Goal & Field Safety Reminder
Posted: 4/13/2009

As we progress further into spring and the start of the new soccer season, please remind your coaches and referees to inspect, BEFORE EVERY PRACTICE, TRAINING ACTIVITY, AND GAME (1) all goal posts and nets for safety, that they are properly anchored and secured, and (2) the field and areas around the field that is being used. For further information, please see the US Youth Soccer website, http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/news/story.asp?story_id=619, or that of your State Association.

Thanks and have a great season!

Jim Cosgrove, US Youth Soccer

Margaret Domka Appointed to FIFA Panel
Posted: 1/12/2009

The Wisconsin Program for Referee Development is pleased to announce that Margaret Domka, has been appointed to the FIFA Panel of International Referees. She joins only three other women from the USA on the international list and is eligible to referee international soccer matches. Marge began officiating soccer over 15 years ago. She started much like the rest of us, working a few youth tournaments every summer. While at one of the tournaments, Randy Davis, her local mentor and assessor, asked her to consider attending the Wisconsin Youth State Cup.

Margaret has represented both Wisconsin and US Soccer in the most professional manner while demonstrating a willingness to help assignors cover games without hesitation, no matter the age level or competition. She has successfully mentored youth referees at local and regional level competitions. Margaret also serves as a referee instructor, training brand new referees on how to officiate soccer. She teaches courses in both English and Spanish. As a referee, Margaret does not bring attention to herself, or attention to the “Big Games” that she has done, or where she has traveled to do games. She proudly lets her performance speak for itself, and is meek and humble when she is congratulated for officiating some very high level matches. Margaret has earned the respect of her fellow referees, assignors, administrators, coaches, and most importantly, the players that she has had the pleasure of refereeing.

Please continue your support of Marge’s efforts as she provides to the rest of the world her service to the game in the most professional manner, developed back here level in Wisconsin.

Thank You Jonathan Meersman!
Posted: 12/1/2008

Just 8 short years ago a young man, with a great deal of potential as a referee, stepped forward to accept the position of State Director of Instruction for the state of Wisconsin. What emerged then was the growth of the State Referee Committee into a viable program for the referees registering here. But more important was the growth of our Instruction program into one envied by many other states nationwide. Consistent, updated referee training methods utilizing current technology quickly realized growth in numbers, as well as retention, which increased individual opportunity for development of individuals to a higher level.

Jonathan’s innovative methods brought consistency from the classroom to the playing field – new wave instruction – Instructors and Assessors meeting annually together in the same room. Mentoring started with Instructors and was reinforced on the field by Assessors, again bringing recognition from the National Referee Program who initiated this format in many other states as well as regionally. Development of our web site as an assistant to all those that served as an Instructor, Assessor, Assignor, Referee, or anyone interested in the game that was looking for information. Jonathan is WISREF, a teacher, a father, a husband, and a friend. He steps aside now as SDI and Referee to enjoy the game from a different prospective – a fan. All your referee friends will miss you, but will not forget all you have done for all of us. The Wisconsin Referee Development Program wishes you and your family all the best and send you our unending gratitude for all your efforts.

Posted by: Joe Krzyzaniak, State Referee Administrator