What Are Our Goals?
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Help novice officials acquire the knowledge, techniques, skills and confidence that they need to develop as referees;
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Improve the quality of the “product” we provide to leagues, clubs, coaches, players, and parents
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Promote consistent understanding and application of the Laws of the Game, NRDP Points of Emphasis, and related procedures
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Develop a pool of referees from Nebraska who are more competitive at the regional and National level
How Does the Academy Work?
In its current configuration and in its infancy, the Nebraska Referee Academy is limited to twelve young referees (ten in Omaha, two in Lincoln), ages twelve to seventeen, all of whom have a sincere desire to advance, are eager to learn, willing to accept feedback, and prepared to make a genuine commitment to the process.
Each Academy referee is assigned two Mentors. The Mentors are some of the most experienced and respected referees and assessors in the state and have gone through specific training as to how to be a Mentor. In addition, each of these Mentors has gone through a background check through the Nebraska State Soccer Association. (visit the Our Mentors page to view their profiles).
The Academy referee and his/her assigned Mentors work cooperatively throughout the season to help the referee develop as an official. This includes immediate feedback after the referee’s games (both verbal and written) as well as regular communication with the referee and his/her parent(s) to answer any questions or concerns that they may have. All communication between the Mentors and the Academy referee includes the referee’s parent(s) as well.
Mentoring is a process, not a single transaction. Our hope is that the Academy referee and his/her assigned Mentors establish a relationship that extends to all facets of refereeing – not just to specific calls made during a game. The Mentors are a resource for the referee in all things relating to officiating soccer and are there to help the referee in whatever way they can.
Who We Are Looking For?
The answer is simply – young men and women who are genuinely committed to improving their skills as a soccer referee and are willing to work towards that goal. We are less concerned about how many years you have been refereeing, or how many games you have done, and are more focused on your desire to advance in this craft.
This focus is echoed in the Points of Emphasis adopted by the NRDP. The Points of Emphasis, which is a list of the factors we believe to be most important, identifies “Work Rate and Effort” as the element we deem most critical. The drive to give 100% effort, and do one’s best is essential to success. This is true not only for officiating soccer but for nearly every aspect of our lives.
The second element listed, “Attitude and Communication,” is equally as important. Individuals that wish to become involved in the Academy must have a sincere desire to learn and have a positive outlook about the process. Although the Mentors are there to help and be supportive, that task requires them to provide appropriate and constructive analysis of the referee and their performance. The ability of the referee to recognize that this feedback is given solely to help them develop as a referee, and is not a personal critique, is critical.
These are just a few of the things we look for when we are considering individuals for the Nebraska Referee Academy. If you would like to participate in this program, please contact us. We hope to hear from you.