Some of the directors of the Eastern New York Referee Program. From left to right,
Consalvo Turchi, Klaus Mueller, Enrico Romano, John Sengelaub and Felipe Russi
By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
March 10, 2014-Here we grow again! Just like the number of soccer games, the referee program serving the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and Eastern New York State Adult Soccer Association continues to grow.
A year ago, Eastern New York had 3,250 registered refs and that number has increased 31% to 4,250 today. Reasons for this large increase include the innovative leadership of the Eastern New York Referee Program, the support of both the youth and adult associations plus the large number of referee certification classes being held this winter.
“Through the support of Eastern New York Youth President Richard Christiano and State Adult President Sal Rapaglia, we have grown our referee program considerably,” commented State Referee Administrator (SRA) Enrico Romano.
After referees pass the certification class, they start at the Beginner Level officiating at their local club. Eastern New York provides mentoring and tutoring at this pivotal juncture in their careers.
Refs can move up to the Advanced Level. The nine referee districts of Eastern New York mold these refs, getting them ready for the Elite Level with the hope that some will officiate the professional leagues plus the World Cup and Olympics one day.
“Eastern New York has eight National Referees, four of whom are officiating pro games,” said State Director of Assessment Klaus Mueller. “Seven candidates are currently going for their national badge and we wish them all the best.”
For information about a referee certification course in your area, please contact SRA Romano at roma7779@aol.com
With 123,843 youth soccer players––68,587 boys and 55,256 girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 11 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Special Children. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.