Referee Test Question

My U-11 year old son would like to take the test to become a referee (level 9?) Unfortunately he is mildly dyslexic, and in addition to reading issues his handwriting and spelling is horrible. Although he has a good understanding of the rules from playing for a very competitive club in Maple (second year,) I have concerns that about him passing a test that is based largely on reading and writing rather than practical experience. Our town does not allow travel soccer until U-12, and does not use referees in the in-town program, so he does not have the option of refereeing for younger ages without passing a test.

Is the referee test an essay test or multiple choice? Can someone pass the test without good reading skills, or is the test dependent upon reading and understanding materials presented in the class? Any advice for someone in this situation?

[teskicks]

Unless it has changed the test is multiple choice. I would hope the people who administer the test would make special arrangements for someone with a documented learning disability. Perhaps they could have someone read the questions to him in a private room.

There is written material handed out but all of it is presented orally too.

I too am dyslexic and I don't see how this could effect his ability to referee a game.

I would contact someone through the Mass Referee website and see if they would be willing to make special arrangements.

http://www.massref.net/


Best of luck to you.

[Cujo]

Re: Referee Test Question

My U-11 year old son would like to take the test to become a referee (level 9?) Unfortunately he is mildly dyslexic, and in addition to reading issues his handwriting and spelling is horrible. Although he has a good understanding of the rules from playing for a very competitive club in Maple (second year,) I have concerns that about him passing a test that is based largely on reading and writing rather than practical experience. Our town does not allow travel soccer until U-12, and does not use referees in the in-town program, so he does not have the option of refereeing for younger ages without passing a test.

Is the referee test an essay test or multiple choice? Can someone pass the test without good reading skills, or is the test dependent upon reading and understanding materials presented in the class? Any advice for someone in this situation?

Dyslexia is a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The entity administering the test is obligated under the law to make a "reasonable accomodation" of your son. In this case it could mean a) providing extra time to take the test, b) having someone read the questions to him.

My daughter took the class when she was 12 and she told me that everyone in her class passed the test. The test was multipul choice and the instructor went over every question on the test before they took it. The challenge came when she took the bridge to grade 8 course. Many of the high school freshmen in that class with a couple of years reffing under their belt struggled on that test. In fact about 1/4 of the kids did not pass and needed to retake the course.

You only need to get a score of 75 to pass the Grade 9 test. You can take the test while you're 11 ONLY if you'll be 12 before the opening day of the season. My daughter made the cut off by 1 day. The season started the day after her birthday.

You only need to get a score of 75 to pass the Grade 9 test. You can take the test while you're 11 ONLY if you'll be 12 before the opening day of the season. My daughter made the cut off by 1 day. The season started the day after her birthday.

Your description of your son made me smile. My 10 year old struggles to read and his handwriting is simply awful, but he plays soccer beautifully and understands the game and its rules better than one would imagine a child could. Thank goodness he has something to make him feel good about himself.