Uncategorized – Maryland Referee Program

A Teen Referee’s Plea to Parents: Treat Us With Respect

3 September, 2026 Terry Miller 0 Comments Forums News Referee Training Referees Uncategorized 8:27 pm

By Nathan Tureck Published by and reprinted from The Baltimore Sun (Commentary) - September 2, 2026 I am the worst soccer referee in the world. That’s according to a middle-aged soccer mom on a hot Saturday morning,…

Referee Abuse Update (Jan 1 – Apr 13, 2026)

13 April, 2026 Brian Albert 0 Comments Uncategorized 11:22 pm

We are committed to transparency and accountability regarding referee abuse across Maryland. From January 1 through April 13, 2026, the Maryland State Referee Committee has tracked and reviewed all reported incidents in coordination with leagues…

If we don’t deal with dissent, we’re allowing abuse.

2 April, 2026 Brian Albert 0 Comments Uncategorized 12:36 am

Dissent is being handled inconsistently—and we need to be better. Email sent yesterday with details—this is your reminder. Thursday, April 2 | 7:30 PMLarry Mittleman (SDI) + Brian Albert (SYRA)Managing Dissent & Preventing Abuse Be…

Knowing the Line

18 March, 2026 Brian Albert 0 Comments Uncategorized 10:46 am

Emotion is part of the game.Dissent is not. Do you know the difference between a quick emotional outburst and behavior that crosses the line? Understanding that difference helps you protect your authority, manage the match,…

2026 U.S. Soccer Refereeing Leadership Conference

23 February, 2026 Terry Miller 0 Comments Uncategorized 4:45 pm

The 2026 U.S. Soccer Refereeing Leadership Conference was held in Atlanta, GA on February 20 through February 22. All 55 state associations were in attendance as well as most of the U.S. Soccer Referee Department…

Mentors Supporting New Referees at ODP Invitational 2026

15 February, 2026 Brian Albert 0 Comments Uncategorized 6:27 pm

On Saturday, February 14, Maryland Referee Mentors were on-site at the ODP Invitational at Liberty Sports Park, working alongside many of our newest officials — most certified for less than one year. One thing that…

State Director of Assignment – Ryan Meyers

15 February, 2026 Brian Albert 0 Comments Uncategorized 6:12 pm

Please join us in welcoming Ryan Meyers as Maryland’s State Director of Assignment. Ryan has a very strong background within our refereeing community. He has been refereeing for 13 years, has been a Regional Referee…

Strengthening Referee Development Through Mentorship, Evaluation, and Assigning

31 January, 2026 Brian Albert 0 Comments Uncategorized 9:56 pm

We recently met with mentors, coaches, and assignors with a shared focus on referee development and retention. The discussion covered how new referees are being taught on the field, emphasizing progressive instruction, clear demonstrations, proper…

Regional Referee Clinic Highlights

13 December, 2025 Brian Albert 0 Comments In-Service Uncategorized 2:08 pm

Our recent Regional Recertification Clinic focused on elevating match management through football understanding, teamwork, and referee presence. We were honored to have Esse Baharmast as a presenter. Esse is a former FIFA World Cup referee…

Reminder: Recertification Process

13 December, 2025 Brian Albert 0 Comments Recertification Uncategorized 12:33 pm

Log in to OMS. Select the Register for Clinic/Fitness Test link in the Registration dropdown menu. Update your personal information, if prompted. Agree to the Maryland Background Check policy, if prompted. Answer the Legal Question…

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