Ever wondered how referee assignments are actually made? It’s not just a random dartboard—it’s a complex mix of experience, availability, personality, and long-term development. In this episode of "Meet the Assignor," Joel (State Referee Administrator for Arizona) sits down with veteran assignor and mentor Paul Gallegos. Paul pulls back the curtain on the "Herculean task" of assigning, from the 60+ hour work weeks to managing massive tournaments like the Copper State Challenge. Whether you’re a new referee looking for your first game or a veteran official aiming for the center of a championship final, Paul’s insights into the "intentionality" of assigning are a must-watch. In this episode, we cover: Why assigning is a 24/7 commitment during the season. The "Cheat Code": How mentorship helps assignors place referees in positions to succeed. Why "Knowing the Laws" is the single best piece of advice for any official. Success stories from the Arizona referee community. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Intro & Welcome 00:41 Paul’s journey: From the pitch to the assignor’s desk 01:52 The "Why": Giving back to the soccer community 02:44 What referees don’t realize about the assigning process 05:03 Availability, experience, and comfort: What assignors look for 06:13 Assigning with development in mind (The "Stretch" Match) 09:04 The favorite & toughest parts of being an assignor 11:32 Managing the madness: Logistics of 500-game tournaments 14:31 Essential advice: Know your Laws of the Game 16:41 The power of patience: Let the game come to you 17:06 Paul’s favorite event: The Heritage Cup 19:13 Success Stories: Referees who stood out and stayed the course 22:06 Final thoughts and how to reach out

In the world of sports, referees often find themselves in the spotlight, but what about those who assign them to games? In this month’s episode of Meet the Assigner, host and SRA, Joel Votaw, sits down with Chris McConkey, a seasoned referee assigner from Arizona, to uncover the challenges and joys of assigning referees. With over 35 years of experience, Chris shares her journey and valuable insights into the assigning process that every referee should know. 1. Chris McConkey's Journey into Assigning Chris’s journey began in 1981 when her children started playing soccer. What started as an opportunity to coach soon turned into a passion for refereeing. By 1985, she became a licensed assigner with the Phoenix Fire Alliance, marking the beginning of a long and fulfilling career in referee assignment. Chris emphasizes that the challenge of working with people keeps her motivated, as she loves seeing young referees grow and develop their skills. 2. Understanding the Assigning Process A common misconception among referees is the timeline for receiving game assignments. Chris explains that assigners often work with tight schedules provided just days before a game, particularly for tournaments. She urges referees to practice patience, as assigning 800 games in a short timeframe is no easy task. The frequent inquiries about assignments only add to the chaos, as Chris points out that schedules often arrive last minute, leaving assigners scrambling to finalize the lineups. 3. The Importance of Communication Effective communication is vital in the assigning process. Chris highlights the significance of filling out availability forms accurately and being open to working various time slots, including night games. She stresses that referees should check their emails regularly, as this is the primary way assigners communicate important information, including game assignments and any changes. 4. What Assigners Look For When assigning referees, Chris considers several factors including availability, experience, and potential conflicts. She clarifies that while assigners strive to accommodate requests, referees need to be realistic about their availability. For new referees, Chris encourages them to express their preferences, whether they want to serve as an assistant referee or work with younger age groups. This level of communication helps assigners make informed decisions that benefit everyone involved. 5. The Joys and Challenges of Assigning Chris reflects on the rewarding aspects of her role, particularly the joy of seeing former young referees return to the field as adults. This cyclical nature of refereeing—where individuals return to the sport after life changes—adds a unique dimension to her work. However, she also acknowledges the difficulties, such as managing rejected assignments and ensuring referees are adequately prepared for their games. Chris McConkey’s journey as a referee assigner offers valuable insights for both novice and experienced referees. Understanding the assigning process, maintaining open communication, and being patient are essential components of a successful refereeing experience. By reading the rules of competition and staying informed, referees can better prepare themselves for the challenges ahead. As Chris reminds us, being involved in soccer is a rewarding experience, and there is always a place for passionate individuals in the world of officiating.

Would you follow a player to the bench to yell at them for a missed pass? Probably not. So why are we doing it to our youth referees? Joel Votaw, our SRA, has a message for every member of the Arizona soccer community. We hear your frustrations, and we want to help our referees get better—but we need to do it the right way. 🛑 Instead of yelling at a youth referee: Save Joel’s contact info (at the end of the video). Send him your feedback, videos, or questions directly. Show kindness to the official on the field. Let’s keep our fields full and our kids confident.