USSF Official Referee Publications (.pdf for download or open in seperate window)

Laws of The Game - 2007

Guide to Procedures - 2007

Advice to Referees - 2006 (latest available edition)

USSF Referee Game Report

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Fledgling Team On Roll

Quincy woman forms Dyablo to give neighborhood kids after-school activity

By St. Clair Murraine
Tallahassee Democrat
May 20, 2006




QUINCY - Alicia Martinez plans to get up today, as she's done every Saturday for the past two months, and drive her minivan through some of the neighborhoods in Quincy. She'll knock on doors and ring doorbells, rounding up the players for her soccer team.

Some days the job is easier than others, but she always gets the group of boys to Tallahassee on time for their matches.

''Sometimes they are not ready,” she said. “They can't find a uniform or something (but) I just say, 'Come on, come on. Let's go. ' ”

Once her players shake off the desire to sleep in on a day off from school, they're usually a load of energy. The Top of Florida developmental youth soccer league has proved to be a great outlet for the boys, who will wrap up their third season in the league with a 9 a.m. match today.

Martinez's players are a talented bunch. They've lost just once and tied one match in the 23 they've played since she formed the team. She didn't expect as much from the group of 15 boys from Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.

Martinez formed the team three years ago after hearing complaints from the boys' parents that there was nothing for them to do after school. She persuaded her husband, Daniel, to help coach the team, which is known as Dyablo.

“I don't care where they come from,” Martinez said. “I think playing the sport is the way for a better life.”

Daniel and Alicia have formed an enthusiastic team, starting with their son, Danny. He said he and his friends welcome the opportunity.

“I was at home doing a lot of lazy things,” he said.

The Martinezes' son gets no preferential treatment. Alicia Martinez applauds every great play by each player. Everyone gets her praise during practice.

The good plays are followed by “bonito” - Spanish for beautiful. She responds with, “Come on, come on. You can do it,” to the plays that weren't executed too well.

She's just as motivating on game day. When her players complain about rough tactics by their opponents, she asks her boys for their best.

“You show that you're a clean player,” she tells them. “Don't do like the others. Enjoy the game. If you're enjoying the game you're going to do the best job.”

Since the day the team was formed, the kids have shown more natural talent than they did when they tried playing basketball and baseball in recreation leagues in Quincy. They've become so dominant in the instructional league that they've had to play up to other teams in the Top of Florida program, suffering their only loss to the Rovers 17-and-under squad.

“Their skill level is very high,” said league coordinator Kamal Raddar. “We don't always see the skills and passion level that they bring to the game. Those guys grew up in a society where (soccer) is very prevalent. It's a refreshing addition that sets an example for the rest of our kids that really want to play the game.”

During the team's two practices during the week, it's easy to spot the more talented ones. But not one of them considers himself a superstar.

“We all know that we have to touch the ball,'' said Danny Martinez. “We all have to talk to each other. Nobody here is selfish. We share the ball.”

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Dyablo also played the 2005/2006 Season in Quincy Men's League Divison II
Daniel Martinez is a USSF Referee and NFRA Member

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Ed True Retires as DRA

Dr. Ed True, after 20+ years of Service, is resigning as District Referee Administrator (DRA) for Florida State Referees (FSR), Area D - District 4 (D4).

We owe Ed a great debt of gratitude for his dedication to Soccer in this Region. As an Administrator he spent countless hours working 'invisibly behind the scenes.' And as a Mentor he helped many, many Referees grow in The Game with his Example, Skills, and Understanding.

He's now off to travel extensively and enjoy his Retirement. We'll miss you Ed, and wish you The Best ... Thank You Sir



Welcome New DRA - Steve Burroughs

Steve Burroughs also has a long dedication to Soccer in North Florida. As a Player, Soccer-Dad-Coach, and Referee - Steve's earned Great Respect with his Example, Skills, and Understanding. Now he volunteers to be DRA, and looks forward to helping everyone achieve their Goals for Soccer.

Steve, Thank You Sir for Your Service

Contact:
Steve Burroughs    sjjkburr@comcast.net    893-0680
District Referee Administrator (DRA), Area D - District 4 (D4)


Posted in 2005

NFRA Referee Honored at Youth Banquet
10 May 2005
 
North Florida Referees Association founding member and President Marc Taps was honored this day at the first annual Tallahassee United Futbol Club Banquet to comemmorate the end of the 2004-2005 season.  Taps was given the first ever "Community Referee of the Year" award given to the soccer official who has given the most back to the Tallahassee soccer community and the city as a whole.  "Taps," as he is often called, was the founder of the NFRA and has been its president for over twenty years. The USSF Grade 15 State Referee Emeritus has also been refereeing in the area for well over twenty-five years at all levels including high school and college.  He was introduced and presented with a plaque by TUFC Director of Coaching and Warner Soccer founder Andrew Warner during the dinner services which were held at the Tallahassee/Leon County Civic Center.
 
The event also served to honour all the players, coaches and staff of Tallahassee United Futbol Club and also had a special ceremony for all the high school seniors that were leaving the club upon graduating high school.
 
Marc is an attorney for Legal Services of North Florida, a firm who provides legal council for persons who cannot afford the cost otherwise.                              
 
-Submitted by Stefan McHardy