Date:         Fri, 10 Nov 2000 00:46:48 -0500
Reply-To:     Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
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Subject:      From Esse
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Dear Friends
It is wonderful to know that OUR referees are doing such a wonderful job in
every assignment that we receive. I am sending you 2 examples of the latest
accomplishments. I know that a lot of times we are under the microscope for
mistakes rather than accomplishments. It is great to show the other side of
the referee team to the media & the soccer community.
The following 2 e-mail that I am sending you has been forwarded to all SRA's
State
Presidents, US Soccer Board of Directors & all members of US Soccer staff.
Thank you for all that you have accomplished and I can assure you that there
is a lot more great news to come.
Thanks
Esse
 >From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center -- Nov. 10, 2000
U.S. SOCCER REFEREE KUDOS #1
The following article appeared in a local Honduras newspaper, praisingthe
work of U.S. Soccer referee Ricardo Valenzuela and his crew duringthe
Honduras-Jamaica World Cup qualifying match on Oct. 8 in Honduras.It is
reflective of the praise being bestowed upon the work of U.S. Soccerreferees
for the performances across the world in 2000.
REFEREEING
The center referee who directed the game between Honduras and Jamaica in
Tegucigalpa this past Oct. 8, Mr. Ricardo Andres Valenzuela, is a Gentleman's
Referee. He came to give a lesson in what one may consider exemplary
refereeing, wherein each player receives what is both fair and just to him,
and in accordance with The Laws of the Game.
The referee, Ricardo Andres Valenzuela, of the United States, refereed the
game as a conductor of an orchestra would direct his musicians, rhythmically
moving his baton so that they would follow his lead and render a beautiful
composition. When he sent-off two players, one from each side, he did so with
propriety, and then he pardoned two players with equal propriety,one for each
side. He did it with the wisdom of Solomon.
To tell you the truth, it has been many years since we have observed the
impeccable refereeing that Mr. Valenzuela presented to us. When he cautioned
the Honduran striker, Amado Guevara, for delaying the restart, just after
having called a foul against him, Mr. Valenzuela sent a direct message to all
Honduran referees: that the referee should not allow any player to diminish
the public's enjoyment of the Game,nor should he allow any player to show
disrespect for the Game by deliberately delaying the restart.Well done,
because when our football players commit this unpardonable act, it is because
our referees allow them to do it. And this contributes to the perpetuation of
a very bad habit.
But being a good referee, Mr. Valenzuela knew how to manage the players
without administering misconduct, and thus he avoided a deterioration ofthe
Game. Jocon Reyes could have easily been sent-off for persistent infringement
and dissent, knowing that he already had a yellow card.The brazen right back
for Honduras showed his immaturity through his actions because, had he
received a red card, he would have jeopardized not onlyhimself, but also the
Honduran team, and the game would have become a debacle for us. Nonetheless,
Mr. Valenzuela saw through the player's immaturity and admonished his
dissent, either of which could have resulted in his sending-off. Similarly,
Mr. Valenzuela applied the wisdom of Solomon by not sending-off a Jamaican
player, who already had seen the yellow card,for intentionally handling the
ball which, of course, would have been a second yellow card and,
administratively, a red card. Mr.Valenzuela'srefereeing was not just simply
acceptable, it was exemplary and absolutely correct.
For a long time it has been said that a good football game cannot ber ealized
with poor officiating.On the other hand, a good football game, such as the
one between Honduras and Jamaica, is brought to a higher level when it is
refereed as it was by the United States referee, Mr. Valenzuela.;Do you agree
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 >From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center -- Nov. 10, 2000
U.S. SOCCER REFEREE KUDOS #2
The following memo was sent to CONCACAF General Secretary Chuck Blazer from
General Farouk Bouzo, Chairman of the Asian Football Confederation Referee
Committee and a member of the FIFA Referee Committee, praising the work of
U.S. Soccer referee Brian Hall, who worked a number of matches at the 12th
Asian Cup held in Lebanon from Oct. 12-29. It is reflective of the praise
being bestowed upon the work of U.S. Soccer referees for the performances
across the world in 2000.
To: Mr. Chuck Blazer
General Secretary
From: General Farouk Bouzo
Chairman, AFC Referees Committee
Member, FIFA Referees Committee

Dear Mr. Blazer,
I am very pleased to inform you that under a very successful exchange
refereeing program between our two confederations, I would like to thank you
for appointing your FIFA Referee, Mr. Brian Hall (USA) to participate in our
12th Asian Cup final which was held this year in Lebanon from the12-29 of
October.
Mr. Brian Hall was an outstanding referee in our tournament. He officiated
two matches as a referee, one in the first round between China vs. Kuwait and
a deciding Quarterfinal between Saudi Arabia vs. Kuwait.
In both matches he was physically fit which enabled him to move to obtain
optimum positions.He reacted quickly and effectively to incidents. He worked
as a team with his Referee Assistants. He observed, analyzed and correctly
interpreted incidents and in general his decisions were convincing to
players, coaches media and even to spectators.
I take this opportunity to thank you very much for your kind cooperation
regarding the exchange-refereeing program between our two friendly
Confederations.

With all my best wishes and regards.
Yours faithfully,

GENERAL FAROUK BOUZO
Chairman, AFC Referees Committee
Member, FIFA Referees Committee
cc:General Secretary, U.S. Soccer Federation
Dr. Edcardo Codesal, Chairman,CONCACAF Referees Committee