Workshop XXII. Keith Ash Named Region III Volunteer of the Year. OSA Selects Coaches of the Year 2011

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1 SMOKE SIGNALS 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION VOLUME TWENTY-SEVEN - ISSUE ONE OSA Selects Coaches of the Year 2011 Each year OSA recognizes coaches for their contributions to the game. Nominated by their players and/or parent, the coaches develop bonds with their teams and become both role models and teachers. At the OSA Score Workshop on January 28th, six coaches will be recognized for their efforts and dedication to youth soccer. The unusual number is due to the Girls recreational award being shared by three coaches. George Chatzigiannidis, South African National Team player, has 35 years of playing experience with soccer and grew up playing street soccer in his home town of Amanzimtoti. At the age of 4 he was in the streets kicking the ball but the most influential person in the sport was his father. Girls Recreational co-coaches of the Year: Roger Brady, Mike Hodge and Tom Wedding Girls Competitive Coach of the Year: George Chatzigiannidis Boys Recreational Coach of the Year: Lucas Johnson Boys Competitive Coach of the Year: Chris Spears Soccer has always been a big part of my life, says George, and I have always loved playing the sport. He and his wife Efi, have seen that passion for soccer spread to their daughters Athena and Diana. It was Athena who wanted to play when she was 5 years old and Efi volunteered me as a coach. I ve been involved ever since. In order to become a coach, George began attending coaching courses and has attained the USSF National C license with plans to someday hold the see Coaches of the Year pages 4-6 OKLAHOMA CITY Excitement and anticipation are high for the annual Score Oklahoma Soccer Workshop this year, according to Executive Director Sid Goodrich. We have six Hall of Fame inductees who are well known to most soccer folks, Coaches of the Year who have done marvelous things with their teams, Referees of the Broken Arrow s Keith Ash, recently named Oklahoma s Volunteer of the Year, was announced by US Youth Soccer as the Region III Volunteer of the TULSA Workshop XXII Begins January 27 Year who have brought accolades to us, a Volunteer of the Year who has been named Regional Volunteer of the Year, and a new award for OSA s Family of the Year. All that plus coaching courses, referee courses, administration courses, and vendors selling items every team can use, says Goodrich. see WORKSHOP page 2 Keith Ash Named Region III Volunteer of the Year Year in a recent publication. Ash will attend the US Youth National Workshop in Boston in February and be eligible for National Volunteer of the Year. He is the first Oklahoman to win such an award. When asked what makes him volunteer so often, Keith quickly cites his parents. It was how I was raised, says the current President of Green Country Socsee Ash, Volunteer of the Year page 2 ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS Volunteer of the Year Hall of Fame Inductees... 3 OSA Initiates Family of the Year Award... 3 OSA s new office in Oklahoma City... 3 Dean Goodrich Selected Save of the Year for Region III... 6 SCORE OSA WORKSHOP Referees Of The Year Selected...11 TSC 94 Plays in National League OSA Approved Tournaments... 14

2 2 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION A license. He wishes to also be more involved in regional and national soccer and to collaborate with state and regional staffs. George s philosophy is to entice kids to play soccer. I do that by getting each player to learn and love their experience with this wonderful game. I wish to maximize each player s ability by using individual development skills and then progress to the tactical side of the game. For George, soccer has given him the ability to pass on to younger generations life lessons and a passion for the Workshop XXII, from page 1 The Downtown DoubleTree in Tulsa will host the Score Workshop XXII and access to the Tulsa Convention Center will allow coaching sessions much more freedom to present activities. Cost is $50 through January 15, After that it goes to $55 per person. Registration is online at and contact the OSA office at if you have questions. The Awards Luncheon will feature USSF National Referee and former FIFA referee Alfred Kleinaitis who will also instruct referee training during the Workshop. Following the Hall of Fame induction on Friday night, Soccer City will sponsor live entertainment with recording artists Peardocs for your musical entertainment and dancing. A tentative schedule and outline of the sessions is included in this issue for your use at the Workshop. Register today and join the hundreds of soccer fans who will be in Tulsa for Score Workshop XXII. Coaches of the Year, story from page 1 sport he grew up playing in the streets. I hope I can instill in them a lifelong love of the game and to share that love of the sport with others. For the upcoming coaches, George says Continue to challenge yourself and get the necessary education in order to reach and influence as many soccer enthusiasts as you can. Stay true to the game and don t take shortcuts. Integrity and good sportsmanship are key values for Coach Chatzigiannidis and although he wants his players and all Oklahoma players to develop good skills so they can compete at higher Volunteer of the Year - Keith Ash, cer Association (a volunteer position he has held for 3 ½ years. We were expected to help our neighbors if they needed a yard mowed or some task completed. When I finished the work I felt good. Barbara Wilson, office manager for Broken Arrow Soccer Club, comments: Keith has had multiple volunteer roles in the BASC for over 20 years and even now you will find him at the complex fixing holes, goals, nets, or just helping out in whatever needs to be done. Jim Weir, current BASC President, confirms the role that Keith plays at the club. He has held every Board position that BASC has and some several times, says Weir. We all know that he is one of those who will always show up if called to work. My first volunteer position was as a coach, says Keith. When he and his wife, Dana, got involved in soccer it was due to daughter Courtney signing up to play. That was 1993 and I ve been involved ever since. Courtney (who played for her Dad through the U19 group in 2004) and Ashley (who played through the U19 s until 2002) kept Keith busy with soccer. But he never played from page 1 levels, he always remind them that It s not about winning; it s about the journey to get there. Congratulations, George Chatzigiannidis, OSA s Girls Competitive Coach of the Year. Lucas Johnson This all started out as something I was just volun- see Coaches of the Year page 4 the game when growing up in his hometown of Catoosa. The only soccer I knew was watching Soccer Made in Germany on television and then in 1977 attending the Tulsa Roughnecks games. Always a student of the game, Keith took coaching courses and attained his F license as well as becoming a referee. Both provided him with insight to soccer. I wanted to learn more about the game and do what I could to help the players, he says. He has taken his girls teams to seven state tournaments as finalists and won three of three of those. His first championship came in 2003 and the most recent was The most influential person in Keith s opinion is Suzi Page. She is the role model for volunteers at Broken Arrow and continues to serve the club and OSA as well, according to Keith. For the members of GCSA and BASC, the name Keith Ash is synonymous with volunteer. For his over 20 year service record, the membership of OSA congratulates him on his willingness to serve the game and its players. A job well done, Keith Ash, OSA s Volunteer of the Year. OSA Tulsa Office 9410 E. 51st St. Ste. B Tulsa, OK P.O. Box Tulsa, OK OSA office in Oklahoma City 4520 Old Farm Road Oklahoma City, OK Executive Board Chairman Scott Hughes Vice-Chairman Gail Wettstein Secretary/Treasurer Larry Faulkner SRA Ron Poulsen Adviser Gordon Wilson Youth Board President Tom Wedding 1st Vice-President Brandon Story 2nd Vice-President Marianne Ballard 3rd Vice-President Paul Scott 4th Vice-President Risk Management Michael Naumann Secretary/Registrar SYRA David Ooten Adult Board President Reza Namavar 1st Vice-President Armando Mendoza 2nd Vice-President Tekleab Tsegay Secretary/Registrar Jalal Daneshfar The Smoke Signals is the official publication of the Oklahoma Soccer Association and is published bi-monthly. Editorial offices are at the OSA office, 9410-B East 51st Street, Tulsa, OK Telephone is and FAX is at oksoccer@oksoccer.com. The Smoke Signals is mailed to all registered coaches, referees, association officers, subscribers, and players six times a year. Advertisers assume all liability for content of advertisements printed and therefore assume all claims against the Smoke Signals. The Smoke Signals does not publish articles or letters from anonymous contributors. Contributors must provide a daytime phone number to confirm authorship of submitted articles or letters. Opinions expressed in this publication are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication. Errors, corrections and changes are inevitable. Please accept our apologies for any inconveniences. Smoke Signals Story Submissions Smoke Signals welcomes story submissions from teams, clubs, leagues and associations via or FAX. If you have a story or a story idea, please or FAX us at the following addresses: oksoccer@ oksoccer.com -or- FAX: to the attention: Dale Watts SRA Ron Poulsen Editor- Dale Watts Layout & Design- Sandy Bent National Ad Director Varsity Sports Communications 1340 Lake City Way Seattle, WA

3 Oklahoma Soccer members will recognize the six members of the Class of 2012 as contributors to OSA in many ways. Three were referees and three were players and coaches, but all have contributed to Oklahoma Soccer in more than one area. Sol Asekun was the State Referee Administrator for Oklahoma during the late 1970 s and early 80 s. He was Oklahoma s first National Referee and guided the state s referee corps through one of its largest growth periods. Richard Brook is a well known referee to nearly every soccer player and coach in the state. The second Oklahoman to reach National Referee status, Richard has been involved in many aspects of the game as parent, coach, referee, and administrator. Brian Elliott is one of Oklahoma s early soccer players who has continued to value the training and development he received as a youngster by becoming a coach and mentor to players across the state. Brian holds the USSF A license for coaching and has worked many years in the Olympic Development Program and as an OSA staff coach. Charlie Mitchell will always be associated with the Tulsa Roughnecks Hall of Fame 2012 Announced Sol Asekun, Richard Brook, Brian Elliott, Charlie Mitchell, Chuck Turci and Victor Moreland as their coach and player. A quiet supporter of Oklahoma Soccer, Charlie has provided leadership and development to many young players across the state as well as coach at the college level. He, too, has often worked with OSA as a staff coach and with the ODP. Victor Moreland has remained one of the fan favorites of the Tulsa Roughnecks from the heady days of the 1980 s until today. Tirelessly promoting soccer development and player skills, Victor continues to impress young players with his knowledge and skill. Chuck Turci is well known to the Oklahoma City area for his work developing adult soccer through COASL and for his early officiating, coaching and playing. One of the first State referees and instructors, he continues assessing and instructing today and sharing his passion for the game. OSA invites everyone to attend the Class of 2012 induction ceremony to be held Friday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Manchester/Geneva ballroom of Tulsa s Downtown DoubleTree Hotel. Stay for the SoccerCity after party featuring music by Tulsa s Pearadocs band. CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of 2012 Hall of Fame! OSA s OKC Office at Soccer City We at OSA are pleased to announce that beginning the 17th of October, OSA will again have an office in the Oklahoma City area, said OSA Youth President, Tom Wedding. Our members have requested that OSA provide service to those on the west side of the state, and we are listening to them and with the cooperation of Soccer City we will now have an OSA office in the Soccer City facility in Oklahoma City. Working full time at the site will be Sandy Richardson who recently moved back to the Oklahoma City area. Sandy will oversee the OKC office and continue her duties with OPL, PLW, as well as contact for OSA in the OKC area. OSA s office phone number: Located at 4520 Old Farm Road, the facility was the former Hat Trick venue and well known to most soccer folks in and around Oklahoma City. It is Oklahoma s largest indoor facility. A site for youth and adult soccer for many years, the three fields were recently remodeled with clear plexiglass walls that replaced the old wooden walls. The large field is 220 feet by 85 feet and the two smaller fields are 185 ft by 85 ft. Volunteering is a family tradition with Doug and Janet Cooper of Stillwater since In addition to their nearly full time work with Stillwater Soccer Club, they are regular volunteers with the Stillwater Humane Society, the Boys Scouts, Girls Scouts, and their church. Doug is a geologist and Janet is a coordinator with Career Tech and they have passed the passion for volunteer work on to son Ryan and daughter Jennifer. Ryan was the one who brought the Coopers into soccer when he began playing for the Stillwater Soccer Club. Jennifer never played, she focused on dance and gymnastics, but she was there to help line fields at times, according to Doug. Cooper children no longer play soccer anymore, but Jeremy McReynolds says, Doug and Janet do have children in Stillwater soccer. They have 350 children that they care about every season. Everything they do is so those 350 kids can have the best time possible learning the greatest game on the planet. And this award is but one small way for all 350 of their kids to say thank you to Doug and Janet. The list of services the Coopers have provided Stillwater is lengthy. Janet serves as the clubs Vice President-Registrar and works with Frontier Country as a liaison on registration and policies. Doug is a registered referee, Instructor, and Assignor with United States Soccer Federation and provides training sessions for the referees in Stillwater as well as traveling to other clubs to instruct. SMOKE SIGNALS 3 OSA Initiates Family of the Year Award Doug and Janet Cooper Because of their longevity, stability, and integrity they are able to provide invaluable input into every area of the Club as well form friendships with Board members and the parents of players, says Dwayne Hunter who nominated the couple for the award. They have braved Oklahoma s heat, snow-packed highways, and other extremes with one purpose in mind: it s for the kids. McReynolds also commented on how the Coopers are always looking to the future of Stillwater Soccer Club. They spend countless hours planning what facilities the club will need in five or even ten years from now. They work tirelessly to make that vision a reality. As a referee instructor and leader, says Dale Watts, State Director of Instruction, I admire Doug s willingness to provide direction to Stillwater Soccer Club. He has been instrumental in getting the city of Stillwater behind the US Youth Soccer and OSA programs so that youth soccer players in Stillwater have access to training and advancement. That project has been his goal for the past 15 years or more. The Coopers were instrumental in creating Soccerfest, an event that promotes soccer in Stillwater and also provides fun and games for the participants. Their willingness to continue offering their time, energy, and involvement in the sport of soccer, expresses what OSA feels is the standard for Family of the Year. Congratulations, Doug and Janet Cooper, on your selection as OSA s Family of the Year.

4 4 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION OSA CALENDAR JANUARY 2 Metro Tulsa, Norman, Washington County 3 Youth Board Mtg, Davis 4 Altus, Catoosa, Collinsville, NOKC, FCSA Competitive, GCSA Ex Bd, Ref Committee 5 Midwest City, Northwest Oklahoma 9 FCSA, Owasso 10 Claremore, Elk City, Logan County, Mustang, Ponca City, South Lakes 11 Durant, Mayes County 16 Choctaw/Nicoma Park, El Reno, Shawnee, Stillwater, Westside 17 Chickasha, Edmond, Harrah 23 Beeline, Yukon 24 Tri-Lake 25 Bristow 26 GCSA Score OSA Workshop in Tulsa FEBRUARY 1 Altus, Catoosa, Collinsville, NOKC, FCSA Competitive, GCSA Ex Bd, Ref Committee 2 Midwest City, Northwest Oklahoma 6 Metro Tulsa, Norman, Washington County 7 Youth Board Mtg, Davis, Stilwell 8 Durant, Mayes County 9 Beaver River 13 FCSA, Owasso 14 Valentine s Day, Claremore, Elk City, Logan County, Mustang, Ponca City, South Lakes 20 Choctaw/Nicoma Park, El Reno, Shawnee, Stillwater, Westside 21 Chickasha, Edmond, Harrah, Sapulpa 22 Bristow 27 Beeline, Yukon 28 Tri-Lake MARCH 1 Broken Arrow, Coweta, Cleveland, Midwest City, Northwest Oklahoma 5 Metro Tulsa, Norman, Washington County 6 Youth Board Mtg, Davis, Sand Springs 7 Altus, Catoosa, Collinsville, NOKC, FCSA Competitive, GCSA Ex Bd, Ref Committee 8 Beaver River 12 FCSA, Owasso 13 Claremore, Elk City, Logan County, Muskogee, Mustang, Ponca City, South Lakes 14 Durant, Mayes County 19 Choctaw/Nicoma Park, El Reno, Shawnee, Stillwater, Westside 20 Chickasha, Edmond, Harrah 26 Beeline, Yukon 27 Tri-Lake 28 Bristow Monthly Club Meetings Clinton Red Carpet COASL Feb & Aug Tri-City Cordell Verdigris Great Plains All other clubs meet Hinton as called. Lawton United NEOASA Jan, June, Aug, & Dec teering for but it s now a huge part of my life and it makes me happy to know I m affecting young people s lives in a positive way, says Lucas. When his seven-year-old son, Dylan, signed up for soccer, Lucas and his wife Rachel became volunteers with Broken Arrow Soccer Club. As with many parents, the call for volunteers led Lucas to coaching his son s team and from that came the entire Johnson family s involvement in soccer. Dylan, 12, now plays for the U12 Black Cobras, sister Karys, 7, is on the U8 Renegades, and Presley, who turned 3 in December, will be playing as soon as she can. Lucas played the game as a youngster in his hometown of Randolph, Maine, but was drawn to basketball more than soccer. Upon accepting the challenge to coach his son, Lucas began his research and study of the game. I slowly learned the fundamentals and turned to the Broken Arrow club for help. Corey Wilson, my assistant coach, has been a great influence on my coaching because he is knowledgeable and is a calm force on the touchlines for me. Unafraid to ask questions, Lucas would turn to other coaches and refs for instruction on the game. It is Johnson s hope that he can continue to coach the boys for as long as he can and stay with the recreational program. I believe there is a lot of talent at the recreational level of play in Oklahoma and are just as successful as those involved in competitive leagues, says Lucas. He is concerned with the pressure placed on players to compete and how it will drive players away from the sport. I think recreational soccer is a great avenue for all players and should be utilized more often. Winning is important to Lucas and his team. I stress that we play the way we practice and I expect 110% out of my players at all times. But teamwork is essential and that s how I base all my practices, says Johnson. Lucas firmly believes that one player doesn t make a team and that it takes the effort of all players to be successful. From that concept comes pride in self and team. Having recently acquired his bachelor s degree in Criminal Justice, Lucas hopes to become a police officer and pursue that as a career. But coaching Coaches of the Year, story from page 2 will always be in his plans because of the players. Lucas shares this with other coaches: If you re going to coach, give everything you have to it. Make lasting bonds with your players as well as the parents and realize how important you can be in shaping the lives of these kids. Congratulations, Lucas Johnson, as Oklahoma s Boys Recreational Coach of the Year. Chris Spears Soccer coaching may have to take a back seat for Chris Spears until his daughter, Lyla Day (born November 18th) is a little older. His focus right now is on her but the native Tulsan will be ready for soccer this spring when his TSC 98 boys team takes the field. Chris and wife, Michelle who teaches dance and pom teams, have already discussed Lyla s future activities but they agree it will be her decision. Chris began playing soccer while in elementary school and when the family moved he joined a team in Union Soccer Club. I vaguely remember playing for the Tulsa Sharks and then the Union Zebras, says Chris, but I certainly remember playing for two coaches: Keith Eddy and Gene Jackson. Those club games under coaches Eddy and Jackson led Chris to the University of Tulsa and four years of college soccer with Tom McIntosh. I received a college education thanks to soccer and met some really good friends. But I also learned what it takes to be successful in the game as well as in life. Another coach who influenced Chris was Jim Tindell. Both Keith and Jim saw something in me as a player and that gave me the confidence to progress as a player, says Chris who kept in mind those coach comments when he eventually hung up the boots. I turned to coaching as a perfect option to keep involved in the game, he says. And for the players he has worked with since then, they agree it was a wise decision. Chris led the TSC 97 boys to a regional tournament but will pick up the 98 s this season. He agreed that his new position as father may alter his time at the practice field and the pitch. Chris plans on attaining his USSF National C license as soon as possible and to keep learning about coaching the game he loves. He currently holds a National D license. Chris believes that good attitude and hard work are necessary for making players better and for them to become better as a person. But we as coaches need to work together to consolidate the talent we have here in Oklahoma so as to better compete for regional and national championships, says Chris. Funding is another area that Chris finds limiting the development of Oklahoma players. We need to find a way to help out kids who are financially challenged, he says, because I know there are youngsters out there who want to play at a competitive level but cannot afford it. So, just as Chris turned to his mentors for support and direction, he is now providing that for his young teams and that is why he joins the ranks of OSA s Coaches of the Year. Congratulations, Chris Spears, Oklahoma s Boys Competitive Coach of the Year. Tom Wedding Tom Wedding s most recent coaching assignment came with a text message from Meagan Brady. Meagan wanted to play indoor soccer at Soccer City and when she mentioned it to me I told her she would need 12 friends, says Tom. The next day I get a text message from Meagan saying she had 12 friends who were ready to play. Thus, Oklahoma Soccer Association s Youth President found himself again coaching a soccer team. The first team Tom coached was the Union Warriors and Sid Schmoker and Brad Coble were involved in coaching the team. Sid asked Brad and me to help him coach his son, Zach, and I ve been coaching ever since, says Tom. Growing up in his hometown of Bixby, Tom began playing in Under 8 s when the rules required eleven a side. His father, Dale Wedding, was his first coach and his biggest influence. He al- see Coaches of the Year page 5

5 SMOKE SIGNALS 5 Coaches of the Year, story from page 4 her up with no intention of coaching, says Mike. As with most volunteer soccer coaches, he found himself helping coach a team during a scrimmage. That was all it took, he says. I was hooked on coaching after that. In his future plans, Mike wants to take the USSF D license course to further his knowledge of coaching. But at present, he continues to work closely with Tom Wedding and Roger Brady in the coaching of the Bombers team. My philosophy is to make the game fun, says Roger. These girls have so many options available to them for activities that if they are not having a good time, they are not going to keep coming back. Mike believes that skills are essential to the development of players. Too many coaches focus on the short term of winning games during the season and Roger Brady For Roger Brady the game of soccer is all about having fun and being positive. As one of the three coaches for the Bixby Bombers U14 girls squad, his concern is that the girls will be able to look back at their soccer experience as a positive and joyful one. I never played the game, says Roger. I went to Webster High School but soccer was available at that time. When daughter Meagan s coach, Tom Wedding, asked Roger to assist him in coaching the girls on an indoor team, Roger agreed. Most of the girls had never played indoor before but they had lots of fun and improved by the end of the indoor season, says Roger. That spring, the team had won half of their league games. In the fall of 2010, the team merged with Mike Hodge s squad and formed the Bombers. By spring of 2011 ways told me: Hard work and dedication will lead you to great things. Tom has followed those wise words and his association with youth soccer has led him to the position he holds today with the youth division of OSA. The game has given me the opportunity to meet soccer friends around the country, says Tom. As with every good coach, there are mentors and assistants who guide and direct them. I am lucky that I can reach out to Kurt Luitwieler (OSA s Director of Coaching) or Matt Fansher, or Sam Snow (US Youth Coaching Director) for assistance. These guys are great resources for me and have allowed me to stayed focused on the important aspect of the games and teach the players great things. Tom echoes the sentiments of his two co-coaches in that the foundation of their coaching is fun. While he wishes to stay involved in the game of soccer as a coach, or referee, or administrator, Tom knows that if the players are having fun they will stay in the sport and some day give back and share with the community the experiences they had. Congratulations, Tom Wedding, Girls Recreational co-coach of the Year. Mike Hodge Mike Hodge knows all about recreational youth soccer. He began playing when he was 4 years old and was coached by his Dad. We were the Dukes, named after the Dukes of Hazzard, says Mike in recollecting those early years. Bright orange jerseys and I still have mine to this day. He also counts as friends several teammates from that squad. Mike played for the Northeast Tulsa Soccer Club (N.E.T.S.) in those days and although the club no longer exists, it was the basis for his early soccer experiences. Mike didn t get involved in soccer until daughter Mariah decided to play. She was 10 at the time and I signed Recreational Coaches of the Year. L to R: Tom Wedding, Mike Hodge and Roger Brady practice tactics that players may or may not understand. According to Mike the difficulty is striking a balance between bringing up the skill level of players who need the development without boring the players who have achieved that skill. For the future, Mike plans to continue coaching because as he says: It s way too much fun. Congratulations, Mike Hodge, Oklahoma Recreational Girls co-coach of the Year. the team was in the Kohl s Governors Cup at Claremore and enjoying their first state tournament. Roger and his wife Beth spend weekends as soccer parents as they watch Kaileigh, who plays for the Bixby Renegades U12 team, and her sister s Bombers. Congratulations, Roger Brady as OSA s Recreational Girls co-coach of the Year.

6 6 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION Dean Goodrich s Save Selected as Region III Save of the Year When the State Tournament match with TSC 97 White was on the line with opponent OFC 97, TSC goalkeeper Dean Goodrich, provided his teammates the opportunity to advance to the 2011 Southern Regionals in Murfreesboro, TN. The opportunity came when the teams completed their regulation match and then two extended periods of play without any goals being scored. Forced to the dreaded Kicks from the Mark method of determining the winner, TSC 97 and OFC traded goals on the first three kickers. Tied 3-3 the fourth Kaela Little named to NSCAA High School Girls All- America Team Kaela has been a member of various ODP state and regional squads over the past several years. She currently plays for Kerry Shuberts 95 squad and for her Bishop Kelley HS team. Anthony Hernandez named NSCAA and adidas Player of the Year. Anthony, a defender on the PC North Panthers round of kicks began. TSC scored and led with a 4-3 tally. The OFC player kicked and Goodrich parried the ball away. The save provided TSC with the opportunity to win and they did just that with the next kick and won 5-3 in kicks from the mark. Goodrich s save and the resulting victory celebration were video captured by Librado Brayan Lara. The video was submitted to US Youth by Tina Keller and OSA was informed in early December that Dean s goal was selected as Region III s Save of the Year. The selection now places Dean s save in contention for Save of the Year at the US Youth National Workshop in Boston, MA. Congratulations, Dean Goodrich and your TSC 97 teammates for participating in the Save of the Year. Outside the Lines boys soccer team, has been named by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and Adidas as Oklahoma s Player of the Year and a member of the 2011 Boys High School All-America Team. He has been a member of Oklahoma Soccer Association s Olympic Development soccer team since age 12, and for two out of the last three years has been a member of the Region III Olympic Development Program team, composed of the best players from the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. Anthony plays on the OK Texans 95 squad. By now Christmas is over and we re nearing the end of January. The bills for the gifts are arriving and most of that joyous feeling goes away when sleigh bells are replaced with Visa bills. But I m not complaining about any of that because Christmas was great this year no blizzard and the family was all within driving distance. There was one phenomenon that came about, however. I was introduced to something called the Elf on a Shelf. Now if you don t have kids in pre-school or grandkids, you may not be familiar with this new concept. Basically someone has created a product that supports the old Santa Claus line He knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you re awake; he knows if you ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake. Personally, I always thought it a bit creepy that he was watching when you re sleeping, but that s another story. Anyway, the marketers of this product have created an elf to snitch on the kids. It s up to the parents to move it each day prior to Christmas to a new location and tell their little darlings that the elf is watching and telling Santa what you are doing and if you are bad or good. So, that means every night the parental units have to move the elf to a new location and the kiddos get up each morning to see if they can spot the tiny bugger. If the kids move him it causes some cosmic force to eliminate Christmas, I think, or that s what they are told. As if we don t create enough paranoia in our kids already! Some sadistic parents blame all sorts of mischief on the elf. In one blog I read, the parent laughed about switching the boy s clothing and girl s clothing Watts What By Dale Watts, Editor while they were asleep and blaming the elf on it. Good grief, these are kids that we are going to be reading about in another ten years. Make up your own headline on that one. So, I took this idea and decided that what we in the soccer community need to do is create a version of this concept for our own use. We can call it Field Marshal in a cart and we ll have great fun terrifying parents, players, referees, and administrators at soccer venues across the country. First, we create a tiny toy with a miniature golf cart and inside the cart is a wee field marshal, complete with radio. We then set up the concept in this manner: The first person to arrive at the complex hides the Field Marshal in a cart somewhere in or around the field. It becomes the task of the teams, parents, and referees to see if they can locate the Field Marshal in a cart and take pains to not be naughty. After all, if they are naughty the Field Marshal in a cart will tell the league and punishment or discipline will be administered. At the end of the game, the losing team will be responsible for placing the Field Marshal in a cart in a new location for the next match. At the end of the day, the winning team takes the Field Marshal in a cart to the concession stand and the process is ready for the next day s events. If every team is made aware that the Field Marshal in a cart is making a list and checking it twice on every team and its fans, maybe we can begin to enjoy more matches without anyone getting a lump of coal in their equipment bag. So, there you go all you entrepreneurs. Someone can make some bucks with this idea. But not me. I m still worried about deciding between naughty or nice. 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7 SMOKE SIGNALS 7 SCORE OSA WORKSHOP JANUARY 27-29, 2012 DOUBLETREE HOTEL DOWNTOWN TULSA KEYNOTE SPEAKER Alfred Kleinaitis To Speak at Score Workshop Oklahoma referees and attendees of the Score Workshop Awards Luncheon will be treated to a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and hear Alfred Kleinaitis speak on officiating in the United States. Mr. Kleinaitis teaches at seminars whose attendees include United States National referees and FIFA referees. His advice is sought out by international soccer federations around the world. He has been named a FIFA instructor. Kleinaitis has officiated at the highest levels in World Cup soccer. Kleinaitis came to the United States from Lithuania in 1957 at the age of 16. It took him only eleven years to advance as a referee in Illinois to the world s highest referee grade: FIFA. He was the first U.S. official to be named as referee to a full international match in Dublin. The two teams in that match were Ireland and USSR. In addition to instructing, Kleinaitis also assesses officials at the highest levels. In 1991 he assumed the leadership of United States Soccer Federation s Referee Training Program replacing Robert Evans and Je Mone Smith will present information on recruiting of athletes by colleges during the Score OSA Workshop. Je Mone Smith, NCSA Educational Speaker and former Philadelphia Eagle, thought he knew how the recruiting process worked by watching his older brother become heavily recruited by several major Division I football programs. When it was his turn, Smith realized the process was not the same for every student-athlete. Fortunately, Je Mone had kept in touch with college coaches of all levels, and was eventually offered and accepted a full scholarship to Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For Smith, academics were a top priority and while in college he excelled on the brought to it his experience from the public school classroom. For his many years of service to the game, Alfred Kleinaitis holds membership in the Hall of Fame of several organizations: The US Soccer Hall of Fame, the Illinois Hall of Fame, the United States Adult Soccer Association Hall of Fame, and the National intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association Hall of Fame. His humor and outgoing personality have made him a celebrity at the United States Youth Workshops and other soccer functions. For him to travel to Oklahoma is a rare treat indeed and OSA welcomes him and looks forward to his remarks. NSCA Athletic Recruiting To Offer Sessions At Score Workshop field and in the classroom. Before becoming a free agent in the NFL, Smith earned a BA in Criminology/Pre-Law and later a Master s Degree in Labor Relations from IUP. He also has earned a Master s Degree in Human Resources from Chapman University. Smith has been recognized professionally for his public speaking and business leadership skills, and has been designated as a Competent Toastmaster for the Toastmasters International Organization. He currently gives educational recruiting seminars for the NCSA around the country. Je Mone uses his experience with the recruiting process to help today s student-athletes and their parents understand what they need to do to be successful at the next level. SCORE OSA AWARDS LUNCHEON Welcome- Scott Hughes, Chairman, OSA Invocation Introductions - Scott Hughes, OSA Invocation 2011 Elite Players ODP Recognition OSA Youth Board 1st VP Alfred Kleinaitis, FIFA Referee, former USSF Manager of Referee Development Referees of the Year Ron Poulsen, State Referee Administrator Volunteer of the Year, Family of the Year Tom Wedding, OSA Youth Board President Youth Presentation to HFC 95 & TSC 94 Tom Wedding, OSA Youth Board President Coaches of the Year Recognition Tom Wedding, OSA Youth Board President Hall of Fame Inductees Recognition Scott Hughes, Chairman, OSA Score $250 Grants - 4 Awards Tom Wedding, OSA Youth Board President Door Prize Drawings Scott Hughes, Chairman, OSA

8 8 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION SCORE OSA WORKSHOP HALL OF FAME GOT SOCCER AWARDS BANQUET GOALKEEPING Friday, 6:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. REFEREE Topic: Referee Assignor Course Parts 1 & 2 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A four-part course provides required USSF training in referee assigning. Every club in Oklahoma is required to have a registered assignor who is responsible for assigning referees to its matches. Attendance at all four sessions is required. Assignors will gain access to all registered referees in the state and learn techniques on how to assign matches and tournaments. This is not a recertification class. Presenter: Jim Brittain, State Coordinator of Assignors Location: Dover Topic: Advanced Referee Training 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. United States Soccer Federation instruction on the latest techniques and policies regarding officiating in the United States. Class is geared to upper level referees who have attained a minimum of Grade 08. Each session is a separate presentation. Presenter: Alfred Kleinaitis, USSF National Instructor, FIFA Referee Location: Westminster COACHING Topic: The NSCAA Professional Development Certificate 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This year s Professional Development Certificate is designed to meet the needs of coaches of players in the high school age bracket. Sessions some on the field and some in the classroom will be designated as the content of this learning experience. Coaches attending all the sessions will the NSCAA certificate. Presenter: Kurt Luitwieler, OSA Director of Coaching Location: Tulsa Convention Center ADMINISTRATION OSA Welcome Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Reception 6:30 p.m. OSA Reception and Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of Location: Manchester/Geneva ballroom General Membership Meeting for all Countries and Adult Leagues 8:00 p.m. Youth and Adult Meetings will follow brief General Membership Meeting. Location: Remington Session Information and Luncheon Program for Awards Luncheon All rooms and sessions are subject to change. Youth General Membership Meeting 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Country presidents meet with the Youth Division for a business meeting. Location: Remington Adult General Membership Meeting 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Adult and league club presidents and officers meet with the Adult Division for a business meeting. Location: Gilcrease OSA SoccerCity After Party 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. Music by Pearadocs a Tulsa-based rock and roll band and recording artists Location: Manchester/Geneva Saturday, 8:00 a.m. Vendor Booths and Exhibits Open in Council Oak Foyer Saturday 8:00 a.m. 8:50 a.m. REFEREE Topic: Referee Assignor Course Part 3 A five-part course provides required USSF training in referee assigning. Every club in Oklahoma is required to have a registered assignor who is responsible for assigning referees to its matches. Attendance at all four sessions is required. Assignors will gain access to all registered referees in the state and learn techniques on how to assign matches and tournaments. This is not a recertification class. Presenter: Jim Brittain, State Coordinator of Assignors Location: Dover COACHING Topic: The NSCAA Professional Development Certificate 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This year s Professional Development Certificate is designed to meet the needs of coaches of players in the high school age bracket. Sessions some on the field and some in the classroom will be designated as the content of this learning experience. Coaches attending all the sessions will receive the NSCAA certificate. Presenter: Jason Pendleton, NSCAA Staff Instructor Location: Tulsa Convention Center Saturday, 9:00 a.m. 9:50 a.m. ADMINISTRATION Topic: Registrar Certification 2012 Club officers in charge of Risk Management will be given first hand information on how to properly deal with issues pertaining to Risk Management. Presenter: Michael Naumann, OSA Youth 4th VP Risk Management Location: Council Oak Ballroom Topic: Club/Country Tournaments Tools to Improve Your Event Most clubs and countries in Oklahoma Soccer use tournaments to fund their programs. Methods of improving those events and how OSA can assist in that will be discussed. Presenter: Paul Scott, OSA Youth 3rd Vice President Location: Remington REFEREE Topic: Advanced Referee Training United States Soccer Federation instruction on the latest techniques and policies regarding officiating in the United States. Class is geared to upper level referees who have attained a minimum of Grade 08. Each session is a separate presentation. Presenter: Alfred Kleinaitis, USSF National Instructor, FIFA Referee Location: Westminster Topic: Referee Assignor Course Part 4 A four-part course provides required USSF training in referee assigning. Every club in Oklahoma is required to have a registered assignor who is responsible for assigning referees to its matches. Attendance at all four sessions is required. Assignors will gain access to all registered referees in the state and learn techniques on how to assign matches and tournaments. This is not a recertification class. Presenter: Jim Brittain, State Coordinator of Assignors Location: Dover Morning break visit the vendor area for coffee, cookies and much more! 10:00 a.m. 10:50 a.m. ADMINISTRATION Topic: Social Media How do I get started Learn how to use the latest social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and others to communicate with players and teams. Gain methods of using social media to increase attendance and profitability for your tournament. Presenter: Jennifer Luitwieler, Social Media Consultant Location: Council Oak Ballroom SPORTS MEDICINE Topic: Prevention and Recovery Learn more about how ACL soccer injuries may be prevented as well as how the injured player can recover from those injuries. Presenter:Dr. Scott Waugh, OSOI Edmond Location: Remington REFEREE Topic: Advanced Referee Training, continued United States Soccer Federation instruction on the latest techniques and policies regarding officiating in the United States. Class is geared to upper level referees who have attained a minimum of Grade 08. Each session a separate presentation. Presenter: Alfred Kleinaitis, USSF National Instructor, FIFA Referee Location: Westminster Topic: Referee Assignor Course Part 5 A four-part course provides required USSF training in referee assigning. Every club in Oklahoma is required to have a registered assignor who is responsible for assigning referees to its matches. Attendance at all four sessions is required. Assignors will gain access to all registered referees in the state and learn techniques on how to assign matches and tournaments. This is not a recertification class. Presenter: Jim Brittain, State Coordinator of Assignors. Location: Dover 11:00 a.m. 11:50 a.m. SPORTS MEDICINE Topic: The danger of Player Concussions and how to recognize it Much attention has been given the danger of concussion in the past year as shown on numerous television broadcasts of sporting events. Learn from the experts on how to recognize the concussion and how dangerous it can be. Presenter: Dr. Scott Waugh, OSOI Edmond Location: Remington

9 SMOKE SIGNALS 9 SCORE OSA WORKSHOP COACHING SPORTS MEDICINE REFEREE ADMINISTRATION REFEREE Topic: Welcome to the Arbiter Assignor Program The State Referee Committee has designated the Arbiter Assignor Program the official program to assign referees throughout the state. It is available free of charge to clubs who wish to utilize the program. The session will provide training and tips on the use of Arbiter at the club and/or league level. Presenter: Clark Evans, Arbiter Sports Location: Dover ADMINISTRATION Topic: Registrar & Risk Management II - Certification 2012 Club registrars will be given first hand information on how to properly register players for the 2012 year using the Got Soccer program. Presenter: Sandy Richardson, OSA Staff Location: Council Oak Ballroom Adult Soccer Programs and Events As our youth players age and mature, most wish to continue playing the sport they love. Discuss ways in which OSA and the Adult Division can provide growth for the Adult programs in Oklahoma. Presenter: Reza Namavar, Adult Division President Location: Gilcrease 12:00 p.m. 1:45 p.m. SCORE OSA AWARDS LUNCHEON Welcome- Scott Hughes, Chairman, OSA Invocation Introductions - Scott Hughes 2011 Elite Players ODP Recognition OSA Youth Board 1st VP Keynote Speaker Alfred Kleinaitis, FIFA Referee, former USSF Manager of Referee Development Referees of the Year Ron Poulsen, State Referee Administrator Volunteer of the Year Family of the Year Tom Wedding, OSA Youth Board President Youth Presentation to HFC 95 and TSC 94 Tom Wedding, OSA Youth Board President Session Information and Luncheon Program for Awards Luncheon All rooms and sessions are subject to change. Coaches of the Year Recognition Tom Wedding, OSA Youth Board President Hall of Fame Inductees Recognition Scott Hughes, Chairman, OSA Score $250 Grants - 4 Awards Tom Wedding, OSA Youth Board President Door Prize Drawings Scott Hughes, Chairman, OSA 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. COACHING Topic: The SoccerCity Little Kickers Program Games, activities, and demonstrations of what SoccerCity provides to the youngest of our soccer players. Presenter: Kerry Shubert, owner SoccerCity Location: Tulsa Convention Center 2:00 p.m. 2:50 p.m. GENERAL PUBLIC Topic: College session NCSA Juniors and seniors in high school are invited to attend this special session designed for them and their parents on how to find scholarships and other ways to use your soccer skills to pay for college. Presenter: Je Mone Smith, NCSA Location: Remington ADMINISTRATION Topic: Social Media II Reaching Current and New Members Using the various social media programs available, clubs and leagues can reach many of their members and gain new members. Learn how to use these programs to increase your communication with your members. Presenter: Jennifer Luitwieler, Social Media Consultant Location: Gilcrease Topic: GotSoccer Tools for the Basic User of a Club/Country/League Learn how to use GotSoccer s program to ease your scheduling and registration frustrations. Using online presentation, GotSoccer will demonstrate the multiple functions of their program for use at the basic level. Presenter: Bill Cameron, GotSoccer Location: Council Oak Ballroom REFEREE Topic: Advanced Referee Training, continued United States Soccer Federation instruction on the latest techniques and policies regarding officiating in the United States. Class is geared to upper level referees who have attained a minimum of Grade 08. Each session is a separate presentation. Presenter: Alfred Kleinaitis, USSF National Instructor, FIFA Referee Location: Westminster Topic: Advanced Arbiter training For Assignors who have used the Arbiter program for a period of time, this session will offer training on many uses of Arbiter to improve assigning methods and communication with your officials. Presenter: Clark Evans, Arbiter Sports Location: Dover 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. COACHING Topic: The NSCAA Professional Development Certificate This year s Professional Development Certificate is designed to meet the needs of coaches of players in the high school age bracket. Sessions some on the field and some in the classroom will be designated as the content of this learning experience. Coaches attending all the sessions will the NSCAA certificate. Presenter: John Pendleton, NSCAA Staff Location: Tulsa Convention Center 3:00 p.m. 3:50 p.m. ADMINISTRATION Topic: Presidents Roundtable Open Discussion on Youth Programs This session will provide the club and country presidents the ability to share with the Youth Division concerns and concepts on how to best serve the youth soccer in Okla. Presenter: Tom Wedding, OSA Youth Division President. Location: Gilcrease Topic: College session College Coaches A panel of several local and/or state university head soccer coaches will host a question and answer session with players and parents on how to prepare for college and what is expected of the student athlete in a higher education setting. Moderator: Je Mone Smith, NCSA Location: Remington REFEREE Topic: Advanced Referee Training, continued United States Soccer Federation instruction on the latest techniques and policies regarding officiating in the United States. Class is geared to upper level referees who have attained a minimum of Grade 08. Each session is a separate presentation. Presenter: Alfred Kleinaitis, USSF National Instructor, FIFA Referee Location: Westminster Topic: Referee Assignor Recertification Assignors who did not attend the annual recertification course in July may recertify for 2012 by attending this course. Presenter: Bill Harn, State Referee Instructor and Assignor Location: Ballroom D Topic: GotSoccer Advanced Information on Registration and Tournaments Learn how to use GotSoccer for setting up your tournaments and for registering your players. This advanced class is designed for those clubs/leagues who have experience with the GotSoccer format. Presenter:Bill Cameron, GotSoccer Council Location: Oak Ballroom 4:00 p.m. 4:50 p.m. REFEREE Topic: Advanced Referee Training, continued United States Soccer Federation instruction on the latest techniques and policies regarding officiating in the United States. Class is geared to upper level referees who have attained a minimum of Grade 08. Each session is a separate presentation. Presenter: Alfred Kleinaitis, USSF National Instructor, FIFA Referee Location: Westminster

10 10 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION PLAY HARD. CELEBRATE WITH PIZZA. $ 5 50 ONLY PER PERSON ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT-AND-DRINK PIZZA* AND SOFT DRINKS Gather your group (15-person minimum) and enjoy All-You-Can-Eat *One Topping Pizzas of your choice and Soft Drinks for everyone for just $5.50 per person. Just give us a call to schedule your party at the Mazzio s location most convenient for you. Call Us Anytime to Schedule Your Event! Supporting Our Local Teams and Schools. mazzios.com

11 SMOKE SIGNALS 11 YOUR GAME, YOUR FIELDS TULSA 5817 S. 118th East Ave. Tulsa, OK SOCCERCITYTULSA.COM OKLAHOMA CITY 4520 Old Farm Road Oklahoma City, OK SOCCERCITYOKCITY.COM Two adult referees of the year and one Youth Referee of the Year will be honored at the Score OSA Workshop on January at Tulsa s DoubleTree Hotel. The three referees are all experienced officials within the state and all have traveled outside the state to showcase to others the skill and capabilities of Oklahoma soccer referees. Youth Referee of the Year Brandon Neris Soccer has been a part of the Neris family and Brandon ever since his older brother, Julian, began playing and refereeing. My Mom and Dad (Rafael and Jocelyn) traveled all over the world while dad served in the military, but I was lucky to live in Lawton all my life, says Brandon. Rafael and Julian often played with the THREE REFEREES OF THE YEAR SELECTED soldiers stationed on the base and Brandon joined in. The traveling is hereditary; it appears, because he does enjoy traveling to other states and locations to meet people and referee games. I ve attended all the Oklahoma state tournaments and traveled to Wichita, Kansas for a tournament as well as Dallas for the Plano tournament. The opportunity to attend Regional ODP camp in Tuscaloosa, Alabama was the most fun I ve had as a referee, says Brandon. Being around referees of all levels who love the game and consider themselves as part of a team made a large impact on him. Although Brandon started playing soccer in first grade, the thrill of refereeing caught him during 7th grade and he s been behind the whistle ever since. Currently a grade 07 referee, Brandon hopes to upgrade this year and attain the State badge. In addition to officiating, Brandon is a photographer for the Lawton Constitution and has won an AP contest for sports photography. He s won several Oklahoma Press Association Contests and was 5th in the nation for high school sports photography as a senior. Congratulations, Brandon Neris, OSA s Youth Referee of the Year. Adult Referee of the Year (Female) Susanne Forler SueZ (as she spells her name for friends) Forler began playing soccer in her hometown of Verdigris and at age 12 decided that she would become a referee. Her older brother, Joe, had been refereeing since 1994 and was already an 08 grade when Susanne started. At the time both of my brothers (Joe and Mike) were referees and I started refereeing too. But I wouldn t do centers. It wasn t until 2004 that I took my first assignment as a center. Ron Poulsen, OSA s current SRA, was her AR on that match and Joe was the other. In 2003 she took the upgrade to 08 class and became a fixture at local tournaments and leagues. In 2008 she attained her 07 grade and maintained it for two years before hip pain forced her to step back and forego the annual fitness exam required of 07 referees. But within a year she was back to her 07 status and working toward achieving the State badge. That appears to be within her grasp as she has completed all the requirements of the badge except for the classroom work this spring. After her final assessment for the upgrade, SueZ commented: I m still so pumped, excited, and relieved I m smiling on the outside and ecstatic on the inside!!! One step closer to FIVE more letters!!! The five letters are the letters in STATE and her hard work and determination have paid off. She attended the Southern Regionals this year in Murfreesboro, TN and was observed by many top referees there and was given high assessments and encouragement. It s my brother, Joe, to whom I go to with questions, concerns, and advice, says Susanne. He knows how to talk to his sister and can make me understand. The Rogers State University graduate (she has a BS in medical/molecular see REFEREES OF THE YEAR page 12

12 12 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION Referees of the Year, from page 11 biology) was the outstanding graduate in the chemistry department. She s currently pursuing advanced degrees while continuing to officiate. In her spare time she s helping coach a U6 team and encourages her niece and nephew to play soccer. But the exciting news for SueZ is her engagement to Mark Moskal and their future together. Congratulations, Susanne (SueZ) on being named Adult Referee of the Year. Adult Referee of the Year (Male) Travis Haight It s not often that Oklahomans have a Sioux Falls, South Dakota native join the referee corps, but in the case of Travis he was welcomed with open arms and perhaps treated with great joy by certain adult referees. The reason for that will appear later in the story. In 2008, Travis became an 08 referee while living and working in the Joplin, Missouri area. He previously officiated soccer matches in South Dakota while in middle school and high school but stopped while attending college. After studying business at Missouri Southern State University and marrying Katelyn, the couple stayed in Missouri and Travis began doing games in Joplin. However, by 2009 the Haights were in Oklahoma and Travis was officiating soccer matches with Oklahoma referees. My parents were the ones who introduced me to soccer and they hauled me across the country to play the sport I loved, says Travis. After years of club soccer, his efforts paid off with a soccer scholarship to Missouri Southern as a goalkeeper. I was able to go to college and get my school paid for thanks to soccer. And now I m able to ref the game I love and get paid for it. In 2011 Travis upgraded to 07 level and quickly became noticed by Assignors around the state. He was utilized by many of those Assignors on difficult matches at all levels. In the past year, Travis attended the many State Tournaments in Oklahoma and was selected to attend Southern Regionals in Murfreesboro, TN. At the conclusion of the Regional competition Travis was asked to officiate at the US Youth National Championships in Phoenix, Arizona and he agreed to do so. Many people are unaware that referees going to National and Regional competitions must use their vacation time to participate in these tournaments. For Travis, this summer was typical of many Oklahoma referees with few weekends off as they attend five weekends of state tournaments and then perhaps travel to Regionals. After regionals, the schedule requires the select few to go on to the National Championships. Such was Travis life the summer of Travis plans on attaining his State badge this spring and continuing his officiating career. And as for why the older referees welcomed Travis? Perhaps the name of his employer will give you a clue: Anheuser-Busch. Congratulations, Travis Haight, OSA Adult Referee of the Year. Pearadocs will play at the OSA SoccerCity After Party Friday, Jan. 29-9:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. Score OSA Workshop. TSC 94 Plays in National League The US Youth Soccer National League will begin for boys and girls teams in the Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and, new this year, Under-18 age groups the first two weekends in December. First up in , the National League Girls teams will open the fifth season of league play December 1-4 in Atlanta at Fowler Park and Mudd Creek Soccer Complex. The National League Boys teams will follow suit December 9-11 in Birmingham, Ala., at Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, Liberty Park Soccer Complex, Sports Blast and Heardmont Park. OSA s TSC 94 will play in the U18 boys division. Under-18 Boys: TSC 94 vs. Texas FC 94 Possibly the most entertaining game of the day was featured in the U-18 group as a wild, back and forth, last minute game saw defending division champion Tulsa SCH 94 Earle (OK) come out on top 4-3 over Texas FC 94 (N-TX). Tulsa went ahead in the 40th on Emmanuel Raranje s goal, only to have Jordan Stiner level a minute later. Texas FC grabbed the lead in the 60th from Michael Matthews, but Tulsa University commit Christian Mata equalized in the 77th. Matthews again gave Texas the lead, and seemingly the victory, with an 89th minute goal, but Memphis commit Jordan Cuckler evened the score in the 90th before Mata netted an improbable winner in stoppage time to put Tulsa back on track for another league title. The opening weekends for boys and girls will be played in conjunction with the NCAA Division I Men s and Women s College Cup championships, creating another significant opportunity for the nation s collegiate, professional and national team coaches to see National League players in an environment of meaningful play. With the addition of the Under-18 age group, 120 boys and girls teams from 32 of the 55 US Youth Soccer State Associations have each earned their place in the league based on success in US Youth Soccer regional and national competitions. Once again, the US Youth Soccer National League has expanded this season to now include U-18 boys and girls teams. This league continues to grow to accommodate the demand for most competitive and meaningful competition and to give teams an opportunity to qualify for the prestigious US Youth Soccer National Championships, said Paul Luchowski, National League commissioner. The league is an extension of the highly successful US Youth Soccer Regional Leagues (US Youth Soccer Region I Premier League, Midwest Regional League, Region III Premier League and Far West Regional League). The National League provides an avenue for teams to play in meaningful matches against top competition from across the country for continued development and opportunities for exposure at the national team, collegiate and professional levels. In addition to recruiting opportunities, National League teams in the U-15, U-16 and U-17 age groups compete for the league title and two slots per gender age group to the annual US Youth Soccer National Championships. The National League Boys will continue the season in February alongside the Weston Cup in Weston, Fla. (Feb ) and will join the Girls at the Player s College Showcase in Las Vegas. SCORE Uniform Giveaway Enter the monthly Score Uniform giveaway contest TODAY. Each month Score and OSA give away a set of uniforms to recreational teams in the U6 through U10 age divisions. Visit and enter the contest so your team can be eligible for a free set of Score uniforms!

13 SMOKE SIGNALS 13

14 14 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION OSA APPROVED TOURNAMENTS This is not a final listing. Some applications are still pending. Country Tournament Level Date Contact Name Address FCSA MWC Patriot Cup...Comp...March 2-4, Donnie Hughes... dhughes@richlandresources.com GCSA Broken Spring Rec Tournament...Rec....March 23-25, Greg Moreton... fistvp@brokenarrowsoccerclub.com FCSA NYSA Academy Invitational...Academy...March 30-April 1, Dustin Hooker... nysatournaments@yahoo.com FCSA SLSC Spring Twister...Rec....March 31-April 2, Brandon Lawless... brandonslsc@yahoo.com Red River Lawton Spring Fling...Rec....March 30-April 1, Steve McNeil... Steve@lawtonsoccer.com GCSA OK Texans Friendship Cup...Comp...April 6-8, Michael Nsien Jr... tournament@oktexans.com FCSA MWC Spring Spectacular...Rec....April 13-15, Donnie Hughes... dhughes@richlandresources.com FCSA Red Earth Invitational...Comp...April 13-15, Gary Boreham... borehamsoccer@cox.net GCSA WSA Cup...Comp...April 20-22, Roger Bush... rogerwsa@aol.com OSA Kohl s Festival/Governors cup...rec....april 28-29, Sandy Richardson... sandy@oksoccer.com OSA Presidents Cup Prelims...Comp...May 5-6, Sandy Richardson... sandy@oksoccer.com OSA Presidents Cup Championships...Comp...May 12, Sandy Richardson... sandy@oksoccer.com FCSA FCSA Day of Champions...Rec....May 11-13, Pauletta Price... administrator@okfcsoccer.com GCSA Green Country Scholarship Tournament.Rec....May 11-13, Robert Allen... rda89@cox.net OSA State Cup Prelims Comp...May 19-20, Sandy Richardson... sandy@oksoccer.com OSA State Cup Championships...Comp...May 26-27, Sandy Richardson... sandy@oksoccer.com GCSA Union Kick-it 3v3...Rec/Comp...June 2-3, David Dexter... dexterb@aol.com GCSA Heartland Cup...Comp...June 1-2, Alex Alston... alexalston@tulsasports.org GCSA Hayley Palrmer Kick n CF...Rec/Comp...July 7-8, Peter Koskovich... peterjk@peoplepc.com FCSA Beat the Heat Boys Comp...Aug , James Soesbee... soccer999999@sbcglobal.net FCSA Beat the Heat Girls...Comp...Aug , James Soesbee... soccer999999@sbcglobal.net GCSA TSC Hurricane Juniors Friendlies...Comp...Aug , Jeff Tissue... jefftissue@cox.net GCSA BASC Labor Day Tournament...Rec/Comp...Aug.31-Sept. 3, Greg Moreton... firstvp@brokenarrowsoccerclub.org FCSA Southlakes Cosmos Cup...Comp...Sept , Brandon Lawless... brandonslsc@yahoo.com FCSA Festival de Futball...Rec....Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Gary Boreham... borehamsoccer@cox.net GCSA TUSC Chillfest...Rec....Oct , Mike Hazel... tusc@tulsaunitedsoccerclub.com FCSA NYSA Sooner Soccerfest...Rec....Oct , Dustin Hooker... nysatournaments@yahoo.com GCSA Blitz United Under Armour Invitational...Comp...Oct , John Redmond... tournament@blitzunited.org FCSA Turkey Shootout...Rec....Nov. 2-4, James Soesbee... soccer999999@sbcglobal.net Red River Halloween Bash...Rec....Oct , Steve McNeil... steve@lawtonsoccer.com GCSA Sand Springs Fall Rec Tournament...Rec....Nov. 9-11, David Crutchfield... david4ou@cox.net FCSA NYSA Classic Cup...Comp...Nov. 9-11, Dustin Hooker... nysatournaments@yahoo.com GCSA BASC Fall Rec Tournament...Rec....Nov , Greg Moreton... firstvp@brokenarrowsoccerclub.org GCSA Sam Shannon Cup and Showcase...Comp...Nov , Jim Tindell... jimtindell@me.com Tournament Scores The scores below are those submitted through the Tournament Evaluation Form. If a tournament is not shown, the evaluation form may not have been received at the deadline date for publication of this issue. Sand Springs Fall Recreational Tournament BOYS U14 1st Ft Gibson Barcelona - 5 2nd Metro Tulsa Force 1 BOYS U12 1st Ft Gibson United FC 4 2nd Ft Gibson Raiders 2 BOYS U10 1st Tahlequah Orange Bulls 3 2nd Muskogee United FC 2 BOYS U9 Academy 1st WSA nd WCSC Bartlesville United 0 BOYS U8 1st Broken Arrow Manchester United 3 2nd WSA 05 2 GIRLS U14 1st Broken Arrow Renegades 6 2nd Owasso Impact 0 GIRLS U12 1st NWAL Flash 4 2nd Porter Second Wave 2 0 GIRLS U10 Academy 1st NWAL Lightning 02 Blue 3 2nd WCSC FCB 02 2 GIRLS U10 1st Ft Gibson Futbal Vipers 2 2nd Union Funky Monkeys - 0 GIRLS U9 Academy 1st Ft Gibson nd NWAL Lightning 03 Blue 1 GIRLS U8 1st Edmond Soccer Rockers 5 2nd Ft Gibson Finesse 2

15 SMOKE SIGNALS 15 KIDS PAGE JOKES Why did the teacher get locked in his classroom? A: His keys were inside the piano! Why was the teacher crosseyed? A: Because she couldn t control her pupils. Why did Tigger look inside the toilet? A: He was looking for Pooh! Where do penguins keep their money? A: In a snow bank. RIDDLES What seven letters did Old Mother Hubbard say when she opened her cupboard? A: O I C U R M T What do you call your father-in-law s only child s mother-in-law? A: Mom What has 3 heads, is ugly, and smells bad? A: Oops, my mistake. You don t have three heads. KNOCK KNOCK JOKES Who s there? Catsup Catsup who? Your cat s up a tree and won t come down. Who s there? Bug spray Bug spray who? Bugs pray a spider won t eat them. PUNs This guy goes into a restaurant for a Christmas breakfast while in his home town for the holidays. After looking over the menu he says, I ll just have the Eggs Benedict. His order comes a while later and it s served on a big, shiny hubcap. He asks the waiter, What s with the hubcap? The waiter sings, There s no plate like chrome for the hollandaise! A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. But why?, they asked, as they moved off. Because, he said, I can t stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer. January/February Puzzle QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR COACH: Why can t donuts be square? Why are all of the Harry Potter spells in Latin if they re English? What do Greeks say when they don t understand something? It s back to the Word Search for the first puzzle of 2012! Look at the word list which contains words we ll be using during January and February. Solve the puzzle the cut it out and mail to me at OSA, c/o Smoke Signals, PO Box 35174, Tulsa, OK Good luck and remember to PRINT your name, address, and zip code on the form below, please. I ll publish your name in the next issue if you solve the puzzle and you ll get prizes from Mazzio s Italian Eatery as well! Deadline for this entry: February 15, Name: Address: City: State: Zip: WORDS TO USE H I W Y N L J D E R Y Y M N M Y Q T J Y Y I R G E O R G E F U N P I T N S V I D A R V A Q I L E T O O Q G H S U N R O B E Y R A U N A J H E C S B A P J K U R H E G T Q H M S H N E B H A E M Q B A C E H L D E K M Z N Q A E L R B T L H D E V O L R A J I U N B A I B S K E A R F C L O R Q T Y T W H R Z O J K T M M W I W D D N G N I K O T Y W T G R A N N M I Y E Y R A U R B E F L O S E H C D G Z L N C W D T R D Q D H E E E O W R L A I F O K Q C W E I D G X F L O A M V T H R D F X L N D N W E M N N S M B R O R L N S G Z V U R J A M S U Z V A R A K Q T P V D O Y J R H H S A X M A Z Y O M W T V R V X C C U P I D U N I N S F B R J G S O H Z E P A F Abraham Groundhog MardiGras Arrow Heart Martin Ash January Red Cherry King Snow Cupid Lincoln SuperBowl Doubletree Love Valentine February Luther Washington George March Workshop

16 16 OKLAHOMA SOCCER ASSOCIATION American Soccer Company, Inc E. Anaheim Street - Wilmington, CA