In order to attempt to clear some of the misconceptions about this program the following is respectfully submitted.

 

“Referees strongly resent having to pay FYSA registration fees.”
 

Response:  Referees that officiate high school or college games must also pay registration fees other than their USSF fees to those associations,  and most also pay a fee to a local referee association.  The high school fee with FHSAA is currently $27.00 per year for a limited season. The FYSA season runs year round with many times the number of games at all age levels.

 

“Referees do not care to pay additional registration fees for completely ludicrous reasons to FYSA.” 
 

Response:  Since when is the protection of children a “ludicrous” reason?  Referees belong to the same pool of people  as the general population.  There are good people, thankfully the majority, and a few bad ones, unfortunately.  The bad ones have found that youth sports is a virtual “cafeteria” to prey upon.  For your information, from the first batch run, we have found three referees who have had arrests for conduct that could possibly be considered a danger to children.

 

"The logic that referees when around children they are also around “coaches, parents, league administrators, etc.” 
 

Response:  The fallacy to this is that at times referees are alone with other referees, including youth referees (e.g., at tournaments traveling to games as a group, in hotels while at tournaments, etc.).  The potential is there for incidents to happen.  In fact, it has already happened in other states.  It must also be remembered that the referee is the authority figure and as such could abuse this position.

 

As to FYSA “making money” off this program. 
 

Response:  FYSA IS NOT MAKING ANY MONEY OFF THIS PROGRAM.  In fact, this program will end up “COSTING” FYSA money and time in its administration.  Currently, the cost for the background check ($15.00) goes directly to FDLE.  The other $5.00 is allocated as $2.50 in administrative costs to FSR and $2.50 for referee development programs jointly administered by FYSA and FSR.  These funds are being retained by FSR and utilized for referee instruction and evaluations.  For the youth referee, the same split is in effect for the $5.00 fee.  FYSA is absorbing the cost to administer the FDLE check and print and distribute the “referee passes.”  FYSA is willing to do this as we realize and understand the importance of the program and the need for additional instruction and development of the youth referees.

 

As to the referee who is also a coach. 
 

Response:  This referee can apply to FYSA for a refund of the $15.00 fee.  Upon verification by FYSA that the referee is a currently registered FYSA coach, FYSA will refund the $15.00 to the club through which the referee registered as a coach so this is really a mute point.  The club would then reimburse the coach for the additional cost incurred.  No double charging. It should also be pointed out that most if not all clubs in fact pay  their coach’s registration fee with FYSA, So the referee himself is not being asked to personally pay twice.

 

 

Are there problems and concerns with the initial implementation of this program? 

 

Yes, and they are being jointly evaluated by FYSA and the referee administration within FSR.  Is FYSA committed to this Program?  ABSOLUTELY!  Programs such as this benefit our risk management program and ultimately help keep our corporate, affiliate and player insurance costs down.  This program was confirmed by FYSA’s Board of Directors many times and, in fact, twice by FYSA’s affiliates at the AGM.

 

Will FYSA back down on this program? 

 

Absolutely NOT!  If, as stated, “we protect or prevent one incident involving a child” the program is worth the cost and effort.  Everyone should consider when making their decisions how they would feel if it was their child or grandchild that fell victim to the “predator” that a simple background check may have prevented.  

 Also, all that is needed is to look and see where the “money” is actually being spent.  It is being put back into the “referee program.”  FYSA is committed to assisting with the development and education of the referees of the future.   This program is one way to protect the children and help with referee development.  Two goals are being achieved with one project.

 

 

Submitted this the 11 day of December

 

Tommy Thompson

FYSA Vice President Administration and Communication