HVSRA In The NEWS

Our primary mission as the Hudson Valley Soccer Referee Association (HVSRA), is to educate and promote its members to become better soccer officials.  With our new board of directors installed last year, it was imperative to launch a robust mentorship program to grow, maintain, and retain membership.  With 123 new referees since September 2018 (111 between 14-18 years of age), many did not have the chance to officiate a match.  In previous editions of the Shamrock Cup Tournament, our members donated their time to officiate the youth matches that occur during the weekend.  Our long standing partnership with Kicking Back to Give Back (KBtGB) of their primary fundraising event, created a superb environment to teach our newest officials the fine craft of soccer refereeing.

22 new referees, supported by 12 mentors, officiated 86 matches over the course of the Tournament.  While most of the officials were anxious for their first match, their abilities progressed exponentially during their 3-4 hour shift. 

The new officials found the experience rewarding and supportive in a competitive and non-result oriented environment.  The mentors observed the officials grow significantly from first game to last; their abilities, confidence and courage increasing with each match.

HVSRA will continue to support KBtGB with their mission,  strengthening our collaboration with the development of socially responsible student/athletes and student/referees.  HVSRA will be back next year...to give back.