Referees Archives - Cal South https://calsouth.com/category/referees/ Youth and Adult Soccer in Southern California Tue, 07 Oct 2025 23:33:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://calsouth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CalSouth-CS-Star-Blue-Red-1-150x150.png Referees Archives - Cal South https://calsouth.com/category/referees/ 32 32 Happy International Referee Day to all of our referees! https://calsouth.com/international-referee-day-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=international-referee-day-2025 Sat, 11 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://calsouth.com/?p=16343 Happy International Referee Day to all of our referees! Today, we celebrate the dedicated individuals who keep the game fair, safe, and fun for everyone. We thank them for their […]

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Happy International Referee Day to all of our referees!

Today, we celebrate the dedicated individuals who keep the game fair, safe, and fun for everyone. We thank them for their service to the game and their continued commitment to growing soccer in our state and across the country.

We’re at a pivotal moment for refereeing in the United States. Working together – our leagues, clubs, coaches, admins, and referees – we’re shaping the future of “the beautiful game” — building pathways, elevating standards, and strengthening the soccer ecosystem at every level.

Great ways to celebrate International Referee Day:
  • 👉 Take a moment to thank a referee in your life today. A simple message of appreciation goes a long way.
  • If you’re inspired to become a referee, the best place to start is at https://calsouth.com/new-referees/.
  • To learn more about U.S. Soccer’s Respect the Call campaign and how to get involved, visit: https://www.ussoccer.com/rap

Happy International Referee Day to all of our referees!

#StriveGrowShine #RespectTheCall

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]]> Lee Eichenbaum & Bubba Barnett Lead Torrance CORE Course, Oct. 14, 2025 https://calsouth.com/torrance-core-oct14-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=torrance-core-oct14-2025 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 22:39:27 +0000 https://calsouth.com/?p=16290 Cal South State Director of Referee Instruction Lee Eichenbaum and Referee Coach Bubba Barnett will serve as the instructors at our CORE In-Person referee training session on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at […]

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Cal South State Director of Referee Instruction Lee Eichenbaum and Referee Coach Bubba Barnett will serve as the instructors at our CORE In-Person referee training session on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at the North Torrance High School Cafeteria in Torrance, CA from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

This month we will start using U.S. Soccer’s Practical Training Sessions in the CORE sessions. The instructors ask everyone who attends to please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for physical activity, and to also bring your Assistant Referee flag, whistle, and cards to the course.

About the CORE Program:
Center of Referee Education (CORE) [formerly known as RPD] is a program established by the Cal South State Referee Committee (SRC) which is open to all USSF-certified referees. At these sessions, top level instructors hold physical fitness, field drills, and classroom sessions.

All Cal South referees are invited to attend any of our CORE In-Person training sessions if they are seeking to fast-track their development and advancement.

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
  • Instructors: Lee Eichenbaum & Bubba Barnett
  • Location: North Torrance High School Cafeteria, 3620 W. 182nd St., Torrance, CA 90504-3935
  • Topic: U.S. Soccer’s Practical Training Sessions
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

To see the full slate of upcoming Cal South Referee Education courses, visit: https://calsouth.com/upcoming-referee-education-courses/

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]]> Cal South’s Zero Tolerance Policy​​​​​​​ Against Abuse, Assault & Racism https://calsouth.com/cal-souths-zero-tolerance-policy-against-abuse-assault-racism/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cal-souths-zero-tolerance-policy-against-abuse-assault-racism Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:01:22 +0000 https://calsouth.com/?p=16222 This fall season, the Cal South Referee Program’s Zero Tolerance Policy is in full effect across all levels of play in Southern California. Our goal is simple: to ensure that […]

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This fall season, the Cal South Referee Program’s Zero Tolerance Policy is in full effect across all levels of play in Southern California. Our goal is simple: to ensure that the youth and adult soccer game-day experience is safe, fair, and respectful for everyone—players, coaches, referees, clubs, leagues, parents, administrators, and fans.

Our Commitment

Referees have been fully empowered to eliminate:

  • Referee abuse (with particular focus on protecting youth referees)
  • Abuse between opposing teams
  • Racism or racist slurs in any context

Enforcement Steps

Step 1: Pre-game

  • Referees, coaches, and players must conduct a pre-game meeting
  • Respect and sportsmanship are expected from all participants at all times

Step 2: In-Game Incidents

If abuse or racism is clearly heard by the referee crew:

  • The offending individual(s) must be sent off, shown a red card, and removed from the vicinity before play resumes
  • Failure to comply will result in immediate match termination
  • All incidents must be reported to the league or tournament

If abuse or racism is alleged but not heard directly by the referee crew:

  1. Referees must STOP the match immediately
  2. Conduct a center-field meeting with the referee crew, team captains, and coaches
  3. Publicly acknowledge that an allegation of abuse or racism has been made
  4. Reiterate Zero Tolerance Policy approach towards abuse and racism
  5. Resume play, but remove any identified offenders.
  6. If abuse or racism continues, the referee must terminate the match
  7. Referees and coaches must file a report with the league or tournament in all such cases

Zero Tolerance in All Contexts

Abuse, assault, or racial slurs are unacceptable anywhere in our soccer community – this includes practices, sidelines, and team interactions. For example: Calling out to a teammate using a racial slur during the match, will not be tolerated. Referees may issue a red card regardless of context.

Our Shared Responsibility

Parents, coaches, administrators, referees, and fans all play a vital role in creating an environment of safety, fairness, and respect. Together, we can uphold the integrity of the game and set a positive example for the next generation.

Juan Guzman Jr., Cal South State Referee Administrator and former FIFA & MLS referee

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]]> Don’t miss Cal South Referee Night, Sept. 20th with the LA Galaxy! https://calsouth.com/cs-referee-night-sept20-galaxy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cs-referee-night-sept20-galaxy Mon, 15 Sep 2025 19:29:28 +0000 https://calsouth.com/?p=16100 Cal South referees and their families are invited this weekend to our Cal South Referee Night at the LA Galaxy game vs. FC Cincinnati on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the […]

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Cal South referees and their families are invited this weekend to our Cal South Referee Night at the LA Galaxy game vs. FC Cincinnati on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the Dignity Health Sports Park Main Stadium in Carson, CA.

Cal South is proud to partner with the LA Galaxy to present a special night honoring our referees. We welcome all Cal South referees for a fun-filled evening of professional soccer and community spirit.

Section 131 has been reserved in the lower bowl area (in blue in the map to the left) for our group for only $57-58 per ticket (plus fees).

Pregame tailgate will include food, drinks, and giveaways starting at 5:30 p.m. Kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

The first 100 referee tickets purchased will be invited to an exclusive post-game debriefing with FIFA referee Ricardo Salazar and PRO match officials!

We hope to see you all at the match… Let’s filled the stands, cheer loud for the Galaxy, and celebrate!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR REFEREE NIGHT TICKETS NOW!

If you have further questions or need more information, please contact your L.A. Galaxy representative, Lucy Trejo, at (310) 630-2268.

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]]> USSF Referee Coach Wayne Merrick Leads Torrance CORE Course, Tuesday, Sept. 9th https://calsouth.com/merrick-core-sept9-torrance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=merrick-core-sept9-torrance Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:24:35 +0000 https://calsouth.com/?p=16164 USSF Referee Coach Wayne Merrick will serve as the lead instructor at our CORE In-Person referee training session on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 in the North Torrance High School Cafeteria in Torrance, CA […]

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USSF Referee Coach Wayne Merrick will serve as the lead instructor at our CORE In-Person referee training session on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 in the North Torrance High School Cafeteria in Torrance, CA from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Instructor Bio:

  • USSF Referee Coach
  • USSF Regional Referee Emeritus
  • AYSO National Referee, National Assessor, Advanced Referee
  • Former CIF SS Director of Referee Instruction
  • NFHS Referee, Instructor and Assessor
  • USSF Referee 25+ years

About the CORE Program:

Center of Referee Education (CORE) [formerly known as RPD] is a program established by the Cal South State Referee Committee (SRC) which is open to all USSF-certified referees. At these sessions, top level instructors hold physical fitness, field drills, and classroom sessions.

All Cal South referees are invited to attend any of our CORE In-Person training sessions if they are seeking to fast-track their development and advancement.

The Details:

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
  • Guest Instructor: Wayne Merrick, USSF Referee Coach
  • Location: North Torrance High School Cafeteria, 3620 W. 182nd St., Torrance, CA 90504-3935
  • Topic: Game and Player Management

Click the button below to register…

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

To see the full slate of upcoming Cal South Referee Education courses, visit: https://calsouth.com/upcoming-referee-education-courses/

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]]> Cal South Referee Program Announces Key Points of Emphasis for Fall 2025-26 Season https://calsouth.com/2025-ref-emphasis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2025-ref-emphasis Fri, 22 Aug 2025 16:56:47 +0000 https://calsouth.com/?p=16156 ANAHEIM, CA (Friday, August 22, 2025) – The Cal South Referee Program would like the referee community of Southern California to be aware of the key points of emphasis that […]

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ANAHEIM, CA (Friday, August 22, 2025) – The Cal South Referee Program would like the referee community of Southern California to be aware of the key points of emphasis that they wish to concentrate on heading into the Fall 2025-2026 playing season.

1. Law Changes (2025–26):

– Goalkeeper 8-Second Rule: If a goalkeeper controls the ball with their hands for more than 8 seconds, the opposing team is awarded a corner kick.
– The new law should be applied proactively and preventively to help players and coaches adapt. For full details, visit: www.theifab.com

2. Respect Campaign:

– All referees are required to wear Respect Armbands as a symbol of zero tolerance for universal abuse, racism, or mistreatment of any kind.
– Youth referees (under 18) must wear green respect armbands and green 2026 US Soccer Referee Badge to be identified as minors (no contact policy).
– Teams/spectators must refrain from questions or argue with youth referees.
– Assignors are responsible for protecting the pool of youth referees and should assign them appropriately.

3. U.S. Soccer Referee Abuse Prevention Policy:

– This policy addresses both non-physical and physical offenses against referees.
– Sanctions may include 2–10 match suspensions, up to lifetime bans.
– For the full policy, visit: https://www.ussoccer.com/rap

4. Pre-game Conferences:

– Conduct a brief meeting with coaches and captains before kickoff.
– Emphasize sportsmanship, positive behavior, and respect for all participants.
– Acknowledge that mistakes can happen for players, coaches, and referees. They are part of the game… get on with it.

5. State Referee Committee Message:

Enjoy the game and remember to smile! Your positive attitude, energy, and professionalism contribute to creating safe and enjoyable environments. We wish you good health and a great 2025-26 fall season!

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]]> Únase a nuestros seminarios web en línea “Prevención del abuso de árbitros”, el 22 de Agosto https://calsouth.com/seminarios-web-prevencion-del-abuso-de-arbitros/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=seminarios-web-prevencion-del-abuso-de-arbitros Tue, 19 Aug 2025 18:45:22 +0000 https://calsouth.com/?p=16084 Mejorar la comunicación y el entendimiento entre las comunidades de fútbol y árbitros es la única manera de mejorar tanto la calidad de los árbitros como el comportamiento de los […]

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Mejorar la comunicación y el entendimiento entre las comunidades de fútbol y árbitros es la única manera de mejorar tanto la calidad de los árbitros como el comportamiento de los entrenadores y los padres.

Con ese fin, realizaremos un par de reuniones informativas sobre políticas de “Prevención del abuso de árbitros“ en español a través de una reunión de Zoom el Viernes 15 de Agosto y el Viernes 22 de Agosto para todos los entrenadores, gerentes y padres del sur de California que estén interesados en aprender más sobre este problema tan oportuno e importante.

Cuando: Viernes 15 de Agosto y Viernes 22 de Agosto
Dónde: Reunión en línea a través de Zoom
Tiempo: 7:00 p.m.
Registro de zoom: https://calsouth.com/rapp_esp_aug

El 95% de nuestros árbitros son jugadores, entrenadores o padres de futbolistas, actuales o retirados. Nuestros futuros árbitros probablemente provengan de tu equipo o club.

Los árbitros NO están interesados en penalizar a entrenadores, jugadores o espectadores; estamos interesados en la seguridad, la equidad y el disfrute de todos.

Si estás interesado en obtener una mejor comprensión y ser parte de la solución, estás invitado a asistir.

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA REGISTRARSE

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]]> RSVP now for our online Zoom meeting: “Referee Abuse Prevention” this Wednesday, August 13, 2025 https://calsouth.com/rsvp-referee-abuse-zoom-aug13/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rsvp-referee-abuse-zoom-aug13 Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:48:59 +0000 https://calsouth.com/?p=16070 Improved communication and understanding between the soccer and referee communities is the only way to improve both the quality of the referees as well as the behavior from coaches and […]

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Improved communication and understanding between the soccer and referee communities is the only way to improve both the quality of the referees as well as the behavior from coaches and parents.

To that end, this Wednesday, August 13, we are holding a Referee Abuse Prevention Policy briefing via Zoom meeting for any of Southern California’s coaches, managers and parents who are interested in learning more about this most timely and important problem.

When: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Where: Online via Zoom meeting
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Zoom Registration: https://calsouth.com/rapp-aug13

95% of our referees are current or former players, coaches or soccer parents. Our future referees will likely come from your team or club.

Referees are NOT interested in penalizing coaches, players or spectators; we are interested in safety, fairness and enjoyment for all.

If you are interested in gaining a better understanding and being part of the solution, you are invited to attend.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP NOW

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]]> Thomas Bobadilla Leads Referee CORE Session on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025 in Torrance https://calsouth.com/bobadilla-core-aug12-torrance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bobadilla-core-aug12-torrance Wed, 30 Jul 2025 17:05:09 +0000 https://calsouth.com/?p=16039 Former FIFA & MLS assistant referee Thomas Bobadilla will serve as the lead instructor at our CORE In-Person referee training session on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at North High School, Torrance, CA from 7:00-9:00 […]

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Former FIFA & MLS assistant referee Thomas Bobadilla will serve as the lead instructor at our CORE In-Person referee training session on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at North High School, Torrance, CA from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Instructor Bio:
Thomas Bobadilla has held many positions during his officiating career, including many games as an Assistant Referee with FIFA and MLS. He formerly served as a member of the U.S. Soccer Referee Committee and as AYSO’s National Referee Program Administrator. Currently a National Referee Coach, Thomas considers himself a “Friend to the Referees”.

About the CORE Program:
Center of Referee Education (CORE) [formerly known as RPD] is a program established by the Cal South State Referee Committee (SRC) which is open to all USSF-certified referees. At these sessions, top level instructors hold physical fitness, field drills, and classroom sessions.

All Cal South referees are invited to attend any of our CORE In-Person training sessions if they are seeking to fast-track their development and advancement.

Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: North High School, 3620 W. 182nd St., Torrance, CA 90504-3935
Guest Instructor: Thomas Bobadilla, former FIFA & MLS Assistant Referee

Click the button below to register…

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

To see the full slate of upcoming Cal South Referee Education courses, please visit: https://calsouth.com/upcoming-referee-education-courses/

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]]> RSVP for Our LIVE Cal South Referee Educational Webinar, Wednesday, July 16, 7–8:30 p.m. https://calsouth.com/ref-web-jul16-lotg/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ref-web-jul16-lotg Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:04:35 +0000 https://calsouth.com/?p=15980 Join us for our live Referee Educational Webinar, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 7:00–8:30 p.m. Our special topic this month will be a review of the recent rule changes to the 2025/2026 Laws […]

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Join us for our live Referee Educational Webinar, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 7:00–8:30 p.m. Our special topic this month will be a review of the recent rule changes to the 2025/2026 Laws of the Game.

All referees should be aware of these changes and do their part in keeping current on the latest officiating information. Of utmost importance during this webinar will be a focus on the four key Law of the Game changes this year… 

DETAILS:
  • When: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – 7:00-8:30 p.m. – RSVP below
  • Topic: 2025/2025 Law of the Game Rule Changes
CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR THIS WEBINAR

This webinar will be recorded and provided later on the Cal South Referee In-Service Training page for any re-certifying referee unable to participate to the live event. To see our full archive of past Referee Webinars, click here.

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