same structure for those who work five He wishes everyone to know that in-law did run a factory in Sendai, games between the All-Star Game and the end he is doing fine a currently in Kuala the epicenter of the earthquake. of the season. Lampur, Malaysia, where he was The factory, which employed when the earthquake hit Japan in eighty people, was demolished. A eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_7745898_ early March. Currently, Quentin search party has since turned up much-do-mls-referees-make.html#ixzz1G901yh00 shuttles between Malaysia and nothing. 

4 Fl a g & Wh i s t l e – Mini issue MLS needs to step in and stop preseason ugliness

By Steven Sandor- 03/09/2011 http://the11.ca/2011/03/09/mls-needs-to-step-in-and-stop-preseason-ugliness/

About Steven Sandor – I've covered the Toronto FC beat for four years, worked for the Edmonton Aviators of the USL for a season, covered the Edmonton Drillers of the NPSL and started covering Canadian World Cup qualifiers in 1996. I've covered the CONCACAF Champions League and the U-20 World Cup. I'm passionate about soccer in North America.

Once again, MLS teams have lost their without fear of long-term retribution. relations staff weren’t on site, so they were composure in a preseason game. In 2010, MLS headquarters in New working off the same drips and drabs of On Tuesday night, a preseason game York was concerned about the number of information the rest of us were. between and Real straight red cards being issued in pre- Again, we are shown the need to have Salt Lake was abandoned in the second season games. One violent match between better policing of the games being played half because of what's being described as FC Dallas and the Philadelphia Union saw behind closed doors, or far away in an ugly brawl. three Philly players sent off. Arizona. Sooner or later, a team is going to Like most MLS preseason games, there Toronto FC was averaging about a lose a star player thanks to reckless pre- wasn't video available of the game, so we sending-off a game in the preseason, season play. And, in a league with a have to go on eyewitness reports and, including a vicious tackle from behind on stringent salary cap, losing anyone in pre- ahem, the Tweets of the players involved. then-New York Red Bull Juan Pablo season is cruel, indeed. The score was tied 2-2 at the time; there Angel by . If a player willfully tries to injure are reports that Real Salt Lake star Javier “Certainly we do not want MLS to be an opponent in preseason, there has to be Morales was kicked in the head. characterized by frequent violent conduct a price to pay. MLS needs to show leader- At one point, things were so out of con- or serious foul play,” said Nelson ship, here. A game cannot be abandoned trol that players were slugging their own Rodriguez, the league’s executive vice- because of a brawl, and have no conse- teammates by accident. president of competition, technical and quences. “Bench clearing brawl to end the game operations, last year when asked Why did the referee lose control of the game!!!” RSL defender Robbie Russell about the rash of red cards. “We are exam- game? Why did players rush onto the posted on Twitter. “Got clocked in the ining whether the cards being issued this field? So many questions. But MLS can- scrum! By my own player:). DAMN U pre-season are an anomaly or a pattern not stand pat.  (Jamison) OLAVE!!” that we need to address.” “Good ol' fashion(ed) brawl,” posted The RSL-SKC brawl should have RSL defender Rauwshan McKenzie. “It the league's discipline domo reopening Canadian appointed to was crazy.” his files. Women’s World Cup 2011 Only SKC striker Kei Kamara seemed Because the teams play so many of the FIFA referee Carol Anne oblivious to the affair. “Was a physical preseason games in closed-door sessions, Chenard of Ottawa has been game, score ended 2-2, had another goal, away from cameras, it’s hard for fans or appointed to this year’s Women’s just getting myself ready for the season. I the league to judge who did what to World Cup. The event is being am very EXCITE(D)!!!” whom. Because the games aren’t sanc- held in Germany from June 26 to Reports from the game suggest that tioned by MLS, there's no worry that a July 17. The opening match will things got out of hand after SKC defender vicious incident in the preseason will earn see Canada play Germany in Roger Espinoza unleashed a rash chal- a player a suspension that begins on day Berlin June 26 lenge on Morales, the second time the one of the regular season. This will be Carol Anne two had clashed in the game. Will In fact, in the initial game reports on Chenard’s second trip to Germany Johnson, the Canadian RSL midfielder, both the RSL and SKC websites, there in as many years. She took part rushed to the aid of his teammate and all was no mention of the brawl, but RSL did in last year’s U-20 World Cup hell broke loose. refer to it as a “chippy” affair in the where she was chosen to offici- Unfortunately, poor conduct in pre- headline. ate the championship final. season play is commonplace with MLS To RSL's credit, the brawl was dis- The 2015 FIFA Women’s teams. Because teams organize their own cussed on the team's official Twitter feed World Cup will be hosted by matches - and the games aren’t sanctioned as more details became available – and Canada, while the U-20s set the by the league in any way – they have unavoidable as so many RSL players stage a year earlier. become a no-man’s-land of foul play were posting about it. RSL’s public-

Mini issue – Fl a g & Wh i s t l e 5 SOCCER TALK WITH PAUL GARDNER Will refs respond to Garber's sensible request By Paul Gardner March 14th, 2011

MLS Commissioner Don Garber has recently had some pretty sensible things to say about the state of soccer within his league. He wants to encourage attacking play and he believes that some changes in the attitudes and actions of referees will help bring that about.

I wish him well. Of course referees Referees see plenty of foreign games them as an excuse not to call a penalty should be harsher on studs-up tackles, of these days, they are bound to be influ- kick. course they should not be so quick to enced by what they see. It’s decidedly Garber does not have direct control make offside calls – and ditto with unfortunate that the most frequently seen over the referees. They are assigned by holding and shirt-tugging and persistent games are from the EPL, where the refer- the U.S. Soccer Federation, so Garber fouling. Garber is 100 percent correct in eeing can often seem to be actively cannot simply tell them how they are to noticing that defending players get away encouraging violent play. interpret the rules. That calls for close with far too much. Referees do, definitely, Just this Saturday we had Manchester cooperation between MLS and USSF. need to adopt a sterner approach. United’s Paul Scholes committing a foul But Garber has at his disposal another I fear that Garber’s attention to referee- eminently worth a second yellow card way of encouraging attacking play, one ing will be taken by many as a sign that – but referee Chris Foy merely adminis- that does not involve working with the MLS referees are not doing a good job, tered a short talking-to. An approach that USSF. that they are sub-standard. simply makes a mockery of the rules. The most direct route to more attrac- That is not the case. As it happens, there If there’s one thing that MLS referees tive, attacking, goalscoring soccer is for is not a league anywhere in the world -- could be told not to do, it is to administer MLS teams sign players who can provide and that takes in England’s EPL, the these little disciplinary chats, complete it. Which, in turn, means MLS teams Italian Serie A, Spain’s La Liga, and all of with the exaggerated arm gestures intend- appointing coaches who understand and South American soccer -- where people ed to make a feeble referee look tough. believe in that type of play. are satisfied with the refereeing. How can If it’s a foul, call it. If it’s a yellow card, At the moment, Garber’s attitude is that they be, when everyone involved is a give it. The same with a red. There is no the clubs can appoint any coach they like. devotee of this or that club -- leading to need for explanations or any words at all. He will not interfere. the inevitable bias that makes objective The players know the rules ... or they are That seems the correct way to do things, judgment impossible. supposed to. If they don’t, that is their but it has led to some pretty awful appoint- MLS referees are neither the best nor problem. ments. Mostly because the league is full the worst in the world. I think that, on the Tactical fouling should be high up on of ownership groups and general manag- whole, they do a good job. But the com- Garber’s list. That is defined on page 115 ers who simply do not understand the parison I’ve just made with the rest of the of the rule book, and calls for an obliga- sport. world, reveals a problem. I’m judging tory yellow card. Dictating which coaches a club should MLS referees by the standards that are Those yellows are usually not given. sign, and then telling the coach which adhered to globally -- those either set by, Even less frequently seen are yellow players he can sign, is clearly not a work- or permitted by, FIFA. cards, also obligatory, for objecting to a able policy. The problems that Garber, rightly, referee’s decision – “dissent by word or But the creation within MLS of an wants to address start there. The global action” as the rulebook puts it. atmosphere favorable to attacking soccer standards are not strict enough. They vary, Diving calls present a problem. Most of and hostile to defensive play, the encour- of course. them, as currently called, are flat out agement to search out attacking players, They are at their weakest, their most wrong. If all of Garber’s suggestions were the provision of help in knowing where to permissive, in England. They are probably adopted (which, of course, they will not look for them, even the creation of a cen- at their strictest in South America. be) then I’d probably agree that referees tralized scouting system – these things are But in all instances, they are too lenient, should be looking for divers. well within the power of Garber and his and the areas singled out by Garber should, But as long as the defenders are allowed single-entity league. indeed, be tightened up. great liberty to foul without It remains something of a mystery to Will it be possible for MLS referees, punishment, my sympathies are with me how easily MLS coaches find average then, to referee in a way that will be con- the divers. defenders and midfielders to sign. siderably more punitive than anywhere There is also, on these calls, the unmis- But what difficulties they have finding else in the world? takable suggestion, that, when they occur good attacking players!  I have my doubts. in the penalty area, the referee is using

6 Fl a g & Wh i s t l e – Mini issue