GLASRA Referee Jonathan McCoy was selected from more than 200 officials at the Region II Tournament to referee at the 2011 U.S. Youth National Tournament in Phoenix, AZ (July 26-31). He is one of only two Michigan referees selected for the tournament. This year marks the second year in a row that GLASRA has had one of its officials selected for Nationals. In 2010, GLASRA referee Korey Carter was selected for the prestigious tournament.

Jonathan McCoy is an MSU senior currently studying Kinesiology which helps him as a referee. "It (kinesiology) helps me understand how to make my movements more efficient and effective allowing me to perform at a higher level." For officials at this level, fitness is a huge part of their officiating. During Regionals, McCoy ran 34 miles and averaged 6.8 miles per match officiated in sunny, 80 degree weather. Speaking about the level of fitness required, he said, "You're exhausted. It's even harder than running a marathon because you are stopping and starting all the time. In a marathon, you get to stay at one steady pace." He continued, "If you aren't in tip-top shape, you simply aren't going to be in position to make the important calls."

This is his 11th year as a referee and he has spent the past three years as a GLASRA member. During that time, he has upgraded to become a grade 6 referee.

When asked what officials should be doing if they want to officate at Nationals, McCoy recommends working hard to build a strong foundation. "You have to improve basic mechanics and learn how to be professional. Also, you have to find a person or group of people at a higher level to mentor you to help make you a better referee."

This past spring, GLASRA expanded its mentoring program to include the 720 game CASL season. GLASRA will be expanding its referee mentoring program to five additional leagues in the fall. Referees interested in being mentored through the program should contact GLASRA Mentoring Coordinator Joe Gazda at joe_g_mnzmnz@yahoo.com.

Other GLASRA officials who attended Region II Regionals included Korey Carter, Joe Gazda and Bob Burgee. Dean Kimmith served as an assessor and Francisco Villarruel served as tournament staff and assessor.

GLASRA's fitness run will be held August 30th, 9am, at Waverly High School’s Track.

This run is mandatory for High School officials to be a Member in Good Standing. It is also required for USSF officials grade 7 or higher (lower number) and for those who are upgrading.

GLASRA referees Nicole Cramer and Matthew Eible are Michigan's 2008 Female and Male Youth Referees of the Year. GLASRA referee Roger Blasey was also Michigan's 2008 Referee of the Year.


Youth Referees of the Year: Nicole Cramer and Matthew Eible pictured with Michigan SRA Carlos Folino (center).


Referee of the Year: Roger Blasey (left) with Michigan SRA Carlos Folino (right).

Results of the 2008 GLASRA Member Survey can be downloaded below in the following formats:

Microsoft PowerPoint
Adobe PDF

GLASRA has published a new fee schedule for CASL, MMMSL, LAWS, and MMYSL.

New Fee Schedule (Fall 2008) (pdf format)

GLASRA's amended 2008 by-laws are now available for download.

PDF version
Rich Text Format version

GLASRA Referee Sierra Smith has been named this year's recipient of the Michigan Female Youth Referee of the Year Award. Sierra has been a referee since 2005 and since certifying, has refereed over 200 matches. In 2007, Sierra officiated at the Super 20 Finals held in New Hamshire, and the Super Y Finals in Tampa, Florida. Commenting on her award, Sierra said, "I really appreciate the investment GLASRA has made in me. Their training and support has really helped me become a better referee."

Other GLASRA referees honored this year were Dean Kimmith for his work in referee instruction and Franciso Villareal as the Referee of the Year.

Pictured below, from left to right is Sierra Smith with Michigan's SRA Carlos Folino and the Male Youth Referee of the Year, Aaron Black.