Question Number: 26315

Character, Attitude and Control 5/9/2012

RE: rec

Linda of Fairfield, CA USA asks...

This isn't a question, but a comment about Chuck Fleisher and his passion for referee development.

Chuck taught the referee licensing classes in our league in the years before his death. One of his memorable quotes was,'Refereeing is the only profession where you're expected to be perfect from your first game and show continual improvement thereafter.' Chuck championed the belief that referees need feedback from experienced mentors to develop their skills.

Our league didn't have a mentoring program for referees until a few years ago. In small steps, though, the message that Chuck left is taking hold. Over the past two seasons, we've invited assessors and instructors to watch and give feedback to those of our referees that were making the effort to accept more challenging assignments, acted professionally, and showed a desire to develop their skills. Feedback has helped these refs to improve and take on assignments at district, state, and even a couple at regional youth soccer levels - something that wasn't even considered in our league in the past. This year we had our first ever state youth ref of the year. She'll officiate at regionals in June. She received her grade 8 license as a twelve year old; her instructor was Chuck Fleisher.

Chuck had friends among those of you at AskTheRef. I thought you might like to hear an example of his continuing influence.

Thank you for continuing to answer questions about the LOTG.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Linda, I cannot thank you enough for contacting us with this information and your fond memories of Chuck. Not a day goes by I don't think of him and miss him terribly. The last few weeks before he died were brutal but he managed to talk with me most every day.
The impact he made here on thousands of referees was great but the impact he had on those in your League may even have been greater. The fact that he could take a 12 year old girl and not only teach her but also instill in her the desire and passion to go on and become a state youth ref of the year speaks volumes as to the kind of person Chuck was.
I doubt you or I will ever meet someone with the integrity, knowledge, honesty, courage, truthfulness, and Love Of The Game Chuck had. I strive to but fall woefully short. Everyone on this panel has these attributes but Chuck Fleischer was one of a kind.
Thank you again for your kindness in sharing this. Knowing that his influence has benefitted the area in which he lived somehow lessens the pain of his loss.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Linda, what a kind and thoughtful message! Thank you very much. Somewhere, Chuck is smiling broadly, and the thought of that makes me smile too.

We still miss him terribly - I especially miss hearing him patiently explain an issue, leading me to his answer. It is heartwarming to know all of his efforts in your area were appreciated and acted upon, to the betterment of the entire referee corps. And please pass on our congratulations to the young lady!