Soccer community seeking more referees

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This article was published 18/03/2016 (3724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A key player in south Winnipeg’s soccer community says the growing popularity of the Beautiful Game in the province has kicked up the demand for new referees.

“We need more referees. It’s a problem in every province,” said Héctor Vergara, 49, the executive director of the Manitoba Soccer Association and a decorated former FIFA referee/assistant referee.

“Part of the issue is the retention of referees. It can be difficult to find individuals who enjoy refereeing, and you can’t just force people to do it. There are lots more refereeing opportunities in Canada now, as more soccer is being played at a higher level. The sport is growing here, and there are lots more adults playing the game now, as well as more younger people, too.”

This spring, the association will holding a number of clinics aimed at individuals interested in becoming new referees or those who are returning referees. These sessions include entry level (former Class 3); regional referee (former Class 2); provincial referee (former class 1); referee refresher; small sided; small sided refresher; instructor accreditation; assessor accreditation; indoor soccer; and futsal.  

Local referee Tim Kozakewich, 25, said refereeing offers numerous benefits to young people who might be looking for alternative way to become actively involved with the sport. Kozakewich has been refereeing for 10 years.

“I did it when I was young, as it was another way of getting into the game, it kept me fit and it was good pocket money,” he said.

“If a young person tried it today, it could spark a new love to want to do it more seriously, which is what happened to me.”

Kozakewich, who spent his whole life in the Greendell area of St. Vital until recently moving to River Heights, has a resume that includes officiating youth soccer in the Bonivital district, men’s soccer in the Manitoba Major Soccer League, and women’s soccer in the Winnipeg Women’s Soccer League. He will also be officiating come the outdoor season at the Waverley Soccer Complex this summer.

He said part of the appeal of refereeing is the fact that it holds different challenges and each experience is different.

“Different teams bring different things to the game and I like testing myself that way. I approach each game with a new excitement. There are different pressures depending on what league and age groups are playing, as some teams are out there just to have fun and some might have the pressure of playoffs and having to win,” Kozakewich said.

“Another challenge is when players, coaches and parents challenge calls. It happens, of course, but as an official you have to maintain a level-headedness.”  

Vergara, who lives in Whyte Ridge, said part of the recruitment issue is that teenagers are busy growing up and doing any number of different things. But he stressed there are many opportunities to move up the refereeing ladder, as well as the chance to earn some decent money.

“Many things happen between the ages of 14 and 18. Young people start to drive, they have part-time jobs, and they are involved in social activities and relationships. There’s a lot more to do at that age than there was years ago. Refereeing is not for everybody — we understand that. But there are lots of opportunities,” he said.

“You need a thick skin at the beginning, but your skills will grow and you will learn how to manage people and time, and be organized and responsible, as there are lots of administrative roles before and after the game. It teaches you important life skills and about working as a team.”

Go online at www.manitobasoccer.ca for more information or to register.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

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