Refaree's?

[saberkid]

ok, im a good refaree, and want to become certifyed ref, how would i go about doing this?


Chris

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Fence with the best die like the rest!

[Purple Fencer]

Get in touch with your division officers & ask if they're going to run a referree's clinic. They can only be taught by certain people. it's a 8 hour course, and you can take the test at the end if you're ready. You might want to download the ref's study guide from the USFA website and go over it.

There's also going to be a clinic at Nats, but I think it's in the first week. Call National & find out.

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Sam Signorelli -- Boldly going forward...'cause I can't find reverse!

[Peach]

I suspect the National Office ain't gonna be answering the phone much for the next couple of weeks--they'll all be in Sacramento. But here's the information I have.

From the letter by Sharon Everson:

The Referee Course will be given at the Summer Nationals to referee candidates on the following dates and times:

Wednesday, July 4, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 5, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

The specific location for the course will be posted at the USFA registration desk at the competition venue.

===There's a long article on the reverse of the letter by Jon Moss about "How to become a referee" Basically, as far as you're concerned, it says new referees should take the Referee Course, and take the written test from a Certified Referee Instructor (trained by the USFA, and you can ask your division who in your division is one) or an FOC Examiner. If you pass (must score 90% on the General Section and at least 90% on each weapon section) your base rating is 10; a Referee Instructor can give you a 9, and an FOC Examiner can give you higher ratings. A 1 is the highest national rating. A 5 is the lowest national rating.

You should download the Referee Study Guide and the USFA Rule Book from the USFA web site (click "Info for Members" and then "Forms")and find the answers to the study guide in the rule book before you take the test.

===There's some stuff on the FOC website which is at http://foc.usfencing.org on "How to become a referee."


I recommend that if you take the Referee Course you make sure you take it from someone who really knows their stuff. I've taken it a couple of times (after I earned my 5, actually, because I just like learning stuff) and know of another one being offered in my division, and frankly it really matters who gives it--it should be an active national referee if at all possible. Charlie Washburn gave a really good one in our division, and Charlie's one of the best.

[Peach]

Oh, yeah, and if you're going to Nationals you'll probably get encouraged to take your practical right away because they need referees badly. That means <she says cynically> you get handed a pool and some light supervision and if nobody complains they keep using you until somebody does complain.

So download that study guide because saber fencers can eat you alive. . . including me if you end up reffing the veteran women's sabre <grin>.

I never actually took a practical, oddly enough. I had taken the written test and passed it, and then just volunteered my services in Austin & Charlotte when I had some time free, and noticed recently that I had a rating.

[saberkid]

hmm, a practicle? easy **** ! i refaree really hard to ref ppl, and its in sabre too, i watch world class stuff, and i make the call myself, then watch to see what he calls it, and 9 times outa 10, im right calls; i see excelent time, i see the ENTIRE action, i dont take **** from anyone, if they give me trouble, they get a yellow card, i know most the rules, though, i'll still look them up
do you get anything out of the practicle?


Chris


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Fence with the best die like the rest!

[Stryder]

The practical is not a study opportunity. It is a test, pass or fail. What you get out of it is a referee rating. You can also get very helpful critiques if you are open to criticism.
All of the things you think you know about refereeing you probably do, but you need experience. If you listen closely to the things your examiner tells you and leave your ego at home, you will learn many things that you might need to focus on.

You will probably think you already know all of what he will talk about. But if you won't take advice, you won't get any better.

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www.geocities.com/strydermike

[Peach]

I agree with everything Stryder said. I would also add that "knowing the rules" and passing the *test* on knowing the rules are two different animals. The test is not written to evaluate "seat-of-the-pants" knowledge but to assess your knowledge of the rule book. Experienced referees argue over whether some of the answers are correct, in fact, but with study you should be able to choose the "officially" correct answers.

Confidence is good in a referee. You are to be commended. However, if the fencers and referees perceive you as arrogant when you are taking the practical you will have problems. Be willing to learn.

[edew]

Oh, and learn how to spell. Don't want to
accidentally misspell your name and give someone else your hard-earned referee's rating.