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Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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Referee

Coaches Are Role Models

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

Coaches are role models for the players they coach as well as their players’ parents as they receive their cue for acceptable behavior from the coach. In order to be good role models, coaches must have control of themselves and refrain from unacceptable things such as micromanaging players with constant instructions from the touchline, reacting negatively to missed shots and passes plus complaining about the officiating.

In a recent game, the coach barked constant instructions in two languages to his players while the parents on the other side also yelled sometimes contradictory instructions in the same two languages. What’s a kid to do? Try and tune out all the noise if possible and just play soccer.

Every match is an opportunity for a team to display good sportsmanship, regardless of the outcome. Yet some coaches also complain with comments on the officiating. Whether referees enforce the Zero Tolerance Policy to the letter or not, refs cannot allow any coach to constantly yell about the officiating because then the kids (and everybody else) concentrate on what is being whistled and not rather than simply playing the game.

We lose more than half our referees in their first two years of officiating with the number one reason for quitting being verbal abuse from the so-called adults in youth soccer. So please think twice before you yell at a ref.

I recently refereed two games where there were many of the same players who played back-to-back futsal games. The first match was for their school team and the second was for their club team affiliated with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). With the school team, the coach gave a couple of instructions to his players, it was not constant and he said nothing critical about the officiating. His players were calm throughout the match.

The second game with many of the same kids playing on a club team was another story. From pretty much the opening minute, the players dissented just about every decision against their squad. As they were not complaining in the previous match, could I have lost all my ability to referee going from one game to another? These same kids were now playing rough and their coach started dissenting the foul calls whistled against his team.

In the first game, we had a coach who controlled himself and his players. In the second game, we had a coach who had no control of himself and anybody who does not have control of himself has no control of his players.

As the Spring Season and State Cup are about to kick off, which type of coach do you want to be?

US Soccer Introduces a Much Stronger Policy to Prevent Referee Abuse

Click here for the information.

Refs Wanted

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

February 11, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is seeking new referees in the middle and assistant referees on the line due to the growth of its programs.

Society, including soccer, stopped five years ago due to Covid. When soccer resumed in August 2020, all the players enthusiatically came back, the referees not so much. But thousands of referees have become certified in Eastern New York since then. 

3,500 referees are now registered in Eastern New York, which State Referee Administrator Joe Brosi said is a “healthy number,” and they handled 80,000 assignments in 2024.

Brosi added, “I strongly encourage everybody to join a referee group. But don’t just pay a membership fee, show up at their meetings.”

Kambiz Riazi in black and Victor Borges in red instructing referees at the HB Thompson Middle School in Syosset

Certification and recertification classes are now taking place throughout Eastern New York. Focuses include control the controllable, such as dressing appropriately and arriving at least 30 minutes before kick-off. Recent recertification classes have discussed handball, which is now over 300 words in the rules and the wording has changed six times in the past seven years in an effort to make soccer fairer. But all the verbiage has also made soccer more complicated.

The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. For information on becoming a referee or assistant referee, click here. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org or newref@enysreferee.org

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and 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 10 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 Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Soccer Referees Wanted

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

February 11, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is seeking new referees in the middle and assistant referees on the line due to the growth of its programs.

Society, including soccer, stopped five years ago due to Covid. When soccer resumed in August 2020, all the players enthusiatically came back, the referees not so much. But thousands of referees have become certified in Eastern New York since then. 

3,500 referees are now registered in Eastern New York, which State Referee Administrator Joe Brosi said is a “healthy number,” and they handled 80,000 assignments in 2024.

Brosi added, “I strongly encourage everybody to join a referee group. But don’t just pay a membership fee, show up at their meetings.”

Kambiz Riazi in black and Victor Borges in red instructing referees at the HB Thompson Middle School in Syosset

Certification and recertification classes are now taking place throughout Eastern New York. Focuses include control the controllable, such as dressing appropriately and arriving at least 30 minutes before kick-off. Recent recertification classes have discussed handball, which is now over 300 words in the rules and the wording has changed six times in the past seven years in an effort to make soccer fairer. But all the verbiage has also made soccer more complicated.

The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. For information on becoming a referee or assistant referee, click here. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org or newref@enysreferee.org

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and 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 10 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 Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Ella Biolchini Honored as Eastern New York’s Young Female Referee of the Year

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association 

February 5, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to state that Ella Biolchini has been honored as the Eastern New York Young Female Referee of the Year. The festivities took place during the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 25 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: ENYYSA President Richard Christiano, Young Female Referee of the Year Ella Biolchini, State Youth Referee Administrator Cheryl Aronson, State Referee Administrator Joe Brosi.

Ella took up the whistle in 2022 at the age of 14, the minimum age for becoming a referee. Since that time, she has blossomed into one of the most improved refs in Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL). The Mahopac resident has officiated multiple youth soccer tournaments in the Hudson Valley and was the referee for the 2023 Challenge Cup Girls-Under-10 final and 4th official for the Boys-Under-10 final. 

“Always open to receiving support through our mentoring program, we see a bright future for Ella,” stated Hudson Valley Soccer Referee Association (HVSRA) President Brian Baer.

Off the pitch, Ella participates in soccer, skiing, and track. Ella plays clarinet in symphonic band, and also plays the piano outside of school. Ella has been playing the clarinet since the fourth grade and piano since second.  She has performed in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) since sixth grade, and was in the All-County Concert for Clarinet in the 7th and 8th grades. Additionally, she volunteers for the Mahopac Friends of Music (the parent volunteer organization that supports the music program in the Mahopac Central School District), and for her school soccer team. 

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and 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 10 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 Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Parker Jackson Honored as Eastern New York’s Young Male Referee of the Year

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association 

February 4, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Parker Jackson has been honored as the Eastern New York Young Male Referee of the Year. The ceremony took place during the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet on January 25 at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: ENYYSA President Richard Christiano, Young Male Referee of the Year Parker Jackson, State Youth Referee Administrator Cheryl Aronson, State Referee Administrator Joe Brosi.

Parker joined the ranks of referee a few days after turning 14 in 2022, and since that time has developed into one of the Hudson Valley’s most improved referees. The Highland resident seeks the advice of other referees to increase his capacity as an official and has participated in a number of Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) indoor and outdoor tournaments. Recently, Parker has joined the Hudson Valley Soccer Referee Association (HVSRA) Referee Academy and HVSRA anticipates that the additional support and education will afford him greater opportunities in the future as an official. 

Despite training, playing or officiating five to seven days per week, Parker consistently maintains an A average in school. Playing soccer has been his passion and officiating has allowed him to grow as a player and as a person. He volunteers with the Highland United Soccer Club at their weekend training sessions, where he hopes to cultivate a new generation of soccer players and teach a younger generation to love the sport. Parker can also frequently be found in his backyard with his eight-year old sister, running her through soccer drills. Parker is well-liked and well-respected by peers and coaches, having been named as the team captain for two of his club teams. As a current sophomore, was recently named to the Section IX, Class B All-Class team. 

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and 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 10 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 Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Make It Your New Year’s Resolution to Become a Soccer Referee or Assistant Ref

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

December 27, 2024-The growth in programs of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has created a continuous need for more soccer referees so please consider making it your New Year’s resolution to become certified. There will be certification classes held in 2025 throughout Eastern New York.

There are many wonderful things that happen when a person starts to ref including earning money, learning to manage people, learning more about the game, staying or becoming fit, expanding yourself by leaving your comfort zone as well as meeting the greatest people on soccer fields, including your new officiating colleagues. Becoming a youth soccer ref could be one of the best decisions you ever make!

Courtesy of the Long Island Soccer Referees Association

Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games throughout the state. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. You manage your availability so officiating works with all the rest that you do!

For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org 

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and 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 10 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 Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Courtesy of the Massapequa Soccer Club

Carl Whyte and Diana Mojica Honored By the New York Soccer Referee Association

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

December 5, 2024-The New York Soccer Referee Association (NYSRA) is by far the oldest referee group in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) as it was founded 86 years ago in 1938. NYSRA held its holiday party on November 21 at the Ukrainian Sport Club in Manhattan.

Carl Whyte (in red sweater) received Lifetime Membership, NYSRA’s version of the Lifetime Achievement Award, from NYSRA President Kambiz Riazi. Whyte became a referee in 1991 at the age of 41, upgraded to Regional Referee in 1995 and during the 1994 World Cup, he chaperoned the Italian and Spanish national teams.

Diana Mojica (on right in bottom photo) received the New Referee Award from NYSRA Vice President Harris Rasheed. 25% of NYSRA officials started in the past two years and Mojica, in particular, has applied and immersed herself in the game.

The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), which is five years older than the NYSRA, graciously helped pay for the dinner once again this year.

Would you like to join Carl and Diana as a soccer referee? Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games throughout the state. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. The certification class consists of both online and classroom learning. 

For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and 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 10 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 Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Allan Emmanuel is Quickly Moving Up the Ref Ladder Through Natural Ability and Hard Work

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

November 3, 2024-Happy Birthday to up-and-coming referee Allan Emmanuel, who turns 25 today.

The Crown Heights resident grew up playing soccer in Haiti and moved with his family to Florida 14 years ago, then to Brooklyn the next year. He took up the whistle as a referee in September 2018.

Allan explained, “I love refereeing! I have always loved soccer and like the fact that you have to make quick decisions as a ref and that each game is different.”

Allan Emmanuel is second from the right.

Allan recently graduated as a Computer Science major at Brooklyn College and the attributes that he has learned as a referee–leading others, remaining calm at all times and that it’s about others rather than yourself–should serve him well as he launches his work career. He volunteers as Secretary of the New York Soccer Referees Association (NYSRA).

With firm game control and exquisite positioning, he’s climbed up the ladder quickly, refereeing the Youth and Adult Regionals this year and being selected to ref the Boys-Under-15 Regional Final. Allan was also chosen to referee US Youth Soccer’s Nationals in 2024 as well as officiating US Open Cup games and eight local adult championship games in the past three years. He started officiating college soccer as well this year.

“My goal is to become a MLS referee and possible FIFA referee one day,” he added.

Would you like to join Allan as a soccer referee? The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games throughout the state. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. The certification class consists of both online and classroom learning. 

For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and 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 10 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 Children With Special Needs. 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/

Becoming a Ref Could Be One of the Best Decisions You Ever Make

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

September 17, 2024-The growth of the membership and programs of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has created a continuous need for more soccer referees and assistant refs so please consider becoming certified. There are certification classes held throughout Eastern New York.

There are many wonderful things that happen when a person starts to ref including earning money, learning to manage people, learning more about the game, staying or becoming fit, expanding yourself by leaving your comfort zone as well as meeting the greatest people on soccer fields, including your new officiating colleagues. Many become officials as a way to stay involved with the Beautiful Game as their playing, coaching or soccer parenting career is coming to an end. Becoming a youth soccer ref could be one of the best decisions you ever make!

Photo courtesy of the Massapequa Soccer Club

Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games throughout the state. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. The certification class consists of both online and classroom learning. 

For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and 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 10 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 Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

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