Written by Chris Levesque

"Being selected to referee the USYSA National Championships never really sunk in, until I arrived at the hotel where several other referees were standing there in their coat and tie.  Throughout the week, the USYSA really took care of us by ensuring we had proper nutrition, everyone was able to get a bite to eat, and that everyone had rides to and from Pizza Hut Park .  It really was a great experience to meet and work with other referees from around the country and really see how the training we have received really shined in comparison.  Everyone was respectful and professional in each match they worked.  People took the time to do proper pre-games.  We were a family.  We supported each other when an improper decision was made in a match.

One of the best parts of the week was having Brian Hall as our instructor.  Here is someone who has been there and seen the games at the highest level.  Getting his insight on how to use your personality and body stance to diffuse volatile situations was priceless.  Having 4 national/MLS assessors there to give feedback on matches helped us see the things they’re looking for at the highest level.

This was an experience that I will never forget.  The thing I look forward to most now is seeing the referees we met at this tournament again in future tournaments or academies."

To view Chris’s photo gallery, click here.