USA Floorball Adds More Referees To Its Ranks

Colorado Springs, CO, USA. - This past weekend, half a dozen recently minted Level One referees got their first taste of officiating tournament level floorball as part of the Rocky Mountain State Games Floorball Tournament, which consisted of separate youth and adult divisions.  Only days before, several members of the Discover Floorball family participated in (and passed) a beginner referee clinic led by USA Floorball Director of Referees, Vince Faso, who was in charge of the tournament's officiating.  "In order to see the sport continue to grow in this country, clubs need to prioritize officiating, find those dedicated individuals willing to take on the task of becoming referees, and then get them trained," says Vince. "With these new refs, the floorball program in Colorado Springs is poised to continue to grow their already impressive base of both youth and adult players."

The Level One referees who participated in the RMSG tournament were: Josh Winder, Scott Lange, Richard Hedlind, Doug Kimball, Jyri Koivisto, and Kelli Baptist.  The tournament also benefited from the participation of Brian Radichel, experienced Level Two referee from Texas who, along with Vince Faso, called most of the games in the adult tournament.

For more information on floorball in Colorado Springs, contact Richard Hedlind: rhedlind@gmail.com.

[Above Left:  Scott Lange, Trent Kling, Kelli Baptist, and Richard Hedlind taking the Level One Referee Test]

[Above Right: Newly certified referee Scott Lange is in perfect position to call a goal during a game in the Rocky Mountain Stage Games Floorball Tournament]

To set up a referee clinic for your club contact Vince Faso: vince@usfba.org

Referees are an important part of floorball. USA Floorball is committed to helping raise the quality and training of officiating in the United States, and offer any assistance that local clubs need. Here are some suggestions from USA Floorball concerning referees at the local club level:

During Pick-Up games:

Encourage all players to learn the rules of the game. Raise the level of play by occasionally having pickup games refereed by those who looking to become USA Floorball Referees. Playing floorball with referees is especially helpful for newer players before their first tournament or league game.

During Leagues:

If your club has a league than you understand how valuable referees are. Your club should have dedicated referees who are not also players, and are a mix of Level One and Level Two Referees according to the guidelines below.

All referees shall compensated appropriately. Options include per game, per week, or a seasonal stipend. Every league's financial situation is different but the amount should be enough to cover any transportation and should make the official feel that their time is valued. Some examples $10/game; $20/week; $200/season.

It also important to include a director of officials (or some similar title) in the league's organizational structure. This person/people will be responsible for scheduling, payment, evaluation, overall league discipline.

Tournaments:

Each game within a USA Floorball sanctioned tournament should have referees that have been trained by USA Floorball, The IFF, or another international floorball association. Sanctioned tournaments shall have dedicated referees who are not participating in the same event as a player* **.

How many dedicated referees should you have? Three is an ideal number that allows consistency, as well as adequate breaks. (An exhausted referee is an ineffective referee.)

Tournament organizers show their respect and support for their officials by paying a respectable amount per game of at least $10/game or $100-$150/day.

* A Level One Referee or a Rookie Referee with very little experience is allowed to officiate a game provided that the second official is a Level Two Referee or higher.

** USA Floorball Tournaments are required to have an official/organizer who is not a player to handle and oversee scheduling, communication with team captains and venue contacts.

Tools

• Basic Referee Material
• Quick Overview of Basic Rules
• Rules of the Game Edition 2018
• 2018 Rule Changes

Level 1 Referees

A beginning referee who has completed at least one (1) referee development course and passed the Level 1 Referee Test is classified as a Level 1 Referee.

• A Level 1 Referee may officiate games on a recreation or youth level either in a league or tournament. They may officiate a higher level game alongside a higher level referee (2 or above)
• Level 1 Referees are expected to read and be familiar with the official Floorball Rulebook
• Level 1 Referees shall be compensated for their work/time by club or tournament organizers.

To access the Level 1 Referee Test, or to inquire about referee development materials and courses, email Vince Faso, USA Floorball Director of Referees: vince@usfba.org

Current USA Floorball Level ONE Referees

Level 2 Referees

Requirements for becoming a Level 2 Referee:

• Officiate a minimum 20 games as a Level 1 Referee
• Participate in at least one advanced referee training course
• Be observed by a USA Floorball referee observer (using the Referee Observer's Report)
• Pass the USA Floorball Level 2 Referee exam

Current USA Floorball Level TWO Referees:

Upon reaching Level 2 status, a USA Floorball referee uniform will be available for purchase at a discounted rate.

Level 2 Referees are entitled to compensation for their work by the club or tournament organizers and may be granted to authority to train beginner or level one referees.

To maintain status as a certified Level 2 Referee:

• Officiate a minimum 20 games per calendar year
• Participate in at least one referee training course per year

It is the responsibility of USA Floorball to assist all Referees (Levels 1 and 2) by providing opportunities to attend trainings and provide constructive observations when available.

To take the Level 2 exam, set up a time with Vince Faso, USA Floorball Director of Referees. Participants will engage in an oral examination covering various situations and must receive a score of at least 16/20.

UPCOMING REFEREE DEVELOPMENT CAMP:

Friday, 27 August in Birmingham, AL. for All Current Level 1 Referees who will be attending Nationals.

1pm - Location TBD