The Utah Soccer Association will once again hold an Entry Level Referee Clinic which is specifically geared toward the membership of the Utah Soccer Association. As you know we are always looking for new referees and have found that the success rate for a new referee is higher if the referee has had playing experience, in particular at the adult level.

Although as a player you feel you still have many playing years ahead of you, we still want to encourage you to give officiating a try even if your availability is minimal. The experience gained while still playing will be valuable when the day comes when you decide that playing the game is no longer desired. Officiating gives you the opportunity to continue to participate in the sport you love and it gives you the chance to give back to the game that has served you for so many years, and let’s not forget that it also gives you the opportunity to make a bit of extra money.

The Clinic is a 12-hour course to be held on a Friday evening and all day Saturday in addition to the on-line work that will have to be completed and passed prior to the actual Clinic. The Clinic is scheduled for Friday evening, March 2 and all day Saturday, March 3, 2012. There is a $30.00 course fee which includes the referee handbook and cost of the test. Once you pass the test and you decide to register as a USSF referee, the USSF will charge $50.00 for your registration. If you have further questions, please contact Guenther at our office – phone: 801-263-8166.

The Utah Soccer Association is pleased to announce that we are planning to be one of first State Associations to host a brand new USSF/USASA Coaching Education course which is specifically designed for the adult coach, manager or player. Although similar to the current “D” and “E” License courses taught by the youth Associations, in this particular program, USASA will be offering the USASA National Coaching Licenses, Level II and Level II.
Both courses are approved and recognized by US Soccer and upon completion of the USASA National License – Level II course, successful candidates are eligible to advance to the USSF “C” License. Both licenses will contain similar content as the current “D” and “E” License courses in preparation for the USSF “C” License, however the USASA National Coaching License courses will specifically focus on adult team coaching and management. Coaching License candidates must complete the USASA National Coaching License – Level I course in order to eligible for the USASA National Coaching License – Level II course. These two License courses are not taught at the local level and are taught by USSF/USASA approved National “A” License instructors.
For those of you who currently are managing one of our teams within the State Association, we highly recommend taking these courses. Additionally any player thinking about wanting to know more about the details of the game and possibly being interested in coaching/administrating in the future should seriously consider taking the courses.

We will be hosting the USASA National Coaching License – Level I course which is tentatively planned for March 9-11, 2012. It will consist of 26 hours of education and testing to be done on Friday evening and all day Saturday & Sunday. The cost of the USASA National Coaching License Level I course is $200.00 for the participant and until the course dates are firmly set, our office will accept electronic commitments by accessing our e-mail address at utahsoccer@aol.com . There is limited space for this course to balance instructor/participant ratio, so we highly recommend that you place your reservation early, as it will be on a “first come/first served basis.” Once the dates are confirmed we will supply the proper registration information as that will be handled through the USASA National Office.

Deadline to register for this course is set for Monday, February 20, 2012. If you have further questions, please contact Bill at our office – phone: 801-263-8166.