FlaG & Wh i s t l E Official Newletter of the BC Soccer Referees Association • June2014

Werner Winsemann recognized as Life Member of BC Soccer

At its Awards Luncheon on June 14th, national levels we believe is a clear demonstration of BCSRA Founding and Life Member “Werner's achievements are unmatched someone achieving global excellence.” Werner Winsemann was bestowed BC by a British Columbian or a Canadian Werner joins a list of BC Soccer Life Soccer's Life Member award. As was having achieved the ‘pinnacle’ of referee- Members who, despite what other work announced on BC Soccer's website: ing by taking control of a game at a FIFA they may have done in soccer, are also “BC Soccer would like to specially rec- World Cup Final tournament in 1974,” referees. The list includes Bob Allen, Roy ognize Life Member award winner Werner said Paul Mullen, Executive Director of Branco, Len Bridgeman, Rob Brown, Winsemann for his achievements in offici- BC Soccer. “He still remains the only Neil Ellett, Ken Fowler, Roy Nosella, ating at the provincial, national and inter- Canadian referee to have done so which and Robin Woods.

Above: Founding/Life Member and BC Soccer's newest Life Member Werner Winsemann flanked by other BC Soccer Life Members (L-R): Rob Brown, Bob Allen, Werner Winseman, and Roy Nosella. BC Soccer honours CSA recognizes three Officials Fellow Referees at BC Soccer Awards Luncheon In addition to recognizing Werner Winsemann as the latest Life Mem­ On behalf of the national governing Referee and also featured in the match ber, BC Soccer recognized three other body, BC Soccer presented Paul Ward, officiating crew for the 2011 friendly referees as follows: Andrew Foster and Darren Clark with between Manchester City and Vancouver Adult Official of the Year: the Outstanding Achievement Awards. All Whitecaps. Colin Lawrence Youth Official of the Year: three have recently stepped down from Darren Clark stepped down from being Gareth Crisp refereeing to continue in private life. a FIFA Assistant Referee and was fortu- Award of Merit: Paul Ward stepped down from both the nate to be part of the first all-Canadian Elvio Chies FIFA and MLS list and has amongst his crew for a MLS Cup final in 2012.: Colin referees primarily in the accomplishments as officiated in the Gold Congratulations to all fellow officials Fraser Valley Soccer League which, Cup and the Whitecaps 2011 MLS home on their respective award! for the second year in a row, has a opener at Empire Field. A photo on page 11 shows Darren referee chosen by BC Soccer from Andrew was a National Assistant Clark holding his speech after the award. the ranks of those that referee in the League. Gareth Crisp referees in matches appointed by the Lower Island Soccer Association. Congratulations to all recipients!

New Executive elected at AGM The results are in and members have elected the slate for the 2014- 2015 year! President Nick Hawley (elected by acclamation) Vice-President Bill McNaughton Secretary Laurie Miller BC Soccer Awards in BC Place Stadium. L-R: Paul Ward, Andrew Foster, Darren Clark (elected by acclamation) Treasurer Robin Woods Dan Kulai-Jack Tinnion Memorial Scholarship Directors: Larry Cade Cam Olive of Victoria and Andrew with better candidates and better appli- (Vancouver Island), Branco of New Westminster have been cations than ever before,” reported Elvio Chies announced as this year's recipients of President Nick Hawley. (Vancouver Area), the annual Dan Kulai-Jack Tinnion Both referees will be officially Chris Wattam Memorial Scholarship. awarded their scholarship at a monthly (Director without Portfolio) Due to the quality of submissions, meeting of VISRA and VASRA in the Life Member Hans Clodius the committee recommended two near future. an­nounced his resignation as the names instead of the usual one.: Congratulations to both Cam and Fraser Valley-area appointed Director. “We believe that this year the schol- Andrew on being chosen as this year's Due to the timing of the resignation, arship process was a great success - Scholarship recipients! there was insufficient notice to pro- vide the name of a replacement. The provincial executive will now work Scholarship World Cup Pool Underway offline with the FVSRA executive to fill the position. Thanks to all participants for participat- the hope of assisting more young referees Congratulations to the new execu- ing in the first ever Dan Kulai-Jack with their post-secondary schooling, has tive. Let’s all support them as we Tinnion Memorial Scholarship World Cup 75 entries. This will net the fund $150. move onward and upward! Pool! The Pool, created to help raise funds Winners will be announced in the next for the annual Memorial Scholarship in edition of the Flag & Whistle.

2 Fl a g & Wh i s t l e – June 2014 issue Vancouver Island Soccer The Association bestows Honours League picks its on Fellow Colleagues Referee of the Year

Following up on this selection as a co-recipient of the Dan Kulai-Jack Tinnion Memorial Scholarship, Cam Olive has been chosen as the VISL’s Referee-of-the-Year.

VISRA Members attend Regional Clinic While a full list was not available at Mauricio Navarro (left) with BCSRA President Nick Hawley press time, we can report that Vancouver Island-based members Kevin Tupper, At the recent Annual General Meeting the May monthly meeting of the Vancouver Cam Olive and Spencer Kilbank were (AGM) of the Association, members Area branch where he was also (finally) invited to the Regional Upgrade Clinic elected to bestow the seven individuals congratulated for being awarded the CSA's held in Burnaby in early spring. with the society’s two highest honours. International Achievement Award in Spencer is a past winner of the Dan Leading the way was election of Life 2012. Kulai-Jack Tinnion Memorial Scholarship Membership, given to those to four for- In addition to this three individuals while Cam was recently award the VISL mer Canadian FIFA Referees: former were elected as the latest recipients of Referee-of-the-Year (see photo connected VASRA Director Mauricio Navarro, Association's Long & Meritorious Service with the article). recently returned from Ontario to BC, Award, bestowed to those who have BCSRA Past President and VASRA Life worked diligently for the Association for Member Bob Allen, former VASRA Vice- the benefit of its members. Fl a G & Wh i s t l E is published 6 times President Gerry Proctor and Jill The membership elected three Past a year by the BC Soccer Referees Proctor. Presidents of the Association: Pat Association. The material presented Mauricio, who was in attendance at the Harkness, Gord Rogers and Elvio is from contributors. The BCSRA AGM as the meeting's keynote speaker, Chies. assumes no responsibility for its content. was officially presented with this award at Congratulations to all recipients! Elvio Chies Tom Babic Emil Udovich Mynor Campos Lay-out Dieter Freundt The F&W would like to thank the Feeling The Game following individuals in the preparation this issue: After giving the keynote address at the there are several components to refereeing VISRA Treasurer Christian Hauer BCSRA AGM on May 3rd, it's clear that like fitness and knowledge of the Laws of BCSRA VP Bill McNaughton former Canadian FIFA Referee Mauricio the Game, having an understanding, a MWSL Head Ref Michelle Pye Navarro is on a mission. That mission is feeling for the game is the most important Letters to the editor are welcome based on what he has seen in local referee- component. and should be directed by email to: ing. To him it's not pretty. This leads the referee to better handle [email protected] or [email protected] “Most referees don't know why they the duty of his job – ensure the integrity of or by mail to: want to referee,” he starts. “Most referees the game, enforcement of the Laws and BC Soccer Referees Association don't have a clue about (how to interpret) promotion of skillful play. However, we in c/o 8130 Selkirk Street the actions in the game.” Canada are not teaching how to get a feel- Vancouver, BC, V6P 4H7 Mauricio went on to say that while ing of the games we referee. Cont’d page 5 June 2014 issue – Fl a g & Wh i s t l e 3 Metro Women’s League Award Know

Vancouver Area-based member John willing to help out when needed. Tsang has been awarded the Metro “John refereed and A-R’d over 30 Your Women's Soccer League's Most Valuable games this year for MWSL and declined Referee Award for the 2013-2104 season. only 1 appointed, a re-scheduled game The award recognizes an official who has which happened to be at the same time as Fellow dedicated numerous amounts of time and another MWSL appointment,” said MWSL effort to the development of soccer within Head Ref Michelle Pye. the MWSL. “He takes games all over the Lower The prospective candidate must show, Mainland and Fraser Valley. He is always Referee above other things, a love of the game, quick to reply to mass emails when a ref- loyalty to the MWSL, willing to accept eree is needed at the last minute.” Name: John Reed Chairman, and incorporate feedback, submits reports Congratulations to John on his well BC Soccer Referees Committee accurately and in a timely fashion and is deserved award. Residence: Prince George # Years refereeing? Since 1998 What made you take up refereeing? The referee for my son's game did not Metro Women’s Soccer League Referee of the Year turn up so I stepped in and realised that I The Metro Women's Soccer League a desire to achieve a higher standard of both enjoyed it and was quite good at it. (MWSL), which is the largest women's officiating and being a positive role What has been your most memorable league in North America, annually rec- model for up and coming female refer- moment in refereeing? ognizes the outstanding contribution of ees. Last season saw two co-winners: Taking a team of young referees to a one female official each year who refer- Kim Green and VASRA-based member provincial final in Williams Lake and ees in the MWSL. This winner for the Candace Brown. walking on to the field with my two assis- 2013-2014 season is Erina Cho of Congratulations to Erina on being tants, one being my son and the other his Coquitlam. named this year’s MWSL Referee-of- good friend. What a great team we made. The criteria for the award includes the-Year. What advice would you give to anyone such items as good knowledge of the The F&W would like to thank MWSL starting to referee? Laws of the Game, a strong work ethic, Head Ref Michelle Pye in the prepara- Enjoy every minute you are on the field. dedicated to their own development and tion of this article. The game would not exist without refer- ees. You are an important part of the development of the game. 45th Anniversary Celebration kicks-off with ... a Tossing Coin

To mark the 45th year of the founding recent AGM on May 3 A Chat with of the Association in 1969, members The Association has minted three other unanimously approved the minting of a coins in the past: two coins to mark the BC Soccer’s Referee tossing coin to officially kick off the year 35th and 40th anniversaries of the found- Committee Chairman of celebration. ing of the Association plus one coin which The coin will be given to members as a was minted in the 2005-2006 year. Work Ed note: John Reed has been the Chairman gift when they renew. This was passed as has started on the design in order to be of the Committee for the majority of the part of the budget that was presented at the ready for disbursement come August. past year. The Flag & Whistle caught up to him at the recent BC Soccer AGM to look back on what's transpired since he took the Prizes, Prizes, Prizes! Vancouver Area recognizes position).: Service of long-time F&W: You took over as head of the This year’s prize winners at the Member of Executive Referees Committee after Rob Brown's AGM were: unexpected resignation due to family rea- At its April meeting the Vancouver sons. What was going through your head • Jersey Referee Society Golf Shirt- Area branch (VASRA) formally rec- Mark Bowley when you took on the position? ognized outgoing Treasurer Ron John Reed: Initially, I thought that I • Two Tickets to the Sept 6th DC Schaeffer as the latest recipient of its would be helping out a fellow board mem- United-Whitecaps Match Long & Meritorious Service Award. ber in times of need. I knew that the Patrick Li Ron, who had held the position of Referees Committee was a well organized Whitecaps Closed-Practice Viewing Treasurer for almost ten years, stepped group and it should be any easy task. I was Ernie Barnum down after completing his term at the quite surprised and maybe not ready for • Whitecaps 40th Anniversary Scarf end of December 2013. Many thanks the work load. F&W: As we head into the BC Soccer Christian Hauer to Ron on his tenure and congratula- (who then donated AGM, looking back when you first started, tions on his recognition! it to Laurie Miller) what things have you learned and what Congratulations to all winners! see photo on page 11 are your general impressions of how Cont’d on page 5

4 Fl a g & Wh i s t l e –June 2014 issue Canada’s Officials for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Posted on 13 May 2014 on CSA website in Referees Cup Canada 2014, Morisset will serve as an assistant referee-her second time offici- ating at a FIFA event.

Career highlights: • 2008 First years as FIFA Referee • 2008 Gladys Bean Memorial Trophy • 2012 CONCACAF Women's Under-17 Championship • 2012 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup • 2013 Canada Games Women's Soccer Tournament: L-R: Michelle Pye, Suzanne Morisset, Carol Anne Chénard, Marie-Josée Charbonneau Michelle Pye was 19-years-of-age when she began refereeing. Born in Kamloops, Carol Anne Chénard, Michelle officiated at the London Olympic Football Pye, Marie-Josée Charbonneau and Tournament, the Algarve Cup and will act BC, Pye received her FIFA badge in 2007 Suzanne Morisset are amongst those as an assistant referee at the FIFA U-20 and will serve as a substitute referee at this selected to perform officials duties at this Women’s World Cup Canada 2014. year's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup summer’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Career highlights: Canada 2014- her third FIFA competition. Canada 2014. • 2012 First year as Career highlights: This tournament is a chance for them to FIFA Assistant Referee • 2007 First year as FIFA referee gain valuable experience and potentially • 2012 London Women's Olympic • 2008 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup claim their place at next year’s FIFA Football Tournament • 2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™. • 2013 Algarve Cup (final between USA • 2010 Algarve Cup The complete list of appointees is avail- and Germany) (3rd place match between able on FIFA.com/Canada2014. The FIFA China and Sweden) U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 • 2013 CFU U-17 Women's Qualifying takes place from 5-24 August 2014. Tournament • 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, It will feature 16 national teams and Singapore (bronze medal game between referees from 28 different countries. Suzanne Morisset was born in Beauport, Turkey and Iran) Matches will be played in four official host QC. She began refereeing at 13-years-of- • 2012 CONCACAF Women's Under-17 cities: Edmonton, AB; Toronto, ON; age and was appointed to the FIFA list in Championship. Montréal, QC; and Moncton, NB.: 2008. At the FIFA U-20 Women's World

Carol Anne Chénard is one of Canada’s most accomplished referees, with Olym­ pic, FIFA and CONCACAF experience. Feeling the Game John Reed cont’d from page 4 Born in Summerside, PE, Ms Chénard cont’d from page 3 things have progressed over these past speaks English, French and Spanish. She To illustrate his point, Mauricio 8 months? will serve as a first official at the FIFA showed a series of videos where the John Reed: We are trying to streamline U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014. referee’s lack of reading the play process and listen to the concerns of caused the game to quickly go sour. everyone, players, managers and offi- Career highlights: “Bad players (i.e. those who play cials and at the same time develop the • 2006 First year as FIFA Referee with a overtly rough/violent manner) younger referees. I think we all agree • 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will always be there because it’s easy that development and advancement is (semi-final between France and to (just) kick someone.” Mauricio key to the growth of the program. Korea DPR) went on to say that, in his opinion, F&W: The Committee is made up of • 2009 Ray Morgan Award allowing these players to stay on the people from around the province. What • 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup field is the major reason why Canada kind of challenges does the distances (final between Germany and Nigeria) has not been able to produce skillful between everyone present and how does • 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup players. one work to overcome them? (semi-final between Japan and Sweden) To stem the tide, Mauricio advised John Reed: One of the obvious chal- • 2012 London Women’s Olympic the audience to take an educational lenges is meeting together and the Football Tournament approach – watch games and think scheduling of these meetings.so that we • 2013 Algarve Cup (final between about the situations you see with the do get a chance to meet face to face. USA and Germany): goal of stamping out violent play. F&W: What would you like referees in The silver lining is that this will cre- BC to know about the Committee? Marie-Josée Charbonneau is a native ate a positive reputation for oneself, John Reed: We are committed to the of Mascouche, QC. She was appointed to even at the local level. development of all levels of officials. the FIFA list in 2012. Charbonneau has

June2014 issue – Fl a g & Wh i s t l e 5 2014 Provincial Promotion Course Posted on 18 May 2014 on CSA website in Referees Canada Soccer held its annual Prov­ incial Promotion Referee Course from the 16-18 May in Ottawa, ON. The central- ized course was run, with 20 officials from seven provinces (BC, AB, SK, ON, QC, PEI, NS) attending.: Canada Soccer’s Head of Refereeing Tiger Liu lead the course alongside National Instructors Marie-Julie Allaire, QC; Joe Audi, ON; Isaac Raymond, ON; and Richard Sansregret, AB. Instructors Allaire and Raymond have attended four FIFA Futuro Courses and Sansregret has Participants of the Provincial Promotion Referee Course attended three.: The Provincial Promotion Referee their performances by working alongside Iliuta, SK; Miryam Jabali, ON; Course featured two days of intensive Futuro Instructors, so it’s a learning oppor- Frank Laterza, SK; Taras Lesiuk- practical and theoretical sessions, held at tunity for all involved.” Pokyndboroda, QC; Gabriel Loas, AB; Algonquin College.: 2014 Provincial Promotion Referee Myriam Marcotte, QC; Ralph Nelson, “This course is a valuable tool for ref- Course Participants were:: NS; Jasmain Parr, BC; Jessica Patton, ON; eree development,” says Liu. “It helps Ethan Bent, SK; Jérémie Blanchette, Marie-Camille Richard, QC; Isabelle Canada Soccer identify and work with up QC; Sebastian Crema, BC; Cory Deagle, Sénécal, QC; Michael Stacey, AB; and and coming, nation-wide talent, while giv- PEI; Stéphanie Fortin, QC; Simon Karim Zaïdi, QC. ing participants the opportunity to improve Gomez, NS; Will Hall, NS; Octavian

National Officials Day Goal Control and its Workings essay winners announced Posted on 26 May 2014 in Referees: “There won’t be any problems, we are ference will be between 5-10 mm in Brazil The winners of the National very sure,” said Dirk Broichhausen who depending where the game takes place. Officials Day essay contest are is responsible for Goal Control system at Goal Control works with 14 high speed Muhammad Al-Digeil, NB, and the World Cup. He also pointed out that cameras (7 per goal). The system knows Harris Rasheed, ON, as Canada the system cannot be manipulated from its three dimensional x-, y- and z-position Soccer recently announced. They outside agents. with a precision of a few millimeters in the will each receive an Umbro “When Goal Control was tested with co-ordinate system of the pitch.. Refereeing Prize Pack, valued at 2,400 shots on goal during the Con­ When the ball hits or passes the goal $400. federation Cup and the Club World line, the system sends a vibration and The contest, titled Why Do You Championship, the system was correct at optical signal to the officials’ watches. Enjoy Being an Official, was all times,” said FIFA spokesman Johannes The real camera sequences from all launched on 16 April to celebrate Holzmüller. 7 angles can be replayed any time. National Officials Day, an initiative While FIFA allowed an error tolerance The system also shows the more impor- started by Sports Officials Canada to of 15 mm, Goal Control was far below that tant information of the accurate 3D- increase the awareness of officiating measurement. Broichhausen says the dif- position of the ball every 2 milliseconds in sport and promote respect of officials.: In order to enter the contest par- ticipants were asked to outline why they referee and the joy it gives them. Over 60 submissions were received.: “These essays provide a glimpse into the minds of our officials and the challenges they face,” said Canada Soccer's Head of Refereeing Tiger Liu. “Their enthusiasm shows the passion that our officials have for the game as well as their desire to improve, both on and off the pitch.”

6 Fl a g & Wh i s t l e – June 2014 issue Canadian assistant ref to make World Cup debut From Canadian Press-as appared on Sportsnet.ca website June 13,2014, 11:28am

Canadian assistant referee Joe Fletcher will work his first the U.S. is in the pool. game at the World Cup on Saturday when Colombia plays Greece. Should the Americans advance, the trio will be kept from their The Group C game is at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte. games. Fletcher, a 37-year-old chartered accountant from St. Catha­ Fletcher, who expects to get about three days notice on his rines, Ont., is part of a crew that also includes American referee match assignments, says officials do their homework on every- and fellow assistant Sean Hurd. The Canadian- thing. For example, if a team needs a certain amount of goals to American trio has already officiated at the 2013 FIFA Club World move on, it may affect formation – and how a team lines up can Cup, the 2012 Olympics and the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, impact a referee’s positioning. among other tournaments. Fletcher knows that referees get most of the attention but says Winnipeg assistant referee Hector Vergara worked the 2002, there is plenty of talking between the officials during matches. 2006 and 2010 World Cups. Werner Winsemann was the first “Mark Geiger will be the guy who gets most of the plaudits. I Canadian referee at the World Cup in 1974 and 1978. (Ed note: think before you even pick up a flag and say ‘Yeah I’m OK being While Werner was the first Canadian to referee a World Cup an international assistant referee,’ you kind of know that, you match, the first Canadian at a World Cup was Ray Morgan, who understand that,” Fletcher said. “But I love our team because we was appointed to the 1962 World Cup function like one, because ultimately I’m responsible for offside, “So if for some reason I have an error that impacts the outcome I’m responsible for the ball in and out of bounds and I’m also of a match, there are 24 other very capable trios willing to step in responsible for anything that’s nearby me that Mark can’t see or and be retained for the next phase,” he added. may have missed. “And there isn’t a case of ‘Oh well he missed it, well that was his fault.’ You don’t think about it that. You think about it as we, we have to get this (right). I know what things are expected that the referee will call. I know there are certain things on the field of play that I’m expected to call and there are some thing that I may have to communicate over the radio and tell him ‘OK, I’ve got a better look.’ I might confirm a suspicion for him because he’s maybe 70 per cent sure. But in the end our goal is just to get the decision right.” The officials will be aided by goal-line technology, something Fletcher got to experience at the FIFA Club World Cup. “Awesome” is Fletcher’s simple review of the technology, which advises officials within a second whether ball has crossed the goal-line. Their watches flash goal and vibrate 12 times. He likes it because it works and because it does not delay the game. He is not a fan of the NFL style of instant replay checks, arguing it does not fit into soccer’s timing. FIFA officials have been checking Fletcher’s workout times for Fletcher, a 37-year-old chartered accountant from St. Catharines, Ont., months. “They have done their best to physically and mentally is part of a crew that also includes American referee Mark Geiger and prepare us for what’s coming,” he said. fellow assistant Sean Hurd. (photo Stephen Brashear/AP) FIFA has even provided the assistant referees with interactive Fletcher, who was 15 when he took his first officiating course, DVDs on offsides. seems to welcome the challenge. He knows he will have four or Back home, Fletcher credits his wife Cathy – they have boys five big decisions a game, although you never know when they aged seven and four – and his employer Wormald Masse Keen might come. “If you didn’t enjoy it, you wouldn’t do it,” he said. Lopinski (he joined them as a co-op student in 1997) in St. Told in January, he would be part of the World Cup, Fletcher Catharines for “being onboard with the dream.” It is a dream with spent a week in Zurich in April with his fellow officials for fitness a finite end. Top officials must step aside at 45. testing and other preparation. There have been more meetings in There is work after that, however. Winnipeg’s Hector Vergara, Brazil in advance of Thursday’s tournament opener. who worked the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups, is sharing his “They want to make certain that everybody is on the same page, expertise as a member of FIFA’s referees committee. that if we all see a player get knocked in the same fashion, that we Werner Winsemann was the first Canadian referee at the World came out with the same answer,” he said. Cup, working the 1974 and 78 finals. The officials live together in Brazil, flying out to matches and Originally from Niagara Falls, Fletcher’s job took him to then returning to home base where they will hold daily debriefings St. Catharines. He will continue to do his day job while in Brazil on the previous day’s matches. during any down time. “Thankfully I can do a lot remotely,” As of Wednesday, FIFA had only announced the officials for the he said. first four matches. Other announcements will be forthcoming but “Some guys watch movies, some guys nap. I fill in my down Fletcher’s trio will not work Group G first-round matches since time by getting some work done,” he added.

June 2014 issue – Fl a g & Wh i s t l e 7 Canadian Referee Fletcher feels Pressure of World Cup From Canadian Press-as appared on Sportsnet.ca website June 11,2014, 643pm

Joe Fletcher knows there is nowhere and then earn selection to major tourna- to operate together, hang out together, live for him to hide in Brazil. As an assistant ments. The World Cup is the biggest stage together, so it comes in really handy when referee at the World Cup, every decision for the sport. you actually like each other,” he added. the 37-year-old chartered accountant from It helps being part of a team – Fletcher Fletcher’s threesome is one of 25 crews St. Catharines, Ont., makes will come and fellow assistant Sean Hurd have – and eight “support duos” – at the World under scrutiny. It’s soccer’s biggest stage, worked with referee Mark Geiger since Cup in Brazil. The good ones will keep before its biggest audience and will unfold 2011. The Canadian-American-American working while those that make mistakes before a plethora of cameras. trio has already officiated at the 2013 will not move on to the later stages. “Everything will get seen. Nothing will FIFA Club World Cup, the 2012 Olympics “I literally believe this when I tell you get missed,” said Fletcher. and the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, I’m one decision away from being sent The Canadian official understands and among other tournaments. home ... it’s the biggest tournament accepts the pressure. Officials strive for “We’ve become like a little family,” there is for world football, so for us there’s years to get on FIFA’s international list Fletcher said of the unit. “You’re expected nowhere to hide,” Fletcher said. FIFA, please do Something! By Morris Dalla Costa, The London Free Press Sao Paulo, Brazil – If FIFA won’t do Cuckoo’s’ nest. know officiating. Not some money- anything about the lack of respect shown A massive dose of strong roach pesti- sucking, expense-accounting padding, by players to the game and the men who cide is needed to stamp it out. flying-for-free FIFA suits. How about officiate it, then it’s time the officials took Why is there a problem with respect in some people who know the game? matters into their own hands. so many sports today? It’s a simple They focus on stopping the complain- FIFA doesn’t care enough about the answer. ing and arguing and punishing floppers. situation. It is willing to let the game be Players don’t respect the rules or the ING! They may also want to try some- ruined by what is becoming a group of official that is trying to enforce those thing like this. thugs and enforcers. rules, and they are allowed to get away If a player goes down after a challenge This World Cup has been a spectacular with it. and rolls around and stays down for any display of soccer skill and excitement. Yet The money, the god-like way players length of time, the player goes off the the one thing that overshadows the beauty, are treated, has taught them that what’s pitch and can’t come back on for a desig- game in and game out, is the dozens of important is what they do and what they nated time period – be it five minutes or ugly incidents that sees players stop, drop want. FIFA has made some rule changes whatever. With a game in the final 20 min- and roll as if they’re on fire. over the years but has done nothing to utes, a player will think twice before doing A strong breeze is good enough to send protect their officials or the game from his Academy Award thing if he can’t come a player on a good 20-yard roll. It ends these players chicanery. back on for five minutes. with the player holding a body part, yell- Players are like little children. They If, upon watching video review of the ing like he’s being tortured on a rack dur- don’t understand when enough is enough. game, it is obvious a player flopped for no ing the Spanish Inquisition, only to jump This is but a little example from the reason, suspend him for two games. up a minute later, fake a limp before Argentina and Switzerland game. As for swarming officials, there is a sprinting off to chase down a pass. The ball went out of bounds for a Swiss reason why a soccer player wears a cap- It’s a miracle after being sprayed with a throw-in. The Swiss player was going to tain’s band. bottle containing the healing water from take the throw 25 yards from the spot He should be the only one who talks to the spring at Lourdes. where it went out. The Swedish referee an official. If anyone else approaches the Even the most vacuous soccer fan waved him back. The player moved two official, yells at him from a distance, wags should recognize that being called a fake, yards. Three times the official asked and his finger at him, they get a yellow card. phony, fancy-boy in short pants, and a the player basically ignored him. Yes, that’s harsh, but these players have wimp, can’t be good for the game. After the referee asked the player to brought it upon themselves. It’s a disgust- Then there’s the players who constantly move back a second time and the player ing part of the game. In fact, FIFA has scream, wave their arms, gesticulate, argue didn’t, there should have been a yellow brought it on itself as well. and roach-infest as they swarm an official card flashed. You only hope that if FIFA has no inter- after virtually every call. The official, of course, won’t give out a est in doing the right thing, all its officials It isn’t just an abomination for the fan card because he wouldn’t be supported by are strong enough to band together and see on the periphery. It irritates the hell out of FIFA and would be faced to explain his if they can operate a game without the top most fans that care for the game. decision to a swarm of roaches. officials in the world. It gives the game the look of lawless- When this World Cup is over, officials ness, like an out-of-control night with and their representative should demand Thanks go to Mauricio Navarro who Jack Nicholson in ‘One Flew Over The FIFA set up a committee of people who brought attention to this article

8 Fl a g & Wh i s t l e – June 2014 issue Why refereeing is never pitch perfect By John Doyle The Globe and Mail On a cold, wet Saturday in early May, The referee situation is the looming Given the allegations about a referee Toronto FC lost its fourth game of the fault trend at this World Cup. The players from Niger being complicit in fixing season, and third in a row, dropping a 2-1 and the fans expect elite referees to take an exhibition match in South Africa, there result to the New England Revolution. charge of games at the elite level. FIFA will be a lot of attention paid to the TFC head coach Ryan Nelsen attributed says they choose the best, but by sticking referees from the Africa region at this the defeat to bad luck and strange officiat- to its program of garnering its team of World Cup. ing decisions.: World Cup referees from every soccer They are Alioum Alioum of Cameroon, The man making the puzzling decisions region, it can’t achieve that.: Daniel Frazer Bennett of South Africa, was Mark Geiger, an experienced MLS In contrast, UEFA, Europe’s soccer Noumandiez Desire Doue of Ivory Coast, referee from New Jersey. Geiger is the body, has made stringent efforts to raise of Gambia and Djamel lone referee from the U.S. to officiate at standards, to ensure that the one thing Haimoudi of Algeria. the World Cup in Brazil.: talked about at a match in a Euro tourna- All will undoubtedly and rightly feel The winning goal in Toronto came from ment is not the referee. the scrutiny is unfair, racist even. All are a penalty awarded after a strange call from They put retired, legendary Italian ref experienced, but it’s worth noting that Geiger, who ordered the retake of a Pierluigi Collina in charge of prepping none has been a referee at World Cup Revolution corner kick. “It was a retaken refs for Euro 2012 in Poland/Ukraine and before this one. We never know who will corner kick, which I’ve never seen in my there were very few issues.: be the referee until just before a World life,” Nelsen said at the time.: Well, there was one, and it underlines Cup match. And we never know when the Imagine that happening at the World the increasing pressure and focus on refs. mistake is coming, when it’s time for that Cup – a seemingly nutty decision, some- Some refs are stars, some make money as decision which you’ve never seen in your thing that players and managers claim pundits when they retire. Graham Poll, life before. If it happens in Toronto, it can never to have seen. the retired English ref, wrote about the happen in Brazil. It’s happened before and will happen refereeing at Euro 2012 for the Daily Mail again. The referees can be the forgotten and was harsh about one man, Nicola men at big games, big tournaments. Until Rizzoli, of Italy. they make that one mistake, that single He handled the England-France match Did You Know? inexplicable call. It always happens. Come and according to Poll was lax in organiz- • Canada ranks 5th on the list of the World Cup, there’s a feeling, world- ing players in free-kick situations. Poll countries participating in the most wide, that refereeing is not what it should also wrote this: “Another aspect of number of FIFA tournaments. Who be.: Rizzoli’s display I was not impressed with says we’re not a soccer country!!! FIFA is aware, but reluctant to admit was his flamboyant gestures and dramatic major problems. For the World Cup, FIFA posture.” Rizzoli will referee at this World • The FIFA “policy” of not having still insists on appointing referees from all Cup, flamboyant gestures and all.: the President make speeches before parts of the world. In fairness, some great refs do emerge the start of the opening game of the Nice idea, but you don’t have to be a from small nations. One is Ravshan World Cup has its roots in a quasi- psychologist to know that some referees, Irmatov of Uzbekistan, considered the accident. Speaking at the 1991 CSRA from countries where soccer isn’t as best in the Asia region. He handled five Annual General Meeting, then-CSA intensely played or watched, will be games at the World Cup in 2010 without Technical Director Kevan Pipe indi- spooked by the occasion.: controversy. cated the press commended outgoing With a new eruption of match-fixing However, at the Confederations Cup in FIFA President Joao Havelange for allegations, there’s even more intense Brazil last year, he took charge of the not making a speech prior to the first scrutiny of refereeing. Brazil-Italy match and stunned everyone game of the 1990 World Cup. Dr. The only thing worse than a ref being with a grave mistake. Italy’s Mario Havelange indicated it was “FIFA’s accused of incompetence is the accusation Balotelli was fouled by a Brazilian new policy,” which further impressed that the ref is crooked.: defender, Irmatov pointed to the penalty the media attending the press confer- A key part of the match-fixing investi- spot and blew his whistle. ence. Little did the members of the gation by Declan Hill and Jeré Longman But the ball kept moving and two sec- media know the real story. Havelange's for The New York Times (concentrating onds later the Italian Chiellini poked it car was stuck in traffic. The organizers on suggestions that international exhibi- into the Brazil goal. Irmatov changed his bit the bullet and decided to start the tions held in South Africa were fixed by a mind, and awarded the goal, to the amaze- game without him being there! referee from Niger) is the charge that ref- ment of Brazil. He’d played the advantage erees from small or impoverished coun- rule, forgetting that on blowing the whistle • FIFA Director of Finance Markus tries are vulnerable to financial induce- he could no longer allow that.: Kattner mentioned the association ment: “Many national soccer federations Afterward, Irmatov promptly admitted made a profit of 53 Million Euros in with teams competing in Brazil are just as his mistake and apologized. That probably 2013. Its reserve fund stands at 1.05 vulnerable to match-fixing as South saved his status with FIFA. Billion Euros. The income for the Africa’s was: They are financially shaky, He will officiate in Brazil again at this World Cup 2014 is 3.3 Billion Euros. in administrative disarray and politically World Cup. Hopefully, he’s reread the rule divided.” book in preparation.:

June 2014 issue – Fl a g & Wh i s t l e 9 Kelly: A referee undone by the pressure in Brazil By Cathal Kelly SAO PAULO - The Globe and Mail

When Japanese referee Yuichi next few days being ground to dust by a hood that they will pay any attention to the Nishimura was announced as the head fidgety public wondering if they’re really men who keep the game reasonable.: official of the opening game of the World any good. It raises a basic question you never want Cup a few days ago, Brazil flipped its col- Croatia exposed them badly at times. asked, and you certainly never want asked lective wig. This country keeps an exten- Had they won it 2-1, we’d be calling them at this stage – are we playing on a level sive footballing enemies list. Nishimura tough minded. Instead, they were lucky. field? That is not to suggest a fix. was a recent addition, having worked the They won’t play another team of real con- It’s suggesting that even the very best quarter-final game at South Africa 2010 sequence until the knockout rounds. The referees in the world are not good enough that saw a fancied Brazil side down to 10 general keening across the country will to be trusted to do their jobs. man after a red card, succumbing meekly only get louder until then.: to the Dutch. Croatia deserved the draw. At the best That wasn’t Nishimura’s fault. What of the times, they’re the sort of team that happened in Thursday’s opening game of wears disappointments like sackcloth. Who knows the answer this tournament between the home nation History suggests they will be emotionally to this photo??? and Croatia was. It should be tied to him undone by this one.: like a professional scarlet letter. He should The game deserved better. Nishimura is never again referee at this level. only one of five officials here who worked Faced down by a country, Nishimura the previous World Cup. How could he get flinched. He allowed himself to be undone it so wrong? There is only one explana- by the pressure of the situation. tion. He’d already decided – perhaps not The closest comparison I can think of is consciously – that he owed Brazil the ben- Norwegian ref Christina Pedersen two efit of the doubt. He was overwhelmed by years ago at the London Olympics, job- the situation, and he folded up. Like bing Canada out of the chance for a gold Kovac said, it’s a shame. Nishimura is a medal. laurelled official with a long history in the In the 70th minute of a gripping 1:1 game. But he wrote the first line of his game, Brazil’s Fred backed into the goal- obituary on Thursday night.: mouth. Croatian defender Dejan Lovren Most importantly, we deserved better - was a step behind him. As Fred attempted you and I. The first half of this game was to swivel awkwardly with the ball at his more compelling than all but a half-dozen feet, Lovren foolishly put a hand on his at the tournament four years ago. This was More FIFA News shoulder. There was no pulling, but Fred’s a tone setter. It will have been the one legs shot out from under him. Nishimura game every other team in the tournament ª• English referee was in proper position. He rushed forward sat down and watched together. Early on, handed out 14 yellow cards for the immediately, pointing to the spot. they were seeing the bar rise on their own 2010 WC match between Holland and That may be a foul at midfield. Maybe. expectations.: Spain -- a record for a final. It is never one inside the box. “If that’s a By the end, they will have been reduced penalty, we don’t need to play football any to the basest calculation. If Fred can sell • 20 Cards (16 yellows and 4 reds more,” Croatian manager Niko Kovac that cheap con job to one of FIFA’s fair- were given in 2006 by Russian referee would say later, fairly vibrating with rage. haired boys, they may as well try their Valentin Ivanov in the game between “Let’s play basketball instead. It’s a own luck. The only thing worse than earn- Portugal and Holland shame.” ing a reputation as a cheat on the global Inside the Arena Corinthians, even the stage is getting beaten by someone else • More of FIFA’s financial picture: The Brazilian fans could hardly disguise their who’s willing to give it a go.: net income of this year’s World Cup is mischievous delight. They didn’t roar. On a macro level, this was the start the 1.62 billion Euros. 425 million Euros They squealed. After a simulation so tournament needed. Early on Thursday, go for bonus payments, the world cup accomplished he could find part-time work riot police and protestors were clashing winner will receive 25.8 million Euros. training pilots, Fred got up grinning. He across the country in small-scale violence. Clubs receive 125 million Euros since almost seemed abashed. There’s little point to that now – the World 2012 for their participating players; Neymar slotted the penalty. 2:1. With Cup is here. The activists’ message will be 147.7 million Euros are distributed to Croatia pressing and exhausted, Brazil drowned out for a month, unless Brazil FIFA’s 209 member countries. would tally a third in the very late going. blows it. Then it could spiral. More than in Another 590 million Euros are ear- But amongst their many man-of-the-match any previous tournament, the host country marked for development programs. candidates, Nishimura was the most influ- needed this win.: Other FIFA tournaments are financed ential. But on the micro level, this launches us with 386 million Everyone comes out of this diminished. on a terrible course. This encourages the Brazil as the host country receives a Brazil were the better team and deserved a worst sort of chicanery going forward. It bonus of 100 million Dollar, the same decisive win. Instead, they’ll spend the unsettles the herd, and reduces the likeli- as South Africa in 2010.

10 Fl a g & Wh i s t l e – June 2014 issue MLS Corner Timbers Owner up to his Old Tricks again

As tweeted by CTV reporter Perry Selkowski, Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson can be seen below “speaking his mind” to referee after the Whitecaps-Timbers MLS match in Portland earlier this month. This is not the first time that the Timbers owner has made his feelings known. As reported on MLSsoccer.com in 2012, he was fined $25,000 by the league for “inappropriate conduct directed at the officials, and through the use of social media, during and after the Timbers’ match against D.C. United on Sept 29, 2012.”

Outgoing Treasurer Ron Schaeffer (left) and VASRA President Marc Bowley.

Above: four lucky members with the match crew for the San Jose Earthquakes- Vancouver Whitecaps game on May 3rd. Left-to-right: Ernie Barnum, Chris Bradley and John Kilbank. The fourth member, Bill McNaughton is “practicing the art of not being seen” by taking the photo!

AR Louman-Gardiner Pre-game warm-up exercise during recent women’s semi-final cocentrates keeps cloase between Surrey United vs Peninsula Co-op Highlanders. (L-R) watch off-side and fouls. Katherine Louman-Gardiner, Stefan Tanaka-Freundt, MK Battle. Darren Clark at his acceptance speech.

June 2014 issue – Fl a g & Wh i s t l e 11