By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer 
Association
AssociationNovember 4, 2023-I have officiated with many good refs in my 45 years of refereeing. Here is my view of what makes a good youth soccer referee:
1) Arrives at the field appropriately-dressed 30 minutes before his or her first game of the day
2) Checks the field before the match and especially that both goals are anchored
3) Is pleasant to players and coaches, particularly in making a good first impression when checking in the teams
4) Knows the Laws of the Game and how they should be applied to each age group and level
5) Keeps up with play
6) Controls the game and his or her emotions, especially when others are losing their cool
7) Briefly explains the decisions that need to be explained
A referee need not be ready to do World Cup games to be an effective and respected youth soccer ref. For our 2,300 referees in Eastern New York, how many of these seven items do you fulfill?
With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log onto http://www.enysoccer.com/