Regionals 2022 / Nationals 2022
UNITED STATES YOUTH SOCCER (USYS) REGION 1 TOURNAMENT 2022
Every year USYS holds regional tournaments for the teams that win their individual state tournament. Maine is in region 1 which also includes NH, MA, RI, VT, ENY, WNY, EPA, WPA, MD, WV, VA, CT, DE and NJ.
Each state that sends teams to the tournament also supplies referees together with a ref coach. The site of the tournament revolves around the states that make up Region 1 .
This year we took a delegation of 5 refs and one ref coach.
Each ref is usually assigned 3 games a day with one a center ref assignment and the others assistant ref assignments. Often there is a ref coach at each game, that give feedback, suggestions, and praise.
You receive a stipend from Region 1 as well as your travel, food and accommodations covered by either Region 1 or by the Maine State Referee Association.
You make new friends as well at these tournaments, you get to collect coins from the other states, and you certainly learn a lot about reffing as there are both regional and national coaches present
We have started looking for our delegation for the 2024 Regional tournament which will be held in West Virginia. So, if you are interested let us know
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Nationals 2022
The following are from a couple referees that were selected to attend the national tournament in Florida.
2022 National Championship, Orland, Florida - Maine Referee Adie Hughes
The National Youth Soccer Championships were held this year in Orlando and I and Andrew Porada were
selected, as part of the contingent to represent Region 1, at these Championships. It was a great experience as
there were some of the top National Referee Coaches in the country mentoring us and providing useful insight
into our matches. To be selected to represent Maine and the East Region as one of the Top 190 Youth referees in
the country was a great honor, especially alongside Andrew who I have grown up refereeing with. It was also
great to learn from the referees around us, meet new friends, and see friends from past tournaments. Thank you,
Maine State Referee Committee for your continued support of us throughout!
Below are the Referees selected to represent Region 1 at the National Championships
Adie Hughes 6 th from the left second row and Andrew Porada 2 nd from the left top row
Adie having a conversation with a couple players -
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National Championship Orland Florida (ESPN)
Maine Referee
Andrew Porada
Throughout this referee journey I have traveled across the U.S. from Maine to California. However, this step in
the process was different, attending the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship Series in Orlando, Florida. This
event had both players, coaches, referees (coaches) from across the U.S. representing almost every state and
Region. To attend this event as a referee you must show promise and the ability to preform at a high level.
Personally I was invited through the East Region championships, however others can be selected from
different events within the Region.
While at this event I saw friends from across the U.S. and then was able to meet and make new ones along
the way. One of the most important things that was mentioned throughout the week was how we are a family
and we can only become stronger together. Within the East Region (Maryland) we lost a member of our referee
family who was selected to attend nationals prior to the event. His parents attended the event and spoke with us
about who he was as a person and how refereeing and the people he met along the way changed who he was
positively.
At the end of the day we are there to referee a game and understand that family and friends can
come first and saying no to an assignment is okay. Within this event I was able to officiate as a referee and
assistant referee. The matches I officiated during this event were U14 F 4th, U18 M CR, U15 M 4th, U16 F CR, U18
F AR1, U19 M AR2, and U15 M semi final AR2. Additionally having the chance to learn from the National Referee
Coaches in attendance, as well as the Special Guests (Esse Baharmast, Rick Eddy, and Mark Geiger).
Each speaker shared about how they got to where they are today and how
we as referees can grow and learn to become better. Something that was spoken about was
how fitness was the key to your success, but how additionally it is about the person you are
both no and off the field. On the last night when finals selections were being made we were told that we would
be attending the Florida Cup match between Arsenal and Chelsea in Orlando, Florida at Camping World Stadium.
Having the opportunity to see this match was very eye opening in how the game evolves at a different age.
The referees in this match were all of the National level from FL, NC, and GA. Overall, I enjoyed attending this
event and having the chance to learn. While at this event another Soccer Maine Referee (Adie) was in attendance.
as seen in the images.
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