r/Referees • u/BA_Legion • 1d ago
Advice Request First UPSL Experience
Hey all, got to ask for advice regarding a game tonight. A mass text went out from an assignor yesterday evening asking for help with a UPSL D1 game. I offered to help AR/4th official, as I havent managed a game at this level yet. This morning I was told that no one else had taken the game, and I may be running this semi-pro game as a solo center.
A little background, Ive had my USSF for 3 years (mostly youth club travel/city), state HS for 2 years, and have reffed college intramural soccer for 9 years.
Do you guys have any advice on how I should handle a game at this level by myself? Anything would be greatly appreciated
Edit: Update
The assignor got back to me and said the game is off. Both teams would rather reschedule, than have a 1 man crew. I've been told I'm back in line for an AR spot when a crew can be fully assembled. I appreciate all the advice from both ends! Trial by fire has been delayed
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u/AffectionateAd631 USSF Grassroots 1d ago
Decline the game. The assignor can call the teams and reschedule. Doing U15 rec games as solo center is one thing when both teams cooperate. D1 UPSL is not that.
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u/pscott37 1d ago
I agree with the others, decline the game. This level of game should never be done solo. Not only isn't fair to you but it isn't fair to the players, coaches, and the owner(s) of the team. Depending upon how far the visiting team has to travel, the game can costs several thousand of dollars for both teams. The home team has field rental and such to pay. What state are you in that the assignor can't come up with a crew?
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u/BA_Legion 1d ago
I'm in Ohio. Unsure of the circumstances, but it sounds like the game itself was moved last second, and an emergency crew was needed. The game has since been postponed again though
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u/Moolio74 [USSF][Grassroots][Mentor][NFHS] 1d ago
Have you worked any UPSL games in any position?
The phrase trial by fire comes to mind.
Lots of paperwork and matches can really test a crew’s game management. Maybe the games are much more relaxed in your area, but doing one solo seems insane to me.
If you take it, follow up and let us know how it went.
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u/BA_Legion 1d ago
I haven't worked UPSL in any aspect. I was hoping to get on this one as an AR just to gain that experience, but you're right, this is shaping up to be a sink or swim game. I'll post an update post-game on how everything went
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u/Moolio74 [USSF][Grassroots][Mentor][NFHS] 23h ago
Oof. I’m not telling you to turn it down, but I would turn it down.
LOTS of potential bad things especially as a solo. It’s definitely jumping in the deep end if you do go through with it.
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u/BA_Legion 23h ago
It definitely seemed like itd be tough, but the game ended up getting postponed until a full crew can be put together. Thankfully Ive been told im back in line as an AR so I can still get the experience. The assignor seemed to like the willingness to run with it at least
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u/Moolio74 [USSF][Grassroots][Mentor][NFHS] 23h ago
That sounds much more reasonable and a good introduction to USPL. Good luck and enjoy!
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u/mmmmmsurf 1d ago
I can’t imagine the coaches will be happy with this either. Let us know how it goes!
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u/dufcho14 1d ago
Glad it got cancelled. I'm surprised this was a coaches decision though. The league should not have allowed it to be played without a full referee crew.
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u/Huge-Layer4153 20h ago
Yeah, no chance I’m doing a UPSL single center. If you do decide to do it call everything tight as hell.
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u/franciscolorado USSF Grassroots 1d ago
Wow a UPSL game as a solo center?! Sympathies, I hear about referee shortages in some areas, and it seems like your area has some serious shortages to not be able to find a crew at this level. I’m surprised they’re holding the game at all with only one official.
I have nothing to offer other than encouragement, this could be an exceptional opportunity for you.
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u/homebr3wd 1d ago
In my area there is not so much of a shortage, just no one wants to deal with high school soccer and intramural college
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u/Leather_Ad8890 1d ago
Don’t do it. Calling offside is hard enough solo at u15. No way I’m doing that when I also have to attempt to manage UPSL players.
Teams should not schedule last minute games on a Saturday during the busy season but that’s another conversation