State Cup - Travel Day

Hey Everyone,

I just got into the hotel here in Springfield, and am just hanging out (I hate driving!) until our meeting, which is tonight at 8. From what I understand, there are 70 referees from around the state coming in to work cup this (long) weekend.

Games start tomorrow at 9 am, and will go all day every day until next Friday. It’s a long week, but it is undoubtedly the best youth soccer in the state.

State Cup is a little bit different this year. In years past, the games have been held on three separate weekends, and have been played in St. Louis (at the SLYSA fields). This year, however, games have all been moved to fit into one week, and they will all be played here in Springfield. The big thing, however, is that every game is single elimination, so literately every game is important.

At tonight's meeting, our State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA) Jeff Kollmeyer will be getting everyone on the same page. Almost all of the referees working this week will be here, so it is an excellent opportunity to work on things that we don't see very often at our local games. For example, he will talk a lot about the level of competition that Cup brings, and also things like fourth official duties (the guys on TV who hold up the bright substitution sign). Also, there is generally a free gift for the referees (this is always the exciting part, I will let you know what it is later tonight!)

Anyways, I just wanted to check in. Not much is happening as of now, but in about three hours, things should start getting fun!

Kyle