NWSL 2013

1. NWSL 2013 Officials webinar

2. Welcome • PRO General Manager – Peter Walton • Women’s Ref-coach/NWSL Assignor – Sandra Serafini • PRO website – all NWSL-related documents • Inaugural season NWSL 2013 • 8 teams, National footprint • International Players (US, CAN, MEX) • U.S. Soccer front office, GameOfficials for assignments • Pool of NWSL officials: • Referees + Travel ARs • Regional Officials • Local ARs/4ths

3. Games • 84 regular-season games • 3 post-season games (no All-Star match) • Exhibition games • Cross-over with • other PRO leagues (Alan Brown), semi-pro (LACs) • some Zone 2 events • Qualification for games: • Attend an RTS • Pass the National fitness test

4. Expectations -- Professionalism • Professional, face-forward head shot on GameOfficials • USSF polo or Coat/tie • Current contact information • Email addresses • incorporate name (jane.doe@xmail.com) • visible to PRO & USSF staff, some team officials

5. Expectations -- Professionalism • Keep your calendar up to date • NWSL is priority assignment over non-professional matches, BUT: • If conflict with LAC assignment or major tournament, call/email Serafini • If injured, ill, or family/work issues, call/email to protect you and game integrity • Big picture, long-term view

6. Expectations -- Professionalism • TV, Video, Live Streaming • Decisions are viewed by public • Communication on & off field • Verbal + written + body language • Public view, cameras, with/without knowledge • Social media – Public view of your posts, pictures by teams, fans, media, league • Do not construe bias, favoritism • Perception = Reality • Representing U.S. Soccer, PRO, assignor, officiating, yourself – elevate the image of each one at every opportunity

7. Assignments • Preseason & Exhibition matches vs unaffiliated teams on ArbiterSports • Preseason & Exhibition matches vs affiliated teams on GameOfficials • College team host through college assignor • Regular season -- released via GameOfficials every Thursday at 7pm for matches 3 weeks out

8. Assessments • All matches -- National Assessors • Some assessors may carpool with officials • Posted in GameOfficials • Month in Review with officials via webinar • Performances  assignments • Opportunities to advance • Local  Regional • Regional  National • Part of development path to MLS & FIFA

9. Guidelines Match Acceptance • If driving <60 miles, accept/decline match within 24 hours • If driving >60 miles (rental car) or flying, contact Travel Agent within 24 hours and accept match after travel is approved • Rental cars with carpool for > 60 miles drive

10. Travel Agent • Sportscorp Travel • Phone: 905-857-8599 • Fax: 905-951-0433After-Hours: 905-857-8588 Bernard Samuel bsamuel@sportscorp.com Direct Line: 905-499-3028 Jackie Ashton jashton@sportscorp.com Direct Line: 905-499-2052

11. Flights • Contact Sportscorp agent within 24 hrs • Use travel website farewatch feature, can suggest alternative itinerary if ≤ cost • Frequent fliers – can specify airline if ≤ cost or if you cover the difference with own CC (not a reimburseable expense)

12. Hotels • Booked either by home team or Sportscorp, no upfront cost to official • Sportscorp bookings include airport shuttle, breakfast, and internet at no extra cost • Team bookings include airport shuttle • Notify Serafini if at same hotel as visiting team • Use CC for check-in and incidentals

13. Ground Transportation • Limited budget, diligence • Assignments made with carpools in mind • Target of $35 max per official, airport parking, tolls, $0.565/mile • If driving over 60 miles from venue, rental car likely better option • Contact Sportscorp for preferred rate with National Rent-a-Car • Also research websites for lower cost • Driver must be 25 or older with CC, expense out

14. Per Diem • $50 max • Pro-rated by time increments • (1-8 hrs. = $10.00; 9-16 hrs. = $25.00; 17-24+ hrs. = $50.00)

15. Expense Reports • Available on PRO website • KEEP ALL RECEIPTS – req’d for reimbursement • Scan & email to John Loderat PRO • johnloderexpense@proreferees.com • One report per match • Note pay period deadlines 17th & 2nd • No game fees on expense report – autopay by GoPay

16. Game Fees • Paid via GoPay on GameOfficials • Done automatically – linked to assignments

17. Game Notices • Sent by Lindsey Gamrod • Referee must contact crew within 24 hrs of receiving game notice • Review all colors to avoid conflict • Teams, goalkeepers, officials • Review for accuracy • Itinerary, hotel, transportation, contact info

18. Game Day • Arrival = 2 hours prior to kickoff • Do pregame before stadium arrival whenever possible • Attire = Dress Blues • Blue Blazer • Shirt/tie (men), shirt or blouse (women) • Grey slacks, dress shoes • Can wear polo under blazer for departure • No warm-ups to or from the match

19. Uniforms • OSI, button-up jerseys, latest style • Match jersey sleeve-length and socks • Black shoes • Avoid warm-up with “USA” on back • Black OSI or Nike t-shirt for warm-up • Avoid “Skittles”, try to match each other for off-field attire if possible

20. Rules of Competition • See Ops Manual for full details • 3 substitutions from 7 named substitutes • Max 16 on bench • 9 players (7 named subs, 2 non-playing) • 7 non-players (coaches, medical staff, etc.) • No Owners, GMs, other executives unless on player roster or as recognized coach

21. Match Reports and Self-Evals • Hard copy at venue, use CAPITAL BLOCK LETTERS and Black Ink for Match & Competition Incident Reports • Referees must complete the Referee Checklist • Electronic match report in GameOfficials within 24 hrs • Call Serafini immediately post-match for major incidents (RCs, ++Inj, Bnch Dis, Asslt, SpctInc) • All officials must complete self-evaluation • Within one week of match • Base on video review

22. Priorities • Priority #1 is to get the play right • Critical incidents • Penalty area decisions (calls and no-calls) • DOGSO • Sending off offenses, especially SFP and VC • Offside decisions • Goals scored and goals disallowed • 2nd cautions • Linked back to 1st cautions given or not given

23. Have a great season!