Behind the whistle spring 2026- Week 11
Behind the Whistle
Behind The Whistle will be a CRO weekly check in and report for recreation referees working with CRO. This will be a place where we will highlight you all and shine a spotlight on the great things all of you are doing each weekend. You will also find coaching points on areas to work on and development observations from CRO mentors, trends we are seeing from teams, players or coaches in our leagues and messages from our League Directors to pass along to you all. We will close out each post with some off field administrative responsibilities that are vital to on field success. Take some time to read through this each week and contact us with any necessary information.
We hope you enjoy reading each week!
Helpful Links - Education Page / League Info Page / Payments Page / Advancement Page
Referee Highlights:
Addison McCarley: Last week she was paired with a younger, inexperienced ref who was new to U10 boys. Addey helped this referee and showing great teamwork with each other. The coach started getting too vocal in his dissent and followed by the parents then started. At halftime Addey spoke with the coach then walked over and addressed an entire sideline of parents. She told them that any verbal dissent would not be allowed (even whispering and grumbling). She saw a problem and promptly and respectfully addressed it. She stood up for her referee partner.
Awesome display of leadership, support and experience. We love to see the great work Addison!
Mentor Observations
Great things we saw this weekend
Covering Last Minute Assignments - This time of year coaches ask for last minute games to get them in before the season is done or there are changes from tournaments. Thank you for those that have repsonded quickly, covered assignments and made adjustments at the last minute.
Areas to work on
Calling Fouls - Calling fouls takes courage and it’s hard to do. We are going to continue to emphasize blowing your whistle and calling fouls. Calling more fouls can help keep everyone calm and allow the game to be safe.
Game Reminders
We are still in the end of the season mode. Players and coaches are tired but still working to get a win for the end of the season. Stay engaged in your games and be ready to blow your whistle.
Admin Responsibility Reminders
League End Dates and End of Season Information - KEEP YOU BLOCKS UP TO DATE THROUGH JUNE
Harrisburg Parks and Recreation - Last week is May 18 - 22
Charlotte Junior Soccer League - Last Week is May 18 - 22
Concord Parks and Recreation - Last Weekend is May 30 - 31
Kannapolis Parks and Recreation - Last Weekend is May 30 - 31
Payments - We will send a final email about the last payments the first week of June. Please wait 30 days after your game to inquire about any missing payment. We’re currently working on payments through April and will begin processing May 1 - 17 payments this week.
Payment questions should go to Finance@CROReferees.com. FIRST you should check the payments page, https://www.croreferees.com/payments, to be sure you are missing a payment or it has just not been sent out. Know the payment policy info first.