by Erin Doran (Snohomish TOPSoccer, Washington)
The Snohomish TOPSoccer Program (Washington State Youth Soccer Association) is jumping into the spring 2003 season with a pilot program intent upon training the art of refereeing. US Youth Soccer’s TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) program is a community-based program for young athletes with special needs. Now in our fourth year in Snohomish, we felt our players might enjoy participating in another aspect of the game.
Our goals for the program include furthering the development of confidence and responsibility in our youth, providing experience with refereeing and offering an opportunity for modest income generation.
It is our hope that after a few seasons at TOPS, some of our TOPSoccer referees may be able to complete the licensing clinic and exam necessary to transition onto the regular fields. We have seen the need for referees, especially those to work the sidelines, during both the regular fall and tournament seasons in typical programs; and believe that this is a terrific potential source of teen employment. There is nothing wrong with earning a little money while enjoying a sport one loves.
We are especially appreciative of Dan Anderson of the North Chapter Soccer Referee Association for putting out our plea for equipment and to Rick Houser of the Whistle Line.
In addition, four referee associations from different counties began an equipment drive. Thanks to the North Chapter Soccer Referee Association, the East King County Referee Association, the Pierce County Referee Association and the Skagit County Referee Association for their generous support.
Michelle Bogué taught the clinic. Michelle is one of the founding board members of Snohomish TOPSoccer. As coaching coordinator, Michelle brings over 25 years experience to our Snohomish program. She has coached rec, select and several TOPSoccer teams, and has been working as a referee as well.
Jamie Doran, a senior Running Start Snohomish High School student at Everett Community College, assisted Michelle. Jamie has played for Snohomish United and currently works as a Class 8 referee. Jamie has mentored our TOPSoccer players since the program’s inception here.
Congratulations to Chris Bernardy, Alyssa Higgins, Alexander Barbe, and Gunnar Stokke. These new referees have the opportunity to work our sidelines this season
with further mentoring help. During the final games, some may move to the center to begin on field responsibilities.
Our fall season is played indoor. The physical requirements will not be as strenuous and our graduates will enjoy full referee responsibilities. By spring 2004, we expect solid on-field capabilities with 2004 graduates working the sides.
We are excited to offer this additional component of sports to our players this year! The support of the referee community has been inspiring! One of the benefits of working with a program such as TOPSoccer is the wonderful humanity and joy found in the players, the parents, the volunteers and supporters!
The Snohomish TOPSoccer program is a long standing member of the Washington State Youth Soccer Association (WSYSA) and the US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer program. Since 1966, WSYSA has played an active role within Region IV, supporting US Youth Soccer’s overall efforts to make soccer "The Game For All Kids."
If you have any questions about the Snohomish TOPSoccer program, visit www.snotops.org or email Linda Kautz at lkautz@snotops.org.
For more information about TOPSoccer programs throughout Washington State, please visit www.wsysa.com or contact Marty Torres at TOPSDirector@aol.com.
