A Note from Denise Duran, State Director of Instruction regarding 2017 Instruction Program
The 2017 registration year is upon us and it will be a great year for the Colorado Instruction Program. The groundwork and early planning for many programs and events are in the works. This is the first of many updates to come as we work to build a solid program for Colorado. There is much to do -
“We are building a house, and right now we are just digging the basement.”
Important Updates, information and dates for planning -
2016/2017 Laws of the Game
I am sure that you are all aware of the Revisions to the Laws of the Game. It is important as instructors to be current on the updates - be sure you are reading and studying the 2016/2017 Laws of the Game released by IFAB.
Bookmark TheIFAB.com, review, download and study the revisions to the Laws. Courses and materials from U.S. Soccer are updated.
Updates from CSA regarding the fall youth league rules of competition are coming. More small sided soccer will be implemented, along with that some modifications for the youth games - more information to come.
Entry Level Grade 8 Instruction
For 2017 we will launch the restructured entry level Referee (Grade 8) course to better prepare the new referee for their job! The course structure has been in the final planning stages and has been put to the test on the field with significant positive feedback from new referees, clubs, coaches and instructors. Everyone is excited about the direction we are taking with referee training.
The Grade 8 Referee Course will consist of three sections: online modules, field session & classroom session.
Step 1: Future referees will complete the Grade 8 online training modules at U.S. Soccer
Step 2: Only after completion of the online modules the participant will register to attend a 5 hour field session. The field session is critical to the success of the new referees. Field sessions will be in conjunction with team scrimmages and games.
Step 3: Classroom session - 4 hrs. Written test & review, game reporting, and the Colorado module to provide specifics about being a referee in CO.
As instructors you will be leading the on-field sessions and classroom sessions. The instruction is fun, interactive and provides the future referees “hands on” training for their job.
In preparation for the field and classroom sessions, instructors need to attend & participate in an upcoming course; you are encouraged to do so at any of the courses. Field Session dates/locations & Classroom Session dates/locations are being updated now.
Opportunities are posted - Just as the new grade 8 referees you can attend any field & class session that works for you. Register in CRA Group 1279 in your instructor identity.
Instructors who have been a part of the recent grade 8 courses in the new format will be a part of helping all instructors understand the new class structure. Communication to the CO clubs/leagues regarding the new class structure will be sent this week.
Additional July course dates are being posted, updates will be visible at coreferees.gameofficials.net as updated. All instructors will need to participate in a new grade 8 course as early in 2017 as possible. This is mandatory for your 2017 instructor re-certification, and before leading new classes.
Plans are in the works for dates in the mountains & west slope, northern & southern areas. Of course, you are welcome for any of the courses planned if you are traveling.
Colorado will be divided into additional districts to better plan for courses & education. Instructors & mentors will be invited to the program in all areas of Colorado to help in the growth of our Colorado program.
This is just the start of many events & plans moving forward, and each of you will be important to the success across Colorado. I am excited about the new format for entry instruction, several of the instructors have been a part of “testing” the program and look forward to the new courses. It will be great to get everyone trained on the format and move forward! This is just the start of many great things in 2017 registration year.
More information to come frequently, instructor sign up for participation in the July courses is posted. Of course you can provide instructor availability in GameOfficials.net for posted dates as well.