Date:         Tue, 26 Aug 2003 11:32:24 -0400
Reply-To:     Michael Cotleur <[log in to unmask]>
Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
From:         Michael Cotleur <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      New "NF v. USSF" Memorandum Available.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

TO:  USA Referees

USA referees doing both NF (High school, Rod!) and
USSF have a particularly hard time keeping both
straight.  I work hard to master both sets of
laws/rules; nevertheless, I still felt levels of
doubt and discomposure from time to time, esp.
when challenged by a NF coach, also a travel team
coach, on some arcane point, in the heat of
battle.

So it's a constant struggle to really keep these
types of games separate, Especially during NF
season, with USSF games each week as well.

Dan Heldman's work was invaluable to me (it is
flat-out amazing exactly how many differences
there are, not always "visible to the naked eye"
<g>), but left me still a bit in the dark.  I had
some difficultly finding a "flow" to his memo, as
I think in a different way; and (heretical as it
may seem) I thought I might have disagreements,
and additional concerns, than as expressed in his
work.

But until asked (back in June) to give a
presentation on this subject (this past Sunday
night), I left it at that.  Now, for the past few
months, I've re-examined this, and have
prepared a different analysis, NF Rule-by-rule,
complete with cites to every single source for
both NF and USSF (Laws, ATR, and Guide To
Procedures, where applicable.)  In the process, I
actually better learned several things (and as a
bonus, it turns out, the NF test had extensive
questions on precisely these differences!

It's six pages (MS Word) despite not attempting to
address minor stuff; OTOH, it does include KFTPM
as well.  If you want it, ask.  I've also sent it
to Skipper for consideration on his new web site;
and to our organization (wmsoa.org) for inclusion
there.

Even if you've already taken the test, I believe
this memo will help you better separate the two
types of games, as you go through the season.

Enjoy!

Michael D. Cotleur,  F.E.R.C. Trial Attorney
tel. (202) 502-8519  fax. (202) 502-6147
"L'homme est ce qu'il fait."     (Andre Malraux)