Question Number: 22510

League Specific 11/13/2009

Dave Doerr of Willow Street, PA USA asks...

When the referee refresher exam is given, referees are not allowed to review missed questions. I have three questions.
#1 Why is there not a chance for referees to see what area they are wrong in in the test.
#2 Why when I write my state association( with no response) and the national USSF referee contact(with no response) with a simple question/suggestion do I seem to get blacklisted as far as receiving game assignments?
#3 What is the 'referee code' that older refs say I broke by making a suggestion? I hope you can give me an answer?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Doerr
This is not a referee question but rather a question for referee administrators. However this is my personal opinion.
In all my tests over the years I have simply completed it and that was the end of it. I could not tell you my score or what I got wrong.
In some situations these test are administered over a period of months. It would be unfair for those questions and answers to be made available to those that have not yet taken the exam. A degree of restrictions do apply while tests are ongoing. I assume that if a candidate failed that a discussion would take place about why that happened and the learning points. The test is not to prevent people getting into refereeing but to ensure that they learn and know the Laws.
As a general point State Associations and National bodies do not appoint referees at a local level. This task is usually carried out by a Referee Appointments Secretary for the particular local competition. I suggest that you speak with those persons in your area as to why you are not getting assignments.
In Ireland we have a Code of Ethics for Referees which can be viewed at Appendix 4 http://www.fai.ie/images/stories/pdf/FAI_Rule_Book_2009.pdf.
'Blacklisting' is not part of any referee administration, indeed with shortages all referees are actively encouraged. Like most associations /bodies, referees welcome suggestions that improve the circumstances of everyone. Also if it is any comfort I would not expect to get a response from my National body on a simple question or suggestion as the Governing Body would expect it to be handled locally and channeled through the various structures set up to manage these. Indeed I am aware that correspondence sent to the national body is forwarded to the local body to be dealt with.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

We have always taken and then reviewed the test in recert clinics.

I can't understand why the powers that be would be offended by a suggestion. They must be insecure for feeling intimidated. I can't believe you would be rude in asking.

The Referee Code of Conduct includes not criticizing fellow referees. Perhaps that is what they charged you with doing.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

We also review the test questions and answers immediately after the test is taken and scored. Many miss the same questions and its useful to discuss them.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

#1 Why is there not a chance for referees to see what area they are wrong in the test.
Should be, but some exams are kept as closely guarded as the national secrets act others are reviewed and dissected away from the class so no apparent cheating can occur, some are class marked and reviewed!

#2 Why when I write my state association( with no response) and the national USSF referee contact(with no response) with a simple question/suggestion do I seem to get blacklisted as far as receiving game assignments?
Blacklisted from a suggestion? You either pissed someone off in power always a bad idea when seeking advancement but then again maybe you are simply paranoid?

#3 What is the 'referee code' that older refs say I broke by making a suggestion?
Suggestions should not be ill received but criticism is something that affects this job unlike any other! The perceived abuse officials endure from everyone else it is suggested we should not publically rebuke other officials. Our referees code of conduct, fine words and noble sentiments but then the bad hide among the good the lazy and corrupt behind the hardworking and honest. Refereeing is not exempt from the woes of humanity.
Cheers