Don't have a ton of time to go into a lot of detail but I passed my written exam with a 91. Due to a confusion when I registered, I had to take the 5/6 exam instead of the 7/8 exam. The system thought I was a grade 7 going for my 6 instead of an 8 going for my 7. The exam was a lot harder than I expected with a lot of questions regarding USSF Position Papers instead of strict Laws of the Game. The one I remember was a sub runs onto the field while a PK is being taken (both the kicking team and the sub are on the same team). The PK hits the sub while taking the kick and goes into the goal. After cautioning the sub for entering the field of play, what is the restart? Yeah, cause I get that a lot in my matches.
Then I also did the physical a week later and it went better than I expected. I did a little over 6.5 laps in the 12 minutes (5.5 laps was what I needed), was able to run the 200m in 30.5 seconds (40 was the limit) and the 50m in 6 seconds (9 was the limit). The 12 minute run was the most difficult because you had to keep on running no matter what, regardless if you completed your 2,200 meters prior to the 12 minutes. If you walked at any moment, you immediately failed. At least that is what the instructor said.
Now I have to do my assessment match. I have worked with my assignor to secure three possible assessment level matches and then in October I have to attend a referee upgrade seminar. To tell you the truth, I think it is just easier to be an 8. From what I have seen up to now, not worth it to go to a 7 other than personal satisfaction. But perhaps once I complete it, I will get more games that are not of the U13 girls variety (if you have read my posts before, that age group is the one I detest the most, because it is like watching paint dry).
Shoot me a comment if you are interested in taking a guess at the scenario above. I will post the answer that I was told at the recert class.
2 comments:
Striving to become a 7 does not make you a good ref. But it definitely shows a commitment to improving. The real goal should to become a 6. That way when you decide to hang up the whistle you can be a State Emeritus and use your wisdom to groom future generations that want to serve the game.
I agree. 7 just shows a level of commitment that puts you a little above an 8, but you can still be a terrible ref, just one that cares more.
Given the complications and hoops I had to jump through to become a 7, I am not sure if I will ever try to be a 6. Perhaps in a couple of years when my son hits high school or when my two oldest are both old enough to work games with me. For right now, a 7 is good enough.
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