AGE DISTRIBUTION OF BASRA REFEREES

or, "Old and sneaky will beat young and trusting anytime!"

Updated September 17, 2000

STYSA President Bill Forest once lamented that there is an age gap among Referees. While there are many promising younger ones, and a large cadre of "well experienced" older ones, there is something missing in between. A survey of BASRA's membership shows the same gap.

Reasons for this gap are many... young people go away to college, enter the military, or start jobs somewhere else... many find other interests and haven't time to referee... some lose interest in refereeing or soccer... and, most unfortunately, some are driven out by abusive spectators and coaches.

There is nothing sadder than to see a young referee trying his or her best to do a match properly, and at the same time receiving what can only be termed abuse from the "adults" on the sidelines.

Well, whatever the reasons, here is the Fall 2000 age breakdown for BASRA (was that a Freudian slip?):

10-16	(165)
17-19	(24)
20-29	(18)
30-39	(21)
40-49	(83)
50+	(43)

BASRA is attempting to do something to "close the gap." Jay Nichols has taken on the tasks of establishing a strong Club Liaison program, and of developing a Mentoring group. If you are interested in either or both, please contact Jay.

BASRA is only as strong as its members.